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- Security System Technicians
South Africa is a very security conscious country, with most households and businesses protected with some form of security system, whether it be an automatic gate or garage, electric fence, intercom, CCTV or an alarm. This proliferation of security systems and related technology has led to security system technicians being in high demand.
The job description of a security system technician is very broad, and the skills set needs to be quite wide if all aspects of security systems are to be covered. Certain basic skills are required across the board, with more specialised skills and training required for the installation and maintenance of specific types of security systems.
Security system technicians that install and service gates, palisade fences and other steelwork need to be able to effectively use a welder and grinding machine, and also need to have a basic knowledge of building and paving, as retaining walls and rails for gates will need to be constructed, and paving relaid where cables were run, etc.
Electric fencing is the first line of perimeter defense, and the security system technician engaged in the installation and maintenance of electric fence systems needs to have a working knowledge of the principles and functioning of these devices. Stringing a fence requires a very different skill set from hanging a gate, and creatively blocking gaps means the technician has to be able to put himself into the shoes of a potential intruder.
A working knowledge of basic electricity and electronics is required of the security system technician that will be installing gate motors and other automation and the accompanying intercoms, on top of the basic welding and building skills required for welding rails onto gates and securing motors in place. A wiremans license is required if electrical connections are to be legally made, otherwise the final electrical connections has to be sub contracted to a third party.
Alarm systems are the next field where security system technicians are active in, and
here a working knowledge of optimal layout and limitations to an alarm system design is required, allied to basic working knowledge of electronics and light current electrical systems.Closed circuit television or CCTV systems are becoming increasingly popular, and the security system technician that installs and maintains these systems, which are predominantly PC based, needs to have basic computer skills over and above the wiring and installation skills required to complete an installation.
Security system suppliers offer training on their products, and it is advisable to attend as many of these training courses and seminars as possible, in order to keep up with technology. A technical background, with experience in working with and installing basic electronic devices, allied to good people skills, as you’ll be working in customers homes and business properties, is what is required as the minimum in order to become a successful security system technician.
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- Security Technician Security System Technician