Fire Alarm Jobs and How to Get Started

Truth be told, fire alarm jobs are not hard careers to start up. However, to become successful at it can take some hard work and dedication.  If you are looking to work for another fire alarm contractor here is what they will most likely be looking for in you:


• What experience do you have with low voltage systems?
• Are you NICET certified?
• Are you State certified? (If applicable)
• Do you have any training or certifications on any brand name equipment? (Gamewell, FCI, Notifier, EST, Simplex, Silent Knight, Fire Light, Bosch, etc.)
• On top of this you will still be asked the standard interview questions. So be prepared.

Now don't stress out if you do not meat all of the criteria above. There is always room for growth and fire alarm companies are always looking for good installers that they can mold to fit their business plan. Everyone has to start at the bottom. If you are really serious about the trade then I suggest picking up a NFPA 72 code book.

Now, if you are looking to start up your own fire alarm installation and service outfit there are a few things you will need to know.

• You will need a C10 license. A lot of security companies try to merge over to the fire alarm side and don't understand that their C7 license will not work. (Check with you State to confirm as I am from California)

• Next you will need to establish a relationship with a solid fire alarm system manufacturer. This can sometimes be hard since most of the reputable factories have already set up with contractors to push their line.

• Bid - Bid - Bid!!! In this economy bidding can be frustrating. There are a lot of trunk slammers out there that are giving thier fire alarm systems away. Make sure you know the codes and bid a solid system package to the owner or general contractor. Show them that you know what you are talking about.

• Stay away from change orders. Most of the time change orders are valid due to unforeseen conditions or un-provided information. However, there are fire alarm companies that sell systems for low prices and then come back to the owner with multiple change orders to make a profit. This shows one of two things: You are unknowledgeable in your field, or you are trying to rip off your customer. Either way you can guarantee this is not the way to gain additional business.

• Become a member of local and national organizations within your field. Examples of these groups include: NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies), CAFAA (California Automatic Fire Alarm Association, NFPA (national Fire Protection Association)

These are just some basics to help you get started. I will be talking about these items in greater detail in upcoming posts.