Level 3 Low Voltage Technician

Course Description

EEV0164 – Level 3 Low Voltage Technician is a 150-contact-hour advanced vocational course in the Engineering Technologies > Electronics Vocational taxonomy of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). This course is the capstone level in the Low Voltage Technician sequence and builds upon foundational and intermediate skills developed in EEV0162 and EEV0163. Students advance their competency in the installation, configuration, integration, programming, troubleshooting, and repair of complex low voltage systems used in residential, commercial, and institutional settings. Emphasis is placed on systems integration, project leadership skills, code compliance, and preparation for Florida state licensing and industry certification examinations.

The course prepares students for careers as low-voltage technicians in the fire alarm, security, audio/visual, structured cabling, access control, and building automation industries. Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to sit for the Florida Fire Alarm System Agent (FASA) and Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA) certification examinations, as well as related industry credentials.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Install, configure, and commission advanced fire alarm systems, including addressable and conventional panels, in compliance with NFPA 72 and Florida Fire Prevention Code.
• Install, program, and troubleshoot burglar/intrusion alarm systems, including control panels, sensors, keypads, and monitoring interfaces, in compliance with NFPA 731.
• Install and terminate structured cabling systems (Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6A and fiber optic) following ANSI/TIA-568 standards.
• Install, configure, and test Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) / video surveillance systems, including IP cameras, DVR/NVR equipment, and network video.
• Install and program access control systems, including card readers, electric strikes, magnetic locks, and control software.
• Demonstrate safe work practices, proper use of hand tools, power tools, and test equipment (multimeters, cable testers, tone generators, smoke detectors) in compliance with OSHA standards.
• Read and interpret blueprints, riser diagrams, and low voltage system drawings to plan installations and document as-built conditions.
• Apply the National Electrical Code (NEC) Articles relevant to low voltage and limited energy systems (Articles 725, 760, 800, 820, 830).
• Perform systematic troubleshooting and repair of installed low voltage systems using diagnostic tools and manufacturer documentation.
• Complete inspection, testing, and acceptance procedures for installed systems per applicable codes and customer requirements.

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be covered depending on available equipment, institutional resources, and employer partnerships:

• Configure and integrate building automation systems (BAS) and smart building controls, including HVAC automation, lighting control, and energy management subsystems.
• Install and configure audio/visual (A/V) distribution systems, including amplifiers, speakers, displays, and control processors for commercial and residential applications.
• Deploy and configure nurse call and intercom systems in healthcare and institutional environments.
• Configure Power over Ethernet (PoE) networks and PoE-powered devices such as cameras, access points, and lighting systems.
• Apply BACnet, Modbus, and IP-based communication protocols in building automation and integration contexts.
• Demonstrate project management fundamentals, including material takeoffs, job costing, and scheduling for low voltage installations.
• Prepare for ESA (Electronic Security Association) or BICSI industry certification examinations.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Advanced Fire Alarm Systems – Addressable and analog-addressable systems; initiating devices; notification appliances; central monitoring; NFPA 72 code requirements; AHJ inspection and acceptance testing.
• Advanced Burglar/Intrusion Alarm Systems – Commercial and residential control panels; zones and programming; motion, glass break, and door/window contacts; keypad and remote access; UL listing and monitoring standards; NFPA 731.
• Access Control Systems – System architecture; proximity and smart card readers; electric strikes, mag-locks, and door hardware; request-to-exit (REX) devices; access control software programming and user management.
• Video Surveillance / CCTV – IP camera technologies; DVR/NVR installation and configuration; network video recording; camera placement and coverage planning; remote viewing and cybersecurity fundamentals.
• Structured Cabling and Network Infrastructure – Copper and fiber termination; patch panels and rack construction; cable management; testing and certification; ANSI/TIA standards compliance.
• NEC Low Voltage Articles – Application of Articles 725 (Class 1, 2, and 3 Remote-Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits), 760 (Fire Alarm Systems), 800 (Communications Circuits), 820 (Community Antenna and Radio Distribution).
• Blueprints and System Documentation – Reading low voltage floor plans, riser diagrams, and single-line drawings; creating as-built documentation; submittals and O&M manuals.
• Test Equipment and Troubleshooting – Use of digital multimeters, cable analyzers, optical power meters, tone and probe sets, smoke entry testers; systematic fault isolation methodology.
• Safety and Code Compliance – OSHA 10 construction safety principles; ladder and lift safety; arc flash awareness; lockout/tagout; Florida Building Code and permit requirements for low voltage work.
• Florida State Licensing Requirements – Preparation for Florida Fire Alarm System Agent (FASA) and Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA) examinations; Florida Statutes Chapter 489 (Electrical Contracting) and Chapter 633 (Fire Prevention and Control).

Optional Topics

• Building Automation and Smart Systems – BAS overview; controlled subsystems (HVAC, lighting, energy management); communication protocols (BACnet, Modbus, LonWorks, DALI); system architecture and integration.
• Audio/Visual Systems Integration – Commercial and residential A/V distribution; amplifier and speaker installation; video distribution; rack and cabinet design and construction.
• Nurse Call and Intercom Systems – Healthcare communication systems; staff and patient call stations; corridor displays; master station programming.
• PoE Technologies – IEEE 802.3af/at/bt standards; PoE switches and injectors; PoE-powered device installation (cameras, access points, PoE lighting).
• Wireless and Cellular Systems – Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) systems; in-building coverage for first responders; wireless sensor networks.
• Project Management Basics – Material takeoffs; job costing estimates; project scheduling; customer relations and professional communications.

Resources & Tools

• NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (current edition)
• NFPA 731 – Standard for the Installation of Electronic Premises Security Systems
• NFPA 70 (NEC) – National Electrical Code, Articles 725, 760, 800, 820, 830
• Florida Fire Prevention Code and Florida Building Code
• Mike Holt Enterprises – Low Voltage / Limited Energy curriculum materials (widely adopted by Florida apprenticeship programs)
• BICSI Installer 1 & 2 reference materials for structured cabling
• Manufacturer documentation – Honeywell/Resideo, Bosch, DSC, Napco, Axis, Hikvision, Leviton, Panduit, and other major low voltage system vendors
• Lab equipment – Fluke multimeters and cable testers, Ideal tone and probe sets, optical power meters, smoke entry test tools, conduit bending equipment, hand tool kits
• Florida DBPR / Division of State Fire Marshal – Licensing examination study guides and statutes

Career Pathways

Graduates of EEV0164 are prepared for employment and advancement in the Electronics Technology Integration industry. Florida's continued growth in residential and commercial construction, smart building technology, and public safety infrastructure drives strong demand for qualified low voltage technicians.

• Low Voltage Technician – Install and service fire alarm, security, A/V, access control, and cabling systems for residential, commercial, and institutional clients.
• Lead Low Voltage Technician / Field Supervisor – Direct field crews, manage installation projects, and ensure code-compliant work on job sites.
• Fire Alarm Inspector / FASA Agent – Inspect, test, and certify fire alarm systems under Florida state licensure.
• Security Systems Technician / BASA Agent – Install and service burglar alarm and monitoring systems under Florida state licensure.
• Access Control & CCTV Specialist – Configure and maintain enterprise-level security and surveillance systems.
• Systems Integrator / Systems Programmer – Integrate multiple low voltage systems (fire, security, A/V, BAS) into unified building management platforms.
• Network Technician (IT/AV) – Support structured cabling, PoE, and network infrastructure in commercial environments.
• Estimator / Project Manager – Progress into sales, estimation, or project management roles within low voltage contracting firms.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

EEV0164 is specifically designed to prepare students for the following Florida state and industry certifications:

• Florida Fire Alarm System Agent (FASA) – Issued by the Florida State Fire Marshal; required to install or service fire alarm systems in Florida. Completion of an approved training program (such as this course sequence) satisfies the educational requirement for examination eligibility.
• Florida Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA) – Issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS); required for technicians who install, service, or monitor burglar alarm systems in Florida.
• ESA Level I Alarm Technician – Electronic Security Association industry credential, recognized by Florida licensing authorities as meeting continuing education requirements.
• BICSI Installer 1 – Telecommunications cabling installer credential; recommended for students pursuing careers in structured cabling and network infrastructure.

Florida Licensing Context

In Florida, technicians working on fire alarm systems must hold a valid FASA license, and those working on burglar alarm systems must hold a BASA license, both regulated under Florida Statutes. Contractors who pull permits and supervise low voltage work may additionally need a Florida Limited Energy (Low Voltage) Contractor License issued through the Florida DBPR, which requires passing a Pearson VUE examination covering applicable codes, business law, and trade practice. This course sequence provides the technical foundation needed for both agent-level and contractor-level licensing pathways.