What Does a Sprinkler & Fire Protection System Installer Do?

Sprinkler & Fire Protection Installers fabricate, install, test, maintain and repair water, foam, carbon dioxide and dry chemical sprinkler systems in buildings for fire protection purposes.

Learn about the business case for training apprentices in sprinkler & fire protection installation

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Reading and interpreting drawings and specifications to determine layout requirements
  • Installing clamps, brackets and hangers to support piping system and sprinkler and fire protection equipment
  • Using hand and power tools
  • Selecting, measuring, cutting, reaming and threading pipe, and mounting prepared pipe in supports
  • Connecting piping systems to water mains, supply tanks, pumps, compressors and control equipment
  • Testing systems for leaks using air or liquid pressure equipment
  • Calculating and preparing written cost estimates and communicating with customers

To view the essential skills necessary for someone working in this occupation, click on the following link and scroll down to NOC code 7252:

http://srv600.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/esrp/english/general/all_profiles.shtml

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

You should preferably complete high school with your Grade 12 secondary school diploma, with credits in Math, Science and English as well as technical courses such as drafting or blueprint reading. (The minimum entry requirement under the TQA is Grade 10).You must complete an apprenticeship of 7200 hours, via a combination of on-the-job and in-school training, before successfully writing an examination to obtain your Certificate of Qualification.

What’s Your Future as a Sprinkler & Fire Protection Installer?

Sprinkler fitting is an area of growing demand due to changes in fire code regulations. Computer literacy is becoming essential in this area as sprinklers are becoming electronically controlled. Keeping knowledge up to date for products, applications and fire protection regulations is also important. Most of the work is indoors, and is full-time with opportunities for overtime to meet construction deadlines. Employers that hire Sprinkler & Fire Protection Installers include:

  • Mechanical Construction firms
  • Plumbing Contractors
  • Heating and Air Conditioning companies
  • Building Developers

For additional information about this career, check out the construction sector website at: www.CareersInConstruction.ca.

Wage Rate

  • Apprentices generally earn less than fully qualified Journey people
  • As your skills and expertise increase, so does your wage
  • Fully qualified Sprinkler & Fire Protection Installers can earn from $18-25/hour

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Sprinkler & Fire Protection System Installer for You?

Can you read blueprints or diagrams and visualize how things come together?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working with your hands using a variety of hand and power tools?

Yes      No

Are you good at planning how to tackle a series of tasks logically?

Yes      No

Do you communicate well in writing and verbally?

Yes      No

Can you climb, reach, bend, stretch and work in confined spaces if required?

Yes      No

Do you like to continually learn and keep up with changes in technology?

Yes      No

Are you good at planning how to accomplish a task from start to finish?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Sprinkler & Fire Protection Installer for You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Steamfitter & Pipefitter
  • Plumber
  • Lather/Interior System Finisher
  • Welder