NEW TECHNOLOGIES: Z-WAVE, ZIGBEE, LOWES, AND VERIZON WHO GETS CAUGHT “HOLDING THE BAG”

Here we go again! As newer technologies reach into our Business and our pockets, it’s time to discuss some recent issues. Our Product Manufacturers have graciously afforded us with cutting edge technologies that make our customers believe they can control everything in their home from their remote locations, get instant access to their alarm status and control, control their thermostats and lighting and feed the dog, too. Of particular interest is GE, DSC, ADEMCO, HONEYWELL, NAPCO, etc examination and use of Z-Wave Technology for control of Devices such as Lighting Switches, Outlets, and Thermostats, to name just a few. Without going into how it works, advantages/disadvantages, or cost (I’m no expert in those areas) I’d Like to address an issue with these devices I am familiar with. That is, are you properly licensed to install certain hardware associated with these technologies? We all should realize that our 6D license allows us to install, program and interface with the Security, Home Automation, AV and Lighting Control aspects of these technologies. We are allowed to wire, install, maintain and service Security and Fire Alarm Systems in NYS. These Systems particularly pertain to Voltages of 90V or less ( read Suffolk’s Restricted Electrical License Law- 90V for that….bet you didn’t know that Suffolk Restricts HVAC contractors to 60V!) The Suffolk License applies to non-security/fire/access/CCTV that is NOT Monitored by any entity (use your discretion or better yet, call them as to what the term “ non-monitored” applies to. I can tell you that it DOES apply to: Door Bells, Central Vac wiring, Audio, Video, Network Cabling, LAN and WAN  wiring, Door Camera’s, Baby Cams)The Restricted License is basically treated just like an Electrical License. You need 7 years of Documented (pay stubs, W-2’s, etc) to prove work experience before you can apply for it. Yes, a written and Practical exam is required! Insurance requirements are there as well. At issue is the installation of devices such as switches, outlets, thermostat controls and appliance modules. Our Distributors offer us Z-Wave replacement Switches, Outlets,Thermostats and the like right on the shelf next to our alarm products and devices. We are in no way restricted in PURCHASING these devices from them, just like any consumer buys from Home Depot or Lowes. The problem lies in installing these devices. We are NOT Master Electricians ( Unless, of course we ARE) and I’m sure Ken Kirschenbaum will agree, that We or one of our Company principles (Pres., VP, Secretary, or Treasurer)who has intimate knowledge of day to day business operations must be a Licensed Master Electrician in the jurisdictions we are installing these device in. Otherwise, we should be retaining the Services of a Properly Licensed Master Electrician in those jurisdictions. Of course, some dealers complain that when you explain to the customer that the fancy schmanzy home automation system you just sold him needs the services of someone more qualified than you…the deal goes south. “Do you have an Electrician you use that you can call to install these devices” was a question a prominent alarm dealer just posed in a recent discussion with myself and a distributor. As soon as the words left his mouth the customer’s response was: “why AND is it going to cost me more money?” DEAL DONE! “Sorry, I’m not interested anymore.” He has 10 salesmen trying to foist this scenario! So here’s what you need to know. According to Sal Ferrara, Owner of The Electrical Training Center LI and an NFPA 70 Code expert and Master Electrician Instructor on Long Island, “it’s perfectly ok for a Master Electrician to assist an Alarm Dealer or his Technicians in proper Line Voltage wiring techniques. You don’t need to be licensed to receive proper information and or instruction. The issue is liability.” Those technicians and their work are the responsibility of their employer-The Alarm Company- they are not employees doing work under a Licensed Electrician. IF they are allowed to install Z-Wave switches, outlets, etc under the supervision of a Licensed Master Electrician they are STILL employees of the Alarm Company and Liability rest with THEM. One way to properly be in compliance is to subcontract the Line Voltage Work to the Electrician and HIS employees. Of course, we all know that there will be added cost to this. Typically hourly rates can be $125.00 per hour! Plan accordingly! Another issue that was discussed was that you need to make sure that your Electrical Contractor is properly licensed in ALL the jurisdictions you are doing this work in. Suffolk’s ME does not cover Nassau County, Town of Hempstead does not cover The Village of Freeport, Oyster Bay does not cover Suffolk County…..you get the picture! If your company is installing those Z-wave thermostats, control modules that are not plug-in  or are hardwired that control hot tubs, and appliances BE AWARE! Your 6D Alarm License does NOT cover you for installing them. You need to be a Licensed Master Electrician in the jurisdiction you are installing in OR in Suffolk County, you need to be either an ME or have the Suffolk County Restricted Electrical License (remember: “non-monitored”). To quote Ron Petrarca, Past NYBFAA and LIAA President “these jokers don’t realize that liability is an ugly issue. Most Alarm installers don’t have a clue that the lawyers will be looking to pick them clean if some disaster, loss of property or life occurs due to faulty, negligent installation practices” In my 6D License Classes I tell my students the following: “just because you or a homeowner can go into Lowe’s Home Depot , ADI or Alarmax, go to the shelf, purchase a switch or receptacle (be it Line Voltage or Z-Wave), Buy the “Time-Life” Book of Home Electrical Wiring, read it from cover to cover, go home or to a job, install the device, and IT WORKS, DOES NOT MEAN YOU INSTALLED IT TO CODE OR SAFELY! Who inspects that work? A Master Electrician is subject to local inspection requirements followed by the jurisdictions he’s licensed in to assure a safe installation. It is an unfortunate fact that homeowners can do their own wiring and electrical work in their own homes.The issue is; have you or your technician been properly trained and whose liability is it? You, by contract, held yourself out to be qualified ,for hire, to properly do the work. Most will agree, “If you accept money for payment, you are responsible for any and all damages you cause.” If you’re a homeowner, hope you have your insurance policy paid up to date. If you’re not properly licensed or trained or qualified to do the work on a CUSTOMERS job-----guess who’s coming after you? A whole bunch of vultures looking to pin the blame on YOU! Do yourself and your business a favor. Get the proper Restricted Electrical License to do the work or partner with a Licensed Master Electrician. For a list of recommended Licensed Master Electricians you can call Electrical Training Center at 631-226-8021.

Mike Sokoly

MES Security Systems/Electrical Training Center

Secretary: Long Island Alarm Association