Sprinkler System and Fire Protection Installers fabricate, install, test, maintain, and repair water, foam, carbon dioxide, and dry chemical sprinkler systems in buildings for fire protection purposes.
Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
- Reading and interpreting drawings and specifications to determine layout requirements
- Installing clamps, brackets, and hangers to support pipe system and fire protection equipment
- Using hand and power tools
- Selecting, measuring, cutting, reaming, threading, 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 effectively with customers, co-workers, and supervisors
What Preparation and Training Do You Need?
- Grade 10 is the legal minimum, but a high school diploma is often required
- Completion of a 7,200-hour apprenticeship, including a combination of on-the-job and in-school training
- Exam to obtain Certificate of Qualification
What's Your Future as a Sprinkler & Fire Protection Installer (427A)?
- Sprinkler fitting growing in demand due to changes in fire code regulations
- Generally full-time indoor work with opportunities for overtime to meet construction deadlines
- Computer literacy essential as sprinklers are increasingly electronically controlled
- Often hired by mechanical construction firms, plumbing contractors, building developers, and heating and air conditioning companies
Wage Rate
Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $41.58-$48.95 per hour.
Self-Rating
Sprinkler and Fire Protection Installer (427A)
| Ask Yourself: | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Can you look at drawings and blueprints and visualize how things come together? Do you have good manual dexterity? | ||
| Do you enjoy working with your hands using a variety of hand and power tools? | ||
| Can you lift 50lbs comfortably? | ||
| Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? | ||
| Do you enjoy learning about new technology and materials? | ||
| Would you enjoy interacting with site supervisors, customers, suppliers, co-workers and other tradespeople to get the job done? | ||
| Do you have excellent time-management skills? Are you an organized person? |
If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Sprinkler and Fire Protection Installer (427A) may be for you!
You might want to look at these similar trades as well;
- Steamfitter & Pipefitter
- Plumber
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