Low Voltage Technician Assessment

Short Answer: A person who Installs low-voltage cables or wiring following wiring diagrams.

Low Voltage Technicians are responsible for the wiring of low-voltage electronic systems, typically less than 50 volts. That voltage level needs to be mentioned in this test and article as the answer to "what is low voltage" can vary by trade and industry.

For example, an industrial electrician would reference the IEC standard, which refers to "Low-Voltage" as "anything less than 1,000V" and less than 50V as "Extra-Low Voltage."

A Low Voltage Technician may work with alarm systems, security systems, fiber optic cables, audio/video wiring, and cat-5 wiring. Many occupations, such as low-voltage cable technicians (cable TV installers), require direct customer communication.

Residential homes can have other low-voltage systems besides the one that first comes to mind, cable TV and Internet wiring. Examples are doorbells, thermostats, landscape lighting, home alarm systems, and wall-mounted USB ports.

Many receive on-the-job training through an apprenticeship or an entry-level Technician position. The more advanced low-voltage tech may require electronic systems training and certification, demonstrating mastery of various electronic systems. Often, though, at that skill level, their job title is "Electronics Technician". Some may require skills in more advanced technologies like computers to troubleshoot network wiring or security systems. (For example, the job listing might be "Electronic Security Specialist Technician".)

As the employer creates the job titles, there are hundreds of variations. Another fun example is the professionals who install and wire all the big screens and technology for sports events and conventions. A recent employer (as of 8/25/24 in our USA Job Search engine), One Diversified LLC, listed the opening as "Low-Voltage Audio-Visual Installation Technician".