Level 2 Low Voltage Technician

Course Description

EEV0163 — Level 2 Low Voltage Technician is a 150-contact-hour vocational course in the Engineering Technologies > Electronics Vocational taxonomy of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). Building on Level 1 foundations, this course focuses on alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) circuits and electronic devices, including an overview of applicable test equipment, cable types, and terminations used in the installation of low-voltage systems. Further instruction covers trade-related drawings, codes, and standards. OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction Industry safety training is integrated into the course. Students gain the hands-on technical skills required for entry-level employment in the Electronics Technology Integration industry, including installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of low-voltage systems across residential and commercial settings.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

• Demonstrate comprehension of AC and DC circuit fundamentals, including voltage, current, resistance, and power relationships.
• Identify and properly use test equipment applicable to low-voltage system installation and troubleshooting (e.g., multimeters, cable testers, tone generators).
• Select and correctly terminate cables and connectors used in low-voltage systems (structured cabling, coaxial, fiber optic basics).
• Demonstrate comprehension of common building construction methodologies (wood frame, metal frame, masonry, concrete) and how they affect installation of electronic systems and cabling.
• Use fasteners, anchors, back boxes, cable trays, raceways, and conduit to mount and route cable per applicable codes.
• Identify and apply relevant sections of the National Electrical Code (NEC) pertaining to low-voltage installations.
• Apply requirements of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) regarding hole sizing and cable pathways in structural members.
• Demonstrate applicable job-site safety practices including electrical shock prevention, personal protective equipment (PPE), proper lifting, and ladder/scaffolding safety; complete OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction Industry training.
• Interpret and apply trade-related drawings, including low-voltage system schematics, blueprints, and as-built documentation.
• Define the scope of the electronic systems integration and automation industry, including industry history, current trends, and commonly installed systems.

Optional Outcomes

• Explain the history, mission, and ethical standards of the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA).
• Identify common project stakeholders including clients, architects, interior designers, and builders.
• Describe business fundamentals of electronic systems technology, including basic estimating, project documentation, and customer communication.
• Install and configure basic Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices and network infrastructure components.
• Describe the installation of audio/video sub-systems and the design and construction of equipment racks and cabinets.

Major Topics

Required Topics

1. AC and DC Circuit Theory — Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, series/parallel circuits, capacitance, inductance, transformers, and basic electronic devices (diodes, transistors).
2. Test Equipment and Measurement — Digital multimeters, clamp meters, cable testers, toners/probes, and oscilloscope basics; safe use and calibration.
3. Cable Types and Terminations — Structured cabling (CAT5e/CAT6), coaxial (RG-6/RG-59), plenum vs. riser-rated cable, fiber optic cable basics, and proper termination and splicing techniques.
4. Building Construction Methods — Wood frame, metal/steel stud frame, masonry, and concrete construction; impact on cable routing, conduit installation, and equipment mounting.
5. Fasteners, Mounting Hardware, and Raceways — Cable fasteners, cable trays, raceways, threaded and mechanical fasteners, power-actuated tools, epoxy anchoring, back boxes, mud rings, stub-outs, and speaker rings.
6. Codes and Standards — Applicable NEC articles for low-voltage (Articles 725, 760, 800, 820, 830); IBC and IRC requirements for cable pathways; federal, state, county, and local regulatory requirements.
7. Trade Drawings and Documentation — Reading and interpreting blueprints, single-line diagrams, floor plans, riser diagrams, and equipment schedules for low-voltage systems.
8. OSHA Safety Practices — OSHA 10/30 Construction Industry content: electrical safety, fall protection, PPE, hazard communication, ladders, scaffolding, and lifting techniques.
9. Electronic Systems Integration Industry Overview — Industry scope, career pathways, system types (fire alarm, security, CCTV, structured cabling, A/V, automation), and industry associations.

Optional Topics

1. Fire Alarm Systems Fundamentals — Components (initiating devices, notification appliances, control panels), NFPA 72 basics, and Florida-specific licensing requirements (FASA).
2. Burglar/Intrusion Alarm Systems — Sensors, panels, keypads, central station communication, and Florida BASA licensing requirements.
3. Access Control Systems — Card readers, electric strikes, magnetic locks, and system topology.
4. CCTV / Video Surveillance — Analog and IP camera types, DVR/NVR systems, cabling, and basic configuration.
5. Structured Cabling and Network Infrastructure — TIA/EIA standards, patch panels, network switches, wireless access points, and PoE systems.
6. Residential and Commercial Automation — Home automation platforms, lighting control, and integration of low-voltage sub-systems.
7. Business and Project Fundamentals — CEDIA standards, project documentation, customer communication, and basic estimating.

Resources & Tools

• Textbooks/References: Mike Holt's Illustrated Guide to the NEC; CEDIA ESC Installer Level 1 & 2 curriculum materials; NICET study guides for fire alarm systems.
• Codes & Standards: NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code), NEC (NFPA 70), IBC, IRC, Florida Building Code (FBC) — Electronics Systems provisions.
• Lab Equipment: Digital multimeters, cable certification testers (e.g., Fluke series), tone and probe kits, coaxial and structured cabling termination tools, conduit benders, power drills, and fish tape.
• Industry Organizations: Electronic Security Association (ESA), CEDIA, Alarm Association of Florida (AAF), Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC).
• Online Platforms: OSHA Online Outreach Training (10-hour or 30-hour Construction), ESA National Training School online courses.

Career Pathways

Graduates of EEV0163 are prepared for entry-level and advancing roles in the Electronics Technology Integration and low-voltage electrical industries, including:

• Low Voltage Technician — Residential and commercial installation of structured cabling, fire alarm, security, and A/V systems.
• Fire Alarm Systems Technician — Installation and inspection of commercial and residential fire alarm systems (pathway to NICET certification).
• Security Systems Installer — Intrusion detection, access control, and CCTV system installation and service.
• Audio/Visual (A/V) Technician — Installation of commercial and residential audio, video, and automation systems.
• Network/Communications Cabling Installer — Structured cabling, fiber optic, and network infrastructure installation.
• Lead Low Voltage Technician / Foreman — Field supervision of low-voltage installation crews.
• Systems Programmer / Automation Specialist — Programming and commissioning of integrated building automation and smart home systems.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course is designed to prepare students for the following industry-recognized certifications and Florida state licensure examinations:

• Florida Fire Alarm System Agent (FASA) — State-issued agent license required to sell and install fire alarm systems in Florida; administered through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
• Florida Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA) — State-issued agent license for burglar/intrusion alarm systems; administered through FDACS.
• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction Industry Card — Issued upon completion of the integrated OSHA outreach training component.
• NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level I — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies; optional advanced pathway for students pursuing fire alarm specialization.
• CEDIA ESC Installer Level 1 — Industry credential for residential electronic systems installers; optional for students focused on home automation and A/V integration.

Students completing the full Low Voltage Technician Career Technical Certificate sequence (EEV0162 + EEV0163 + additional coursework) at participating Florida colleges such as Miami Dade College (MDC) and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) are eligible to sit for FASA and BASA licensing examinations upon program completion.