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More licensing question CA / reporting unlicensed activity from Nov 20 2013 article 

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Ken

    FAT chance of NYS doing anything about unlicensed activity..... Case # 20112882, 20120191  NYS DOS 

Mike

CSS

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Response 

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    like that everywhere.  are there any jurisdictions that are tough on enforcement?

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Ken,

    Thank you as always for a great forum.

    To clarify the question regarding engaging sub-contractors to install alarms in CA-  Please note: 

    The co. that sells the alarm system needs to be licensed by the state as well as the sub-contractor who does the actual work-  period. Both need ACO's licenses or they are in violation of CA state law.

Thanks again for all you do.

Dan/Security Group

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Ken

    Additional input to licensing question in California:

    California has an additional requirement for installers and service technicians when installing or servicing fire alarm systems…

    There is an individual California State certification card that must be carried by the installer/technician unrelated to the required C-10 general electrical license that must be held by the contractor. To obtain this card (otherwise referred to as the ‘blue card’) requires the technician to pass a state certification test as well as provide documented industry experience of 4000 hours. Without this card, a practicing technician is not allowed to perform any work on a fire alarm system. If the technician does not have the required documented hours in the fire alarm industry, they can apply for what is known as the ‘white card’ of which in turn not only requires approved continuing education classes but the technician must be continuously supervised and working along side a ‘glue card’ certified technician. Again, this only applies to fire alarm systems of which may or may not be applicable the this ‘anonymous’ business inquiry.

Richard Schwank, Vice President, Operations - General Manager

Statcomm Inc.

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Ken

    To be clear for the alarm company asking the question about using subcontractors, in California if you are paying another person as a subcontractor with a 1099 in which they pay their own taxes, the subcontractor MUST hold their own ACO license with the Department of Consumer Affairs otherwise both parties to the agreement may be fined.  In order to install even 1 smoke detector in the a residential or commercial project, the subcontractor must also have a C-10 license with the Contractors Board of California.  As far as insurance, at the minimum a bond must be posted with the state as a contractor but a smart alarm company owner should ask for proof of insurance from their subcontractor as well as being named additionally insured by their policy otherwise any problems fall on the hiring alarm company as problems are passed uphill…  If an alarm company is supporting an unlicensed subcontractor they are hurting the entire industry, putting the customer at risk and expose themselves to all sorts of problems.  Remember there may be a life on the line so if you’re going to do it, do it right.

    Yours for better security,

Steve Sopkin, President

Mijac Alarm

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more on resetting installers code from Nov 19, 2013 

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Ken,

    So do I have to reset the installer’s code even if they do pay and satisfy their account? Sometimes they are just so rude I don’t want to help them in any way shape or form.  However they always argue that they paid for the system, it’s theirs and I have no right to have a lockout on the panel and that I must either give them the installer code or reset it.  

Sincerely,

Dirk 

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Response

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    I think you need to give the code or default to mfg code once your contract has expired and sub has fully performed. Standard Alarm Form provides for that except for the commercial fire systems -  that contract says you own the programming.

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Webinars

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December 4, 2013   12 noon EST  Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4919260455763006721

    Title:  10 Things Residential Security Alarm Companies should consider BEFORE entering the world of Commercial Engineered System Fire Alarms

      Presented by:  Bob Williams, President of Briscoe Protective Systems and his Management Team. 

Briscoe Protective Systems has been in the industry for 35 Years and has made the transition from a Residential Alarm Company in the late 70’s to a Engineered System Fire and Security Company that is an SDM Top 100 Company. Find us on the web at www.BriscoeProtective.com or on LinkedIn under Companies, Facebook and Twitter@BriscoeProSys 

      Description:  There is a big difference between installing Residential Fire Systems and Commercial Engineered Fire Systems and there are “Key Factors” that Security Company’s should consider before attempting to go into this lucrative but challenging market.

      Who should attend:  Alarm company owners and fire techs.  

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