NICET Training Highlights OBFAA Expo

PORTLAND, Ore.

The Oregon Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (OBFAA) held its annual Limited Energy Systems Expo July 12 in Portland, Ore. Co-sponsored by the National Alarm Association of America (NAAA) and Security Sales Magazine, the event drew owners, installers, technicians and salespeople from several western states. Two individuals came from as far away as Ohio.

Several free seminars, held during the morning and afternoon, were well attended. Vendor exhibits began after 4 p.m., and the general consensus was that they were quite informative.

In the opening access control seminar, instructor Ray Deasy of DoorTek Corp. in San Antonio mentioned that he had not expected so many people. Apparently, numerous attendees decided to come at the last minute and did not preregister.

There were a pair of NICET seminars that explained how to become certified in fire alarm applications. The instructor, Michael Baker, described what to expect on the day of the certification exam and provided all the necessary paperwork to apply. Currently, 20 states require NICET certification for all fire alarm system installers, technicians and system designers. Washington is among the remaining 32 states considering adopting these requirements.

“Fiber Optics: Cabling to Connectors” was another class and provided hands-on training in proper techniques and correct connector installation. Attendees learned the how-to’s of installing and terminating fiber.

“Card Access Basics” detailed a variety of access control cards and keys, and the technology behind them. The session included a discussion about access products being affixed to vehicles so that, when they approach a reader, they are recognized as having authorization, causing the gate to raise automatically.

In addition to the seminars and exhibits, OBFAA raffled off several door prizes. Besides giving away four cash prizes ($100, $200, $300 and a $1,000 grand prize), OBFAA also handed out tents, rafts, stereos, big tools, gift certificates and more.

Special to Security Sales by Cynthia Hart

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