A residential electrician installs, maintains, repairs and troubleshoots fire alarm systems, video surveillance systems, and home security systems. Having a residential electrician install a security and monitoring system, whether at the time of construction or after the home is occupied, gives homeowners peace of mind. 

Statistically, more than 8 million property crimes, including home burglaries and larceny, are reported in the United States every year. In Kansas City, the chances of becoming a victim of a property crime are one in 22 – about 45 out of every thousand homes.

There is a high demand for security systems because having something in place is often a homeowner’s first line of defense against property crime. A certified residential electrician knows how to install such systems, adhering to state and local jurisdiction’s requirements.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for security system and fire alarm installers is increasing throughout the nation. Some of the types of industries that employ a residential electrician are:

• Investigative and Security Services
• Building Equipment Contractors
• Durable Goods Merchants and Wholesalers
• Household Appliance Merchants and Wholesalers
• Electronics Merchants and Wholesalers
• Machinery, Equipment, and Supply Merchants and Wholesalers

Types of Monitoring Systems

There are a large variety of monitoring systems that a residential electrician is qualified to install, such as intrusion systems, card access systems, microphones, and audio cable. In addition, the installation and mounting of video cameras and their connecting cable system to a control center requires the unique skills of a professional residential electrician.

CCTV (closed circuit television) cameras can be mounted at strategic locations inside and outside of the home. They are accessible on a specific video channel in the home’s security system. A residential electrician has the specific skills necessary to install CCTV, which is even more complex when it includes an audio system.

SMART home technology (self-monitoring analysis and reporting) can be configured in a home’s security system for remote monitoring from various devices – such as smartphones – from anywhere in the world, by integrating the security system with a computer. 

Fire Alarm Systems are more complex than a basic alarm system. A residential electrician can install the various components of a fire alarm system, which may include:

• Strobe lights and lighted exit signs
• Smoke detectors
• Heat detectors
• Overhead sprinklers
• Ventilation equipment

If there were ever a time for a residential electrician to enter the security market, it’s now. Learning to install such systems requires a complete understanding of the home technology integration field.

Security and Fire Alarm System Residential Electrician Installer Regulations

According to the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), most states have licensing requirements for residential electricians who install low voltage security and fire alarm systems.  

Electrical work in Missouri can be performed under a licensed electrician. It could be a contractor, a master electrician or any other official license. For more information, you can see Permits and Licenses page (note contractor is a different category than other electrician licenses). Kansas has no license requirements to install burglar alarms, CCTV, or electronic access control, but individual localities in both states do have them.

Residential Electrician Verification

Here are five sources of information that will help if you verify your electrician is licensed and operating within the scope of his license:

1. Ask the electrician to see his license. Using the number on the license you can verify with the city or state if it’s a valid license.
2. Your city’s licensing department can also verify if an electrician is certified to perform electrical work in your community. Obtain the information using the electrician’s full name.
3. Ask for proof of liability insurance. The insurance company can verify the license.
4. Each state has different licensing requirements and sources of verification. Your state’s Department of Labor can also provide this information. 
5. Obtain verification from the company the electrician is employed by. 

Kansas City Residential Electrician Services

All Current Electric offers professional residential electrical services and repair, including installation of fire alarm systems and home monitoring systems. All of our electricians are professionally trained and certified. When you choose All Current Electric, you will get quality work that is done right.

If you are in need of a residential electrician, give All Current Electric a call at 913-825-3506 or request an appointment online.

 

All Current Electric, LLC

913-825-3506

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