Just wondering if any of you are also doing security and/or surveillance work and how it is working out for you. In the state of Illinois, there is no state-wide electrical license required but there is for "Private Alarm Contracting". I'm a small shop. Worth the trouble?

Thanx,

Steve

I work for a company and all we do is security, mostly commercial and business is bad. Everybody thought 9-11 would give the security industry a boost but companys just don't want to spend money on anything. We are keeping everybody working right now but we only have a two or three week backlog. If security would be something nice for you to offer as well as electrical work then I would go for it, security can be very interesting work, I just would n't depend solely on it to keep food on the table. Just my .02

Jim

Thanx Jim. I appreciate you view. Will take into consideration.

Steve

Don't forget to change your insurance for doing security work. Typical liability for electrical work does not cover security work. Not a huge increase but mine went up about 500 bucks.

Besides coverage for security (burglar/entry alarms), also check Fire Alarm coverage with your insurance. I know my agent specifically told me anything other than "standard smoke detectors" wasn't covered under my electrical contractor policy.

You might also want to check the Illinois Complied Statutes www.legis.state.il.us
under Section 225, Article 447 - the "Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, and Locksmith Act of 2004". While there is an exception for: " A licensed electrical contractor who repairs or services fire alarm systems on an emergency call‑in basis or who sells, installs, maintains, alters, repairs, or services only fire alarm systems and not alarm or other security related electronic systems", I have heard of local AHJ's requiring licensure for fire and security alarm installs and service separate from EC.
http://www.legis.state.il.us/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=022504470HArt%2E+prec+20&ActID=2474&ChapAct=225%26nbsp%3BILCS%26nbsp%3B447%2F&ChapterID=24&ChapterName=PROFESSIONS+A ND+OCCUPATIONS&SectionID=23689&SeqStart=5500&SeqEnd=6900&ActName=Private+Detective%2C+Private+Alarm%2C+Private+Security%2C+and+Locksmith+Act+of+2004%2E

Thanx so much fellas. Yea, insurance will go up another $200. Such good advice. thanx much!