BURGLAR AND FIRE ALARM INSTALLERS California Occupational Guide Number 518 Interest Area 5-B 1998
TRENDS
Burglar and fire alarms have become standard equipment in many homes and businesses in California. Today most insurance firms want homes and businesses they insure to be equipped with alarm systems, especially those most vulnerable to theft or fire.
THE JOB
BURGLAR AND FIRE ALARM INSTALLERS (also called Protective Signal Installers or Alarm Agents) install electrical signaling systems that either: notify a private central office of fire or burglary on a subscriber's premises; automatically dial 911 if a break-in or fire is detected, or simply ring an alarm. Installers set up wired and wireless alarm systems, conduits, electronic sensors, and signaling units in residential and commercial establishments, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans. They also install closed circuit television, surveillance systems and intercom systems.
Various hand tools, power tools, and a soldering iron are used during the course of their work. After gaining experience as installers, workers are usually trained to become repairers of the alarm systems. A few employers reverse this order, providing training first on repair procedures followed by training on installation.
BURGLAR AND FIRE ALARM REPAIRERS examine the initiating and signaling installation to ensure sound connections and unbroken insulation. This involves the keypad control system, door and window contacts that detect entry, an interior alarm to alert occupants to an intrusion or fire, motion detectors, and often, telephone connections to a central station monitoring the system.
They test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications. To do this, electrical testing devices such as ohmmeters or voltmeters are used. Controls and sensors are then adjusted or repaired to ensure the proper operation of the alarm system on the premises, as well as the transmission of signals to the appropriate central station.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The job is done almost equally indoors and outdoors. These workers must not be afraid of heights and must be able to climb ladders and crawl in small spaces. Some of the largest employers are covered by union contracts with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group Electricians which includes Burglar and Fire Alarm Installers and Repairers.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 38,220 Estimated number of workers in 2005 45,160 Projected Growth 1993-2005 18% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 11,250
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
As of March 1998, there were 9,944 registered alarm company employees in California. This figure includes Installers and Repairers, those who respond to and monitor alarm systems, and on-site salespersons.
The occupation is growing due to several factors. The increasing concern for security in many communities has fostered a demand for residential burglar alarm systems. In addition, many California cities have mandated that new housing contain fire alarm systems. Some installation companies are doing this work for entire subdivisions. If the demand continues for new housing, it will provide work for alarm installers. Opportunities will also result from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation for various reasons.
Most job openings exist in the urbanized areas of California. Employers report difficulty in getting experienced Installers-Repairers. As a result, some of them have set up their own training so that they can train new employees to follow certain set procedures that they have established. Employers prefer applicants who have an electronic/electrical background.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
A 1994 national survey of burglar and fire alarm firms showed a median hourly wage of $11.90 for installers. This same survey found that about 70 percent of installation technicians and service workers are paid on an hourly basis. About one half of the firms said they also paid commissions or bonuses to installers. The median hourly wage in California for the broad occupational group Electricians, which includes Burglar and Fire Alarm Installers and Repairers, was $18.11, according to a 1996 Occupational Employment Statistics wage study.
All-around technicians, who do both installation and repair, generally work a 40-hour week, Monday through Friday. In addition to this, they often have to be on standby for emergency repair work one or more nights each week and perhaps one weekend every four to six weeks. Employers state that although the technicians must be available for these situations, actual calls are fairly rare. However, some of the larger companies employ all-around technicians to work any of three shifts, as well as weekends. In these instances, a shift may be assigned on a permanent basis or rotated among the technicians. Benefits usually include vacation and sick leave, as well as health insurance, although some of the smaller firms do not provide health benefits for their employees.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Installers and Repairers should know enough about electricity and electronics to understand the equipment they are installing. Such knowledge includes knowing how to run a circuit wire indoors and out, connecting equipment into a circuit, and being able to tell whether or not the circuit is open, closed, or grounded. It's important for Installers and Repairers to have the ability to read a wire drawing and follow the manufacturers' installation instructions.
For most companies, high school or technical school courses in mathematics, basic electricity and electronics are important. Applicants should know how to use and handle electrician's tools and be able to learn how alarm equipment works. Employers will sometimes train qualified applicants. Certain companies may provide on-the-job training through videos and technical manuals while others offer manufacturer training programs.When hiring trainees, they look for applicants with mechanical and math aptitudes, the agility to climb ladders, those willing to work at heights and in confined areas.
A valid California driver's license and good driving record are needed. Candidates should also have good color perception, a neat appearance, the ability to deal with customers, and a stable work history. Those with knowledge of electrical principles or experience in any of the construction trades would have a hiring advantage.
Those hired cannot have a felony conviction and must be registered with the State of California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Employers usually help with this 90-day registration process,which includes application, fingerprinting, and renewal fees. Some employers may require no experience prior to employment for their firms. A few firms also require that these workers be bondable.
ADVANCEMENT
Experienced Installers and Repairers can become installation supervisors. Advancement beyond this level is not common without more education, since large firms want managers with at least a college degree.
FINDING THE JOB
Persons interested in this occupation should apply directly to employers. They are listed in the telephone book Yellow Pages under "Burglar Alarm Systems'' and "Fire Alarm Systems.'' Jobseekers should also watch help wanted ads in local newspapers under the job titles Alarm Installer, Alarm Servicer, Alarm Repairer, Alarm Technician, and Service Technician. They should also register with the nearest California Employment Development Department Job Service office.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association 7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 901 Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 907-3202 www.alarm.org/
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services Information and Applications: Alarm Agents 400 R Street, Suite. 3080 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 445-7724
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Electrical/Electronics Engineers No. 12 Electrical and Electronics Engineering Techs. No. 60 Electricians No. 121
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed.,1991) Protective-Signal Installer 822.361-018 Protective-Signal Repairer 822.361-022
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Electricians 872020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Home 
Job Key 
Wages 
Demand