r/lowvoltage

PoE Camera wasn't working

PoE Camera wasn't working

Client has multiple PoE cameras. They were out on their property and noticed a camera that they didn't realize was there. It had never worked to their knowledge. Opened it up and saw this fucking thing. Wonder why it never worked.

u/sataigaribaldi — 11 hours ago

What might it be like moving from IT (tech support) to Low Voltage?

So we all know tech is in a bad spot. A lot of fields are in a bad spot. I am sure Low Voltage has been hit as well. I have a BS in IT and about 6 years experience doing tech support tier 1 and tier 2 and now I work as a sole IT specialist at a highschool.

I've been aggressively trying to make a lateral move for a year now and I actually recently have had some luck with getting interviews, however it seems that rejections are fairly common so there is no telling what might work out for me.

I don't want to go in a ton of detail, but my current work has burned me out and I need to change things up. Being stuck in the role for a year while trying to leave has been just awful. Up skilling, constant resume revisions, career counselors, networking, applications.. things are just brutal.

I am consider plan B. Low Volt, AV, Security systems? has been an interest for me, but I didn't strongly consider, because things weren't as bad several years ago for myself and I saw a more hopeful future in tech. I did always miss more hands on work, which is part of why I had considered these options.

My dilemma. I make 55k right now, which is honestly not good at all for someone who has been in IT for almost 6 years. I also can't afford to make much less, which makes any career moves feel impossible. My wife and I are in a 1bedroom apartment and eat out about once a week. We don't have much to cut financially and things are tight already. So that is a huge problem for any significant changes on my end.

I know my networking knowledge would be of use, but I fear my lack of hands on experience will set me back to low entry pay. I know there are certs I could get? But that is still not hands on experience.

If I were to seriously consider this, what would I be facing? What reality do I need to face with that? Any advice would be appreciated.

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u/Top-Elephant6981 — 9 hours ago

First Full Access Control Install

Had my first full access control install the other day. Only 3 doors but let's hear it boys. Taking notes and wanna hear it all!

u/Try2-BeBrady — 23 hours ago

First low voltage job!!!!

Just got my first low voltage installer job for the summer and I’m trying to build a solid beginner tool setup without wasting money on stuff I don’t need yet.

Mostly doing low voltage / AV / networking / security installs. Company gave me a hand tool list but said they can help me acquire some tools if needed.

What would you guys prioritize buying first for day 1? Best brands/value for a beginner? Any tools you wish you bought earlier (or avoided)?

Trying to be prepared and get good deals without overspending on pro-level gear immediately. Thank you for the help!

u/Sammmmmmmmmmmmmmyboi — 19 hours ago

New Low Volt Tech

Here in a few weeks I will be starting a new position as a jr structured cabling tech. I'm so happy to have been able to get this position. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't pretty nervous. I have no prior experience. Although I have a pretty solid understanding of general networking, network equipment, tools, standards, etc.

This will be my first job within the field of "IT" or maybe electrician is more fitting. I've been watching tons of videos on what this job might entail. I'm just curious of what expectations I should have. Or rather, what expectations they should have of me. I want to make a solid first impression. It's only a contract job for a few weeks. So being able to secure future projects is my goal.

Looking for any advice that someone with experience can offer. Do's and don'ts. What should I be mainly focused on? Terminating? Basic cable pulling and techniques. Really any advice is welcome.

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u/EnthusiasmOk2607 — 1 day ago
▲ 1 r/lowvoltage+2 crossposts

IT Deployment Technician - Hiring 12 contractors

TMG Global is hiring experienced Healthcare IT Deployment Contractors for a large-scale EUT rollout project across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

 $38–$40/hr (1099)
 Bi-weekly pay schedule
 Start Date: May 26, 2026 (after Memorial Day)
 Approx. 6-week deployment project with potential extension or schedule delays based on client needs

Standard project schedule is 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; however, workdays may extend beyond scheduled hours depending on deployment progress and project timelines.

We are seeking reliable, dependable, professional, and coachable contractors with experience supporting:
 Healthcare IT deployments
 Desktop & endpoint deployments
 Thin client rollouts
 Hardware refresh projects
 Go-Live support
 Printers, scanners, WOW carts, tablets, and clinical devices
 IDF/MDF patching & cable management
 Asset tracking & deployment documentation

 Local contractors preferred near: We will not provide relocation assitance or hotel room allowance. - Must be staying in this local area.

  • Joplin, MO
  • Fort Scott, KS
  • Quapaw, OK

Please note:

  • This project does not include travel reimbursement
  • Contractors must have reliable transportation and a personal vehicle
  • Contractors may be required to transport equipment between staging and deployment locations
  • On-site attendance is required throughout the duration of the project

Apply here:

https://tmgglobal.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1775071-560791.html

u/Mother-Sympathy7567 — 1 day ago

How do I maglock these gates?

The frame pipe is too thick to use the FMK-SW/SL kits on the side, and at the top the pipe is too thin. I’m stuck installing maglocks here, what should I do? Some sort of L bracket situation? Ignore the high voltage warnings, they’re not going here, fence is the same as where the mags need to go.

u/mahknovist69 — 2 days ago

Need help replacing old BPT 200 Surf video intercom

Hi guys, I found a client with this old BPT 200 Surf video intercom system that apparently stopped working.

I’m trying to understand if I can replace only the indoor unit with something universal, or if I must use another BPT/CAME compatible monitor.

The system has many wires and doesn’t look like a simple standard analog intercom, so I’m afraid of buying the wrong replacement.

Does anyone know if this is a proprietary BPT system or if there are universal compatible monitors?
Can I replace only the handset/monitor or do I need to change the whole system?

I attached photos of the wiring and monitor. Any advice would be appreciated because I don’t want to mess up the installation.

u/Biikooo — 2 days ago

What’s next in my situation

Been doing low voltage, security installations for around 4 years and 6 years telecommunication and experience. I make 30$ hr company truck an gas paid.. very chill a laid back gig… but I’m 100% maxed out at this company I see the work slowing down. An drastically cutting OT an I wanna keep growing a building im 29. What’s next

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u/JazzlikeDisplay602 — 3 days ago

At least the small ones have a flared base.

Got me a set of the new conduit fish tape pullers from dewalt. They are as lewd in person as they looked on the box. For those that don’t know, these create an air-tight seal for your shop vac against the conduit for pulling string through.

u/smeeon — 3 days ago

MMC Cable Testing / Failure rates

Hello All,

I'm a field engineer and I'm on a project where we are going to use MMC terminated fiber.

I'm wondering if any of you out there have hands on experience cleaning, testing, and installing MMC and have time to chat.

We are using Viavi products for scoping and olts.

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u/Pristine-Wolf-2517 — 2 days ago

Contractor van: How old/mileage can I get away with?

I'm a low voltage contractor and I currently have an F-250 pickup that I use as my work vehicle.

I'm considering getting something like a used Econoline. I really only have to travel throughout my small town, and I estimate I will probably only drive it a couple thousand miles a year.

I am looking to get some input on how used of a vehicle I can safely get by with before the truck becomes more trouble than its worth...

There are quite a few for sale in my area under $10,000, but they tend to have in the neighborhood of 200,000 miles at that price.

Anybody have any recommendations for a good trade-off of price versus mileage/age to get a decently-reliable vehicle that will work for what I need?

Last thing I want to do is save $2,000 on a van only to have to spend $5,000 on an engine rebuild 3 months later....

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u/oguruma87 — 3 days ago
▲ 388 r/lowvoltage+2 crossposts

Vision Pro in the Trades- screen mirroring my inspection camera to my Vision Pro

I use it for drill shots where I need both of my hands and still need to see the view of my camera, before I would be to far from my phone, or my phone would get buried in insulation, or I wouldn’t be able to hold my drill correctly and would rely on a helper to hold my phone.

u/southrncadillac — 4 days ago

Compact impact driver? (USB-C chargeable?)

I'd really like to add a compact Impact Driver to my toolbag. Often times I basically need little more than an electric screwdriver, so it doesn't need to be very powerful (things like putting together server racks, and maybe the rare occassion I have to drill a lag screw into a stud or something).

I currently have the Bosch 12V impact driver, and it works fine, but it does have detachable batteries which requires me to keep the charger somewhere nearby.

I'd really like to find something that is compact and charges via USB-C (since I have a few other things such as my laptop what require me to carry a USB-C battery bank with me, anyway).

Anybody know of such a tool?

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u/oguruma87 — 3 days ago

Great fish rod sticks ?

Hi.

I been buying Klein Tools fish rod stick and i'll be honest some of their products lately has be crappy and fall apart easy. It seems some a few of their products. They are losing the quality in most of the things they are putting out.

Do anyone know of a great brand with quality rods ??? Where at least the ends wont break or slip off ??

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u/PubliclyUnseen — 4 days ago

What do these go to?

Have this low voltage wire bundle behind a blank plate in my wall, just bought this house, interested what these may go to, I know at one point this house had ADT with an nvr and cameras but all the cameras route up into the attic and this is the main level in the living room.

May be too generic to identify but anything is helpful, thanks!

Update: When to the same wall upstairs and found a taped off telephone jack with the exact same wiring colors, everyone that said analog phone lines is correct!

u/Yikegaming — 4 days ago
▲ 8 r/lowvoltage+1 crossposts

Unifi POE camera with built in Access Point. G9 Combo

They need to make this asap. I bet their labs are already working on it. Take my money UNIFI

u/southrncadillac — 5 days ago