atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Cabling Telephones Systems Wiring I hope to bring home the Grand Trophy again this year

https://www.bicsi.org/skillschallenge/ :toast:

That's gotta rank up there with a Star Trek convention...

So, are you saying that you won the grand trophy before?

-Hal

"That's gotta rank up there with a Star Trek convention..."

LOL..

Hal -

I was being a smart ass, no I've never been there. If I did go I would wear a Gorn costume though.

Nothing against BICSI, their installation standards books have been very helpful in some cases.

We hired a tech that went through all the BICSI courses and had all kinds of certifications. Level 1 thorough ... the moon. He was a real idiot out in the field though. That is usually the way it works.

........and did you notice that all the RCDDs are salesmen???

Real Cool Data Dudes????

Not all of them! :thumb:

We hired a tech that went through all the BICSI courses and had all kinds of certifications. Level 1 thorough ... the moon. He was a real idiot out in the field though. That is usually the way it works.

It normally works out that way, why oh why do American's value qualifications over real world experience???????

Is anyone here going to say anything positive about BICSI? I am surprised. It is a mistake to generalize that all BICSI certifications are worthless in the field. I would think that everyone (especially on this board) would value an organization that tries to set standards and guidelines to avoid all of the "ugly installations" that we see everyday. Personally, I have been in this business for 27 years, and if it's one thing I do know - it's that no one knows EVERYTHING. I actually enjoy taking the continuing education courses when I have the time to do it. I am RCDD since 1999, RCDD/NTS (Network Transport Systems) since 2002, and RCDD/NTS/OSP (Outside Plant) since 2004 and proud of it. I plan on getting the WD (wireless) certification when I have the time. I agree that certifications do not help in some real world situations, but overall I think BICSI is a positive force and anyone who has seen their manuals knows that the documentation is excellent. Let me just add that I have received a tremendous amount of learning here and value the input of the veterans who have forgotten more than I will ever know about this business. I refer people to this board and have a great deal of respect for all of it's members who have resolved issues for me and made great suggestions. It's like having a team of high-paid consultants for free!!!

I don't think it is a matter of people here being "anti" BICSI standards.

I think that part of the problem is that unless everyone is singing from the same hymnal, then BICSI standards are somewhat useless. If their standards were enforced, then we would see a completely different attitude. Just like with the NEC which is effectively enforced nationwide, BICSI could be a positive influence for our industry.

The bottom line is that they only time where BICSI standards are expected occur are at the customer's request. Since everyone is pinching pennies, that is the last place where people are going to spend money. While BICSI sets unified installation practices, they are still largely optional and rarely enforced.

The only other standards that have any "teeth" are those set forth by manufacturers in the installation of their products. Of course, the only thing that would be affected by failure to adhere would be their warranty obligations.

Essentially, the only standards that can truly be enforced are the NEC and local adaptations. As we all know, even those are not enforced in a uniform manner nationwide.