Level 4 Low Voltage Technician

Course Description

EEV0165 — Level 4 Low Voltage Technician is the fourth course in the Low Voltage Technician Career Technical Certificate (CTC) sequence within the Engineering Technologies > Electronics Vocational taxonomy. Building on foundational and intermediate low-voltage skills acquired in EEV0161–EEV0164, this advanced course deepens competency in the installation, configuration, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of complex low-voltage systems. Students apply knowledge of applicable codes and standards — including the National Electrical Code (NEC), International Building Code (IBC), and International Residential Code (IRC) — to real-world residential, commercial, and institutional installations. The course is designed to educate and prepare graduates with the transferable skills required for employment in the Electronics Technology Integration industry.

This course is offered as part of the 750-contact-hour Low Voltage Technician CTC program sequence at Florida colleges including Miami Dade College (MDC), Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), and Palm Beach State College (PBSC).

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Install, configure, and terminate advanced low-voltage cabling, connectors, and devices in compliance with applicable codes and manufacturer specifications.
• Identify and apply relevant sections of the National Electrical Code (NEC) — particularly Articles 700–800 (low-voltage and communications) — to low-voltage system installations.
• Interpret and apply the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) as they relate to cable pathways, hole sizing, and penetrations through structural members and building materials.
• Demonstrate proper safety practices including electrical shock prevention, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, ladder and scaffolding safety, and compliance with OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction Industry standards.
• Select, use, and maintain appropriate test equipment, hand tools, and power tools for low-voltage electronics integration work.
• Install and configure fire alarm systems including control panels, initiating devices, notification appliances, and battery backup, in accordance with NFPA 72.
• Install and configure intrusion/burglar alarm systems including sensors, control panels, and communication interfaces.
• Install and commission Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) / video surveillance systems including cameras, recorders, and network video components.
• Install and program access control systems including card readers, electric strikes, magnetic locks, and control panels.
• Read, interpret, and produce trade-related drawings, schematics, and low-voltage system diagrams.
• Troubleshoot and repair malfunctions in low-voltage system installations using systematic diagnostic procedures and appropriate test equipment.
• Describe the scope and structure of the electronic systems integration and automation industry, including applicable licensing requirements under Florida Statutes.

Optional / Elective Outcomes

Depending on program emphasis and instructor discretion, students may also:

• Install and calibrate commercial and residential audio/video (A/V) sub-systems, design and construct equipment racks and cabinets.
• Build and configure network infrastructure, structured cabling, and wireless network components supporting low-voltage systems.
• Install and configure nurse call systems, intercom systems, or bidirectional amplifier (BDA) systems.
• Program and commission commercial or residential automation systems including lighting control and Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting platforms.
• Understand Building Automation System (BAS) components and communication protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks.
• Demonstrate project supervision skills including material management, job site coordination, and client communication.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are consistently covered across Florida college offerings of EEV0165 and the surrounding course sequence:

• Advanced Codes & Standards — NEC Articles 700–800 (Emergency, Exit, and Communication Systems); IBC and IRC cable pathway requirements; Florida-specific state and local code amendments; HOA and AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) considerations.
• Fire Alarm Systems (Advanced) — Addressable, conventional, hybrid, wireless, and voice evacuation system types; control panel programming; initiating device circuits; notification appliance circuits; NFPA 72 compliance; inspection, testing, and acceptance procedures.
• Intrusion / Burglar Alarm Systems — System design and layout; sensor types (motion, glass break, magnetic contact); control panel configuration; zone programming; communication paths (cellular, IP); UL listing requirements.
• CCTV / Video Surveillance Systems — Analog and IP camera technologies; digital video recorders (DVR) and network video recorders (NVR); video management software; cabling and power (PoE); site survey and camera placement.
• Access Control Systems — Credential technologies (proximity, smart card, biometric); electric locking hardware; controller programming; request-to-exit (REX) devices; integration with intrusion and video systems.
• Low-Voltage Cabling & Terminations — Cable types (CAT5e/6/6A, coaxial, fiber optic, shielded/unshielded); termination tools and techniques; cable testing and certification; structured cabling standards (TIA-568).
• Test Equipment & Diagnostics — Multimeters, cable testers, tone generators, time-domain reflectometers (TDR); systematic troubleshooting methodology; documentation of test results.
• Safety Practices — OSHA 10/30 Construction Industry training; electrical shock prevention; PPE selection and use; ladder, scaffolding, and lift safety; job site hazard recognition.
• Trade Drawings & Documentation — Blueprint and schematic reading; as-built drawing preparation; low-voltage system riser diagrams; permit and inspection documentation.
• Industry & Licensing Overview — Florida Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA) and Fire Alarm System Agent (FASA) licensing requirements; Electronic Systems Technician (EST) career pathway; Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regulatory framework.

Optional / Supplemental Topics

• Nurse Call & Intercom Systems — Healthcare facility communications; code compliance (UL 1069); installation and testing procedures.
• Residential & Commercial Automation — Smart home platforms; lighting control systems (Lutron, Leviton); energy management integration.
• Building Automation Systems (BAS) — BACnet, Modbus, DALI, and LonWorks protocols; controller hierarchy; HVAC and energy subsystem integration.
• Audio/Visual Systems — Rack design and construction; A/V signal distribution; commercial and residential audio system wiring; display system integration.
• Network Infrastructure — IP addressing fundamentals; managed switch configuration; VLAN setup for security systems; wireless access point installation.
• Project Management Fundamentals — Estimating and material takeoffs; job site scheduling; subcontractor coordination; customer service and communication.

Resources & Tools

• National Electrical Code (NEC) — Current Edition (NFPA 70) — Primary code reference for low-voltage installations
• NFPA 72 — National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 101 — Life Safety Code
• TIA-568 / TIA-569 — Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standards
• Mike Holt Enterprises — Trade-specific NEC study guides and illustrated textbooks used in Florida apprenticeship programs
• OSHA 10/30 Construction Industry — Required safety training credential
• Multimeters, Cable Testers, TDRs, Tone Generators — Lab and field test equipment
• Hand and Power Tools — Drills, fish tape, cable staple guns, termination tools, conduit benders
• Manufacturer Training Resources — Bosch, Honeywell, DSC, Axis, Avigilon, Lenel, Software House, Lutron (access control, video, fire, and automation platforms)
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) — Licensing and regulatory guidance for alarm system agents

Career Pathways

Graduates of the EEV0165 Level 4 Low Voltage Technician course and the broader CTC program are prepared for employment in the Electronics Technology Integration industry. Employers need technicians who can install and support alarm, audio/visual, and communications systems in residential, commercial, and institutional settings.

• Low Voltage Technician — Residential and commercial alarm, A/V, and communications installation
• Lead Low Voltage Technician / Field Supervisor — Team leadership on multi-system integration projects
• Fire Alarm Technician — Inspection, testing, and maintenance of NFPA 72-compliant systems
• Security Systems Technician — Intrusion detection, access control, and CCTV specialist
• Systems Integrator / Systems Programmer — Advanced platform programming and multi-system integration
• Network / IT Professional (Low Voltage Focus) — IP-based security and automation infrastructure
• Estimator / Sales Representative — Project scoping, material takeoffs, and client proposals
• Project Supervisor / Project Manager — Full-cycle oversight of low-voltage construction projects
• Owner / Electrical Contractor — With additional licensure, operation of a licensed low-voltage contracting business

The market for Electrical and Electronic Equipment Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers is expected to grow 8.1% through 2029 according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FLDEO), reflecting strong demand for credentialed low-voltage professionals.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course is specifically structured to support candidates pursuing Florida state agent licenses issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS):

• Florida Fire Alarm System Agent (FASA) — Required for individuals who inspect, service, or maintain fire alarm systems in Florida
• Florida Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA) — Required for individuals who install or service burglar alarm systems in Florida
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry Card — Completed as part of required safety training within the course sequence

Students are also encouraged to pursue industry-recognized voluntary certifications to enhance employability, including:

• Electronic Security Networking Technician (ESNT) — Electronics Technicians Association (ETA)
• Certified Alarm Technician Level I & II — Security Industry Association (SIA)
• Certified Systems Technician (CST) — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
• Fire Alarm Systems Level I & II — NICET certification for fire alarm inspection and testing

Program Sequence Note

EEV0165 is the fourth of a five-course sequence (EEV0161–EEV0165/EEV0166) comprising the Low Voltage Technician Career Technical Certificate (CTC). Students must successfully complete the preceding levels before enrolling. The full program sequence totals approximately 750 contact hours across all five levels. The Florida Limited Energy (Low Voltage) Contractor License, administered through Pearson VUE, represents an advanced credential pathway available to experienced graduates.