Alarm Service Technicians (also called alarm system installers and repairers or protective-signal installers and repairers) install, inspect, repair, and replace electrical protective-signaling systems to warn of fires, burglaries, or other emergencies on customers' premises.

JOB DUTIES 

Alarm Service Technicians may:

Install wires, conduits, sensors, contact switches, control panels, horns, lights, cameras and other electronic equipment

Follow blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans

Examine the signaling installation to ensure proper connections and unbroken insulation

Tighten loose connections and disconnect and replace defective parts and wiring

Test circuits, using electrical testing devices, and follow wiring specifications

Test and adjust the operation of signaling units on the customer's premises and the transmission of signals to the central station and police and fire departments

The equipment and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Alarm Service Technicians may specialize in these areas:

822.361-018 PROTECTIVE-SIGNAL INSTALLER installs electrical protective signaling systems to warn of fires, burglaries, or other irregularities on customer's premises.

822.361-022 PROTECTIVE-SIGNAL REPAIRER repairs electrical protective- signaling systems on customers' premises.

Types of alarm systems serviced and repaired may include: LOCAL ALARM SYSTEMS, which ring an alarm only on the premises. CENTRAL STATION ALARM SYSTEMS, which transmit a signal on leased telephone lines or radio to alarm station operators who send guards, police, or fire fighters as needed.

PROPRIETARY ALARM SYSTEMS, which relay signals to monitoring stations within industrial complexes when problems such as the following occur: power failure; loss of air or vacuum pressure; low levels of liquid or other materials needed for various processes; and dangerous conditions in flammable gas equipment.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Alarm Service Technicians workers may work under the general supervision of an alarm superintendent who often is responsible for estimating materials, labor and other costs and for planning work schedules and procedures. Some Technicians may direct the work of trainees or helpers.

Protective-signaling systems are installed and repaired in old and new structures, including industrial plants, office buildings, warehouses, retail stores, and homes as well as in other locations. Most work is done indoors and requires standing, stooping, bending, climbing, and working in hard-to-reach places.

The amount of traditional bench work repair is decreasing because most of the alarm equipment is solid state and repairs can frequently be done on-site by replacing a module or part. Because alarm system mechanics have become experts at low voltage systems, companies frequently also sell and service other systems such as intercoms for factories, microwave transmission systems between factories, or satellite disk antennas. They may also sell and maintain controlled access areas systems that permit access only to those with the proper identification card or matching retinal (eye) or digital (hand) pattern.

Most Service Technicians work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Saturday is often considered a regular workday. Technicians usually work from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In large firms they may work a later shift, such as 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. These workers are required to travel throughout the employer's service area.

Service Technicians may have to purchase their own tools. The initial cost may be as high as $300. Uniforms are usually furnished by employers. The law requires Installers and Repairers to wear a uniform when on duty and not to wear it when off duty. Some Technicians may also work as guards or "runners" who check clients' premises for burglars. Most workers are not unionized, but those who belong to unions must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities involving the use of machines, processes, or methods

• Activities which bring satisfaction from working on/producing things

You Should Be Able To:

• Understand and apply electrical principles

• Work easily and skillfully with your hands

• See detail and differences in objects or drawings

• Visualize flat drawings or pictures as solid objects

• Read and follow instructions

• Perform arithmetical operations to solve practical problems

• Use judgment in planning your work and selecting materials and tools

• Work within precise standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

What is the voltage across six 1.5 volts batteries when they are connected in series?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

A battery is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. A battery consists of two electrodes in an electrolyte, which is a solution that conducts electricity.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining any problems that might be occurring with a home alarm system.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the best way to protect a house from being broken in to.

Some employers require individuals to pass a physical examination prior to employment. Individuals must have automobile insurance and are required to have a Michigan chauffeur's or regular driver's license. Companies also insure drivers. Repairman and Installers must be at least 21 years old, have a clean arrest record and be bonded. Everyone working for an alarm company, must be fingerprinted. Fingerprints are sent to the Michigan State Police.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond High School) or An Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) or A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

033 ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS REPAIRER

Approved vocational education programs in Electrical and Electronics repair prepare students to test, install, maintain, and repair electrical and electronics systems and components. These programs generally prepare students to operate, maintain, and repair electronic business machines, communications equipment, large and small appliances, and vending machines. Instruction includes the use of testing equipment.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

056 ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

Approved vocational education programs in Electro-Mechanical Technology train students in electronics, communications, electricity, automation/ maintenance, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Students are allowed to select courses from more than one area of study. The 2 phase program teaches foundation skills as well as a common set of electro- mechanical skills which are generic to all like occupations.

Courses in other trade & industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

196 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION & REPAIR

Programs in Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment installing, servicing, maintaining, and/or repairing electrical and electronics systems, machines, appliances, and related equipment.

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

                Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

039 PROTECTIVE SIGNAL INSTALLATION/REPAIR

Some people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an

apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

Field Services and Repairs:

Scheduled Maintenance of Fire Protection and Intrusion Systems

Intrusion Alarm, Fire, Audio-Video, and Central Control Systems

Shop Work:

Installing Special Systems:

Gas Suppression

Water Suppression

U.L. Protective, Audio-Visual and Explosive Proof Systems

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Summer or part-time work may be available in this occupation. Secondary vocational education programs in electrical and electronics repair may offer a co-op portion which includes practical experience. Postsecondary programs in electrical and electronics installation and repair and a formal apprenticeship program in protective signal installer/repairer offer preparation for this occupation.

               School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Alarm Service Technician employer

internships

volunteer work with a Alarm Service Technician employer

community service work with an agency

Hobbies such as building with an electronic kit will also be helpful.

Most Alarm Service Technicians enter the occupation through direct application to employers. Assistance may be available through school placement offices and Michigan Works!. Openings may be listed in newspaper want ads. Some enter through a completed apprenticeship program. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

                You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

For those who have worked for at least 3 months in this industry there are courses available from the National Training School (1-8888-702-INTS).

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Alarm Service Technicians depend on individual experience and education, the type of work performed, and the size and geographic location of the employer. A few Technicians are paid by the number of units installed.

In mid 1999, some Michigan firms paid their alarm service/installation technicians an average of $13.50 per hour, with earnings ranging from a minimum of $10.00 to a maximum of about $16.00 per hour. More experienced workers received the higher wages.

Alarm Service Technicians may receive paid vacations and holidays; hospitalization and disability insurance; tuition reimbursement and retirement plans. A few large firms offer savings and stock investment plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employers.

Some technicians with managerial and sales ability move into sales or supervisory positions. Some become security consultants, who design and sell alarm systems. Most technicians, however, extend their knowledge of electronics and move into the more sophisticated applications in the expanding electronics field. Here are broad opportunities for electronics technicians to find special niches in applications such as microwave transmission, robotics, intercoms, biometric access control and communications. Workers with vocational-technical training, or an associate degree in electrical or electronics technology increase their potential for advancement because of the growing use of electronics, printed circuits, miniaturized components, and computers in the alarm industry.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

It is estimated that there were more than 20,000 Alarm Service Technicians employed nationally in mid 1996. Employment for this occupation is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006 as both residential and commercial customers become more keenly aware of the need for security systems.

In Michigan , there are approximately 1,300 Alarm Service Technicians employed. Most were employed in the services industry. They worked for burglar and fire alarm system contractors as well as detective and private security guard agencies which provide investigative, patrolling, night watching, or personal protection services.

Job openings for Alarm Service Technicians will result from growth in the industry and from the need to replace workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force. A few additional openings will occur as some workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

There is a steady demand for the alarm industry's radio alarm systems and fire and smoke detectors. The demand for alarm security systems in new shopping centers, industrial plants, office buildings, banks, retail stores, homes, and in many rehabilitated structures in urban areas will result in the need for more workers. Alarm companies have also expanded into new areas where monitoring devices and sensors are being used increasingly; examples include regulating temperature control systems in factories, nuclear energy plants, and other buildings, and regulating automated machinery. This expansion will affect the employment of Alarm Service Technicians favorably.

According to a recent survey, the marketing of do-it-yourself alarm systems has not significantly reduced the work load for Alarm Service Technicians

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Alarm Service Technician can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development