So you are considering a career in low voltage eh? Great Choice. Working in this trade can make for a rewarding, fun career. No college degree necessary, just a couple hundred dollars worth of tools, some basic electronic understanding, and willingness to learn and it is extremely easy to find work in this industry. In the USA, the annual salary range for new Technicians is roughly $52,000, with more advanced technicians making upwards of $94,000 annually. Full benefits packages often include a provided work vehicle, tools, and standard medical/dental/retirement benefits. The field is ever evolving, but new construction and renovation projects into the future will likely include some access control, security/intrusion (alarm), and surveillance cameras. Every school, bank, hospital, and other retail facility needs this equipment to stay relevant, the job security is unreal. These positions usually prepare technicians for project management or sales roles with even greater income potential within just a couple years.
- Most new folks start with running and supporting cable (0-6months).
- Installing electronic devices is often where you’ll progress to and learn the fundamentals (6mths-1.5 years).
- From here, you’ll likely begin working on advanced circuits, relay logic, and head end panel work (1 year-3 years).
- Lastly learning programming, and advanced networking concepts to deploy these systems (2 years-5 Years)
There is often path of technicians that do new installations entirely, and a different path for technicians seeking to do service/repair work.
If you are interested in learning more Contact Us today and we may be able to match you with a recruiter/position in your area.
** Note some areas require certification, but lots do not and most companies are willing to train the right candidate.
Some helpful resources for tracking what you should learn to be a competent technician
Comptia A+
Comptia Network+
Comptia Security+
Cisco CCNA
Level 1:
Install single mag lock
Install double mag lock
Install electrified crash bar – rim panic
Install REX
Install door contacts – recessed and surface
Install HES 1006 series electric strike
Install card reader
Install static crash bar (internal touch-sense REX) Install electrified hinge
Install electrified lever set Read blueprints
Determine cable routing path Install interior camera – wall mount
Install HES 5200 series electric strike
Install interior camera – ceiling mount
Install exterior camera – pendant mount Install exterior camera – surface mount
Install rack-mount network switch
Install rack-mount UPS
Install rack-mount server
Install punch-down patch panel Troubleshoot door contact
Troubleshoot open line fault
Troubleshoot shorted line fault Troubleshoot ground fault
Basic low-voltage electrical theory
Measure resistance
Understand voltage-drop.
Ohm’s law
Measure device voltage
Level 2:
All previous tasks
Panel terminations
Panel wall field layout
ADA door integration
Sliding door integration
Relay logic understanding
Lead an installation crew
Communicate effectively
Core a door
Familiarity with local code requirements
Set turnstiles
Project lead, 10-door add
Project lead, 10-camera add
Level 3
Proficient for one Access Control platform (Lenel, AMAG, SWH, S2)
Proficient for one Video Management Software platform (Lenel, Milestone, Avigilon, Genetec,
Intrusion system general knowledge Basic networking topology
TCP/IP
Subnetting
Servers/Desktop
Switches
Fiber
Troubleshoot panels
Walkthrough a permit package
IP Intercom proficient
Terminate turnstiles
Level 4:
One access control certification
Proficient in two or more access control platforms
One video management certification
Proficient in two or more video management systems
One intrusion certification Bosch or DMP
Elevator integration – inputs/outputs
Program an integrated AC/VMS system (Lenel-OnGuard, AMAG-Salient, Ge
Camera call-up interface with AC Provide end-user training
Troubleshoot Layer 3 (routing) Troubleshoot fiber
Standup an access control platform
Standup a video management system Install and configure client – access control and vms
Level 5:
One access control certification
Proficient in two or more access control platforms
One video management certification
Proficient in two or more video management systems
One intrusion certification Bosch or DMP
Elevator integration – inputs/outputs
Program an integrated AC/VMS system (Lenel-OnGuard, AMAG-Salient, Ge
Camera call-up interface with AC Provide end-user training
Troubleshoot Layer 3 (routing) Troubleshoot fiber
Standup an access control platform