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Ken
    As a security integrator who also is a licensed master electrician (and we only do security work), I must respond to everyone who is complaining about the new laws, that you brought this upon yourself.  I have had it with going out to customer sites and seeing sub-par, non-code compliant work, especially 110v wiring done by alarm / security contractors.  The most scary has been some of the work in NEC Classified locations (explosive or flammable gas, liquids, etc.)  The use of non-rated equipment (even just a camera) can result in an explosion that could easily kill people.  NYC Electrical Code as well as NEC, adopted almost anywhere, requires a Licensed Master Electrician to perform work in a classified area.  Your NYS or NJ security or fire alarm license does NOT allow you to perform 110v electrical work, nor does it allow you to work in classified locations, nor does it allow you to work on 110/220v powered gate operators.  You are more than welcome to do that work, once you get licensed and have the appropriate liability and workers compensation insurance.  If you don't, and something happens, expect to get sued and maybe even go to jail.
Edward J Newman, Vice President
Universal Security Systems, Inc.
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Ken
    As a licensed master electrician, NICET certified level II tech and experienced security alarm technician for over 30 years, I can tell you that the majority of alarm installers are not familiar with the proper installation and wiring methods per NEC 70 which included fishing, using boxes, conduit and box fill, securing wire, etc. On the flip side most electricians are not familiar with correctly installing alarm systems, they do know how to wire a circuit or install an EOL resistor correctly.
    I think somewhere in the middle there needs to be a balance between knowing the NEC 70 and NFPA 72 other other codes such as NFPA 731 (standards for electronic security). NICET did a pretty good job of bridging that gap for fire alarms in my opinion, it is certainly not necessary to be an electrician to be a good alarm technician but it would be good to know in theory and practice all relevant sections of NEC 70.
Stuart Rosenberg ME, CET, President
Philadelphia Detection Systems Inc.
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Ken,
    WOW.  The July 17, 2012  blog was a firestorm. I just want to say that All of the points raised by the various writers are valid.  I will agree that a lot of alarm installers do sub par work and non compliant with NFPA 70, 72 and 101.
    I am embarrassed to say if you ask any alarm installer that has been doing it for over 5 years to let you ;borrow' his code book on a job site I am sure he/she would not have one.
    I am not pro or anti union, I am PRO EDUCATION. ((This goes for the electricians also)) Many times a high voltage electrician may feel that low voltage work is beneath him or her and give the code short shrift in compliance. Some electricians do not grasp the concept of end of line supervision for class B circuits. Not because they are not smart. THEY HAVE NOT HAD SPECIALIZED TRAINING.
    We are all working in the building trades to do a job. Work should be judged on merit and quality, not tags like union or merit shop.
    Some alarm installers say they get no respect for their craft. It is up to you to earn it.
     Trade schools and union schools require CODE BASED education. Independent alarm installers are not immune to the needs of education. Contact your local chapter and take a course or two, or three.
Joel Kent
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Response
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    Electricians and alarm dealers do have one thing in common.  You all need the Fire All in One for commercial fire subscribers and you can use the All in One for residential subscribers.

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