Fire alarm technicians are individuals who set up and take care of fire alarm systems so that they continue to operate correctly. These individuals should have strong communication skills and be able to work well both independently and in a team environment. A person who would like to become a fire alarm technician typically must complete a two-year associate degree in electronics. This type of professional is responsible for installing and troubleshooting fire alarm systems in addition to maintaining them and staying current on industry safety standards.
A fire alarm technician’s chief duty is to install new industry systems. To do this, he or she must understand how to read engineered illustrations, or blueprints that display specifications, and should have solid manual dexterity when programming systems. In addition, this type of individual has to comprehend the various electronic components of a fire alarm system in addition to mastering concepts related to wiring. This is important because failure to install alarms correctly often leads to accidental fires.
The ability to identify and solve problems also is a responsibility of a professional in this field. A fire alarm technician has the duty of testing fire systems and troubleshooting any problems that he or she discovers. This requires a strong understanding of the principles of electricity. The individual needs to understand his or her area’s electrical code to make sure that the systems meet the requirements of the rules that govern the operation of electrical devices.
An individual in this career area additionally takes steps to maintain complex systems and documents, as well as to meet customers’ needs. Fire alarm technicians provide routine maintenance of fire alarm systems by regularly checking to make sure that they work properly. They also keep track of documents related to system installation projects. In addition, a fire alarm technician has to retain strong relationships with existing clients and answer any questions that they have regarding their systems.
Maintaining knowledge of safety principles is critical to excel in this type of job as well. An individual who seeks to become a fire alarm technician needs to know government regulations on safety and health in the workplace and comply with these laws while on the job. He or she typically also is required to earn certification that proves his or her knowledge of technologies in this field. This involves taking and passing a comprehensive institute examination. The fire alarm technician then must attend college classes or industry conference seminars to meet continuing education requirements to maintain this credential.