Install Fire Alarm Panels

Although the national market for fire alarm control systems installation is substantial, a large portion of electrical contractors never sees potential revenue. “Fire alarm installation generally makes up a small percentage of an electrical contractor's work on a public building, but it's an important part because any problems could delay occupancy,” says Beth Margulies, public relations director at the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

Opportunity
The North American fire alarm equipment market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.4 percent, according to a 2005 Frost & Sullivan fire alarm equipment report. Out of the installed cost of a system (supply plus installation), more than 50 percent of revenues are attributed to the installation portion—promising news for electrical contractors wanting to cash in on industry growth.

Job Leads
Besides using newspapers and lead generation reports to find fire alarm system installation opportunities, a newspaper clipping service can be helpful if the contractor is focusing on public bid work, says Wayne Moore, a licensed fire protection engineer with Hughes Associates Inc. in Baltimore. You also can demonstrate your professional abilities to fire marshals, who often recommend contractors for projects and can provide local leads of new work.

Skills
Besides standard electrical installation expertise, fire alarm installers need a basic understanding of computers. “Virtually all of the new systems on the market require the installer to learn how to program the operation of the fire alarm control unit,” Moore says. “Basic electrical skills, such as installing raceway, wire and boxes, aren’t enough if the installer wants to grow technically in the fire alarm field.”

Training, Certification, Apprenticeships
Fire alarm installations are code-driven, and you will need to be trained and certified to take on this work. “Building and fire codes provide the requirements for when a fire alarm system needs to be installed in a building,” Moore says. “Most jurisdictions require fire alarm installers be licensed, most often with a limited electrician’s license.”

He offers these licensing resources:

• Electrical contractors can take Web-based or classroom programs from the Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
• NECA has apprenticeship programs that include training on fire alarm systems. It also publishes an installation guide for fire alarm systems.
• The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) provides four levels of certification in fire alarm systems technologies. Many companies require the foreman of the installing team be a minimum of NICET Level III certified.
• The NFPA publishes the National Fire Alarm Code, NFPA 72-2007, and the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70-2008. These have the installation requirements for all fire alarm systems.

John Maccone of Fire-Lite Alarms offers additional resources:

• Some manufacturers offer various trainings, from basic fire alarm technology and codes to hands-on installation and programming.
• The AFAA sponsors NICET training and other opportunities for continuing education.
• The nonprofit National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association supports professionals in the fire and security system industry and established the National Training School, another provider of certified training.

Bright Outlook
Because the fire alarm systems business is code driven, there are installation opportunities for electrical contractors in every new building constructed. “There is also a growing existing construction market based on owners who need to have fire alarm systems to protect their continued operations, their people and often to meet insurance company requirements,” Moore says. “In addition, there is always a constant replacement market for existing fire alarm systems. Based on these reasons, the future for fire alarm installers is very promising.”

Within the next five years, electrical contractors will increase their fire alarm system installation business by about 20 percent, Maccone predicts. “Get good accredited training to become an expert,” he says. “Electrical contractors possess the foundation to easily understand this area. But they’re so focused on high voltage, that they look the other way when it comes to low voltage.”