Many facilities are using closed circuit television systems as an integral part of their security system. Cameras are mounted on the ceiling or other building structure to help transmit the signal from a centralized location. There are two forms of closed circuit television systems: wired and wireless. Technicians who are just starting out in the closed circuit television industry need to gain an understanding of how the closed circuit television works. This helps provide them with the knowledge they need to install, test and perform troubleshooting measures on the security systems.
Troubleshooting Loss of Signal
You should never have a picture that is fuzzy or loaded with interference issues on your monitor. If you do, there is a loss of signal that is happening somewhere within the system. Technicians are equipped with specialized equipment to come in and test everything, which allows them to troubleshoot the system and detect the problem. Usually, technicians begin with the camera and then work their way to the receiver. They will go through and check all of the connections until the equipment alerts them to where the loss is at. Some of the more common problems result from corrosion due to moisture getting inside of the connectors or cabling that has been chewed through by an animal.
Installation of the Camera
Closed circuit technicians are not afraid to tackle heights. Cameras may be mounted on the side of a building or high above on the ceiling of a store. Sometimes they will need a boom lift to be able to reach the location of the camera. If you suffer from vertigo or you are not able to handle heights without getting nauseous, becoming a closed circuit television technician is probably not the best career path for you to choose from.
Running the Cabling
Cables need to be installed from the receiver to the cameras. You will need to drill through cement, crawl through a hot attic or go down below into a crawlspace to get all of the cabling ran for your security system. Make sure you are prepared to navigate your way through a tight space in order to get the cables from the receiver to the camera. Bring a change of clothing with you at all times, since you will inevitably end up getting dirty during the installation process.
Teaching the Customer and the Final Testing Process
The technician will always go through and test the system once it has been installed. This process involves knowing how to properly position and aim the cameras, knowing how to operate all of the monitoring equipment within the security room and helping to educate the end user of the security system. You really do need to be a teacher of sorts, which can be stressful for a lot of people. There is no way to know who you are going to be dealing with when it comes to installing a closed circuit television system. It could be that the individual has never used one before and they have no idea how to operate one for themselves. Having a friendly attitude and outgoing personality is optimal during the whole training process for a new customer.
What Exactly is a Technician’s Job Description?
Closed circuit television technicians work with a variety of firms that specialize in providing personal safety and security systems, as well as maintenance for an existing system. Individuals who are working as a technician will need to have a specific amount of knowledge and experience in order to do the job correctly the first time around.
What Are the Job Duties?
Closed circuit television technicians will spend the vast majority of their time installing or maintaining the security systems. Some of their additional job duties involve monitoring the equipment, preparing the requests for purchasing materials for upcoming projects and writing up a daily and monthly report in regards to the maintenance that was performed during that period.
How Much Experience Is Needed?
Individuals who are working as a closed circuit television technician need to have experience with troubleshooting problems, assembling and disassembling the systems, repairing and monitoring of the alarm systems and any electronic devices. The electronic devices can include anything from smoke alarms to video cameras to television monitors and audio equipment.
What Level of Education Does a Technician Need?
Technicians may often be required to have a proper education in the electronic services field, sometimes even a two year certification in the technical field. Educational needs for a technician may vary based upon what the security firm needs.
Training to be a Security Technician
Security camera technicians have the sole responsibility of installing, programming and repairing security equipment for customers around the world. Some employers may title this position as an installer instead of a technician, but the end result is always the same.
Job Requirements
Anyone who is interested in becoming an electronic security technician needs to be at least 18 years of age. They have to be a citizen of the United States or a legal alien, according to many of the surrounding laws in various states.
What Are the Education Requirements?
According to the Bureau of Labor, the most important form of education for a security technician is through a vocational award. You need to undergo 14 hours of classroom training. Most of the private security companies can offer you training on how to install their security cameras in no time. Regardless of how you look at it, you are going to need training before stepping foot into the field of security camera installation.
Where to Take the Training Classes
Sometimes you will be able to get involved in an apprenticeship program through the Electronic Security Association. These programs can offer you a comprehensive overview of training combined with classroom studies.
Salary of a Technician
Having a home security system in place to protect us from any potential intruders and thieves is essential in today’s society. More and more people are opting to have them installed by a professional technician to prevent any potential issues with the system not working correctly. The technician will install numerous sensors, cameras and lay down all of the required wiring to connect your components and have your system up and running. Beyond just that, they will also program your system and make sure you are familiar with how to use it before they leave your home. They will also test the equipment and perform maintenance on it. Anytime you need a repair, they are the ones to call to take care of it for you. Depending on where they are located and who they work for, their salary can vary quite substantially.
Average Salary Range
On average, a security camera technician can expect to earn close to $40k annually. However, there are some technicians who only made around $24k, if not less. Depending on how good you are at the job, you could earn more than $60k per year. This is just an average to give you something to go off of. It all relies upon where you are located and what your current qualifications and skills are.
Best Places to Look for Employment
Companies that are able to provide the most employment opportunities for a technician were investigative and security companies. Building contractors are also high on the list of employers needing a qualified technician. Electronic wholesalers are one of the other places to begin your journey to a new career. Check with the equipment and supplies wholesalers for a career opportunity as well. You never know where your talents can be put to use until you venture into the world and see for yourself.
Benefits of Hiring a Technician
A lot of people simply don’t have the time to sit down and try to go through all of the hassle of installing a security camera. Sometimes it is a matter of the demands at work that keep the away and other times it is a busy home life that simply doesn’t allow the time to install a security camera. More often you will see people on the go and running around to try and fit everything into their schedule with very little time left on the clock. When you already have enough on your plate, who is going to want to try and fit security camera installation into the mix? Hiring a technician to come out and do the job for you will save a tremendous amount of time and money, not to mention the satisfaction of having everything up and running in no time.
Think about how much you need to know when it comes to installing your system. Do you have the technical skills to understand everything you are doing right from the beginning? There are a lot of components that make up your new security system and even having one out of place could jeopardize the whole operation. That is why it is so important to have a technician come out and do the job for you. They have spent hours training for this particular task and they know what they are doing when it comes to installations. Do you want to mess with running wires around your home or trying to program everything to make sure it works properly? Why would you when you can hire someone to come out and do it for you? Take advantage of the knowledge and expertise that a security technician can offer you.
If you hire a technician to come out and do the job, there is normally some type of warranty that goes along with their work. This way in the event something were to go wrong you would have someone on call who could come out and take care of the problem for you. There is no reason to stress about the installation when you have a qualified technician who can come out and do the job for you and provide you with a warranty on their work to boot. Give them a call and see what they can do for you and your home security system today. You will love the freedom and peace of mind it will bring to the table.
