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UL Alarm Finder FAQ

What does "UL Listed" mean?
What is a "UL Listed alarm service company"?
What is a UL certificated alarm system?
Why is a UL certificated installation important?
What is a "UL Listed central station"?
What should I look for in an alarm system?
What should I ask alarm service companies?
What role should location play in choosing an alarm company?

What does "UL Listed" mean?

UL Listed means that a manufacturer's product samples meets applicable safety requirements, or Standards, that are approved by national, regional or international authorities. UL conducts regular on-site visits to manufacturers to check products for continued compliance to standards. Products that bear a UL Mark are considered UL Listed.

What is a "UL Listed alarm service company"?

A UL Listed alarm service company is authorized to use the UL Mark in conjunction with its alarm services. The company must meet requirements specified by UL for alarm service installation, maintenance, monitoring, testing and response to alarms.

What is a UL certificated alarm system?

Typically, an alarm company issues a certificate, which describes its services, to its customers who subscribe to it. A UL certificated alarm system is a one where the Certificate states that the entire alarm system complies with UL Standards for Safety. This service is available only from a UL Listed alarm service company for a small annual fee.

A UL certificate:

  • Verifies that installation of the alarm system meets local or national standards,
  • Indicates that the system is subjected to periodic checks by UL and
  • Provides a snapshot of information about the installed system, such as service center coverage, date of issue and expiration, type of protection, the method of signal transmission, the name and address of the property covered, and the name of the alarm service company providing the service.

Why is a UL certificated installation important?

A certificated alarm system is subject to random, on-site audits by UL auditors, who examine the installation, design and operability of the system. The auditors check that the system is in compliance with stated requirements. In addition, the UL auditor reviews records of service, maintenance and periodic tests and, in the case of central station systems, the processing of signals and the performance of response forces.

UL is the only company to offer alarm system certification and on-site checks of alarm service companies that comply with either nationally recognized standards, including the National Fire Alarm Code.

What is a "UL Listed central station"?

A UL Listed central station is an alarm monitoring facility whose service meets UL Standards of Safety. UL requirements cover building structure, receiving and monitoring equipment, staffing, installation and ongoing service, and must be met at all times.

What should I look for in an alarm system?

Look for these elements, which are generally considered the minimum for reliable alarm systems:

  • Equipment Listed by UL for the application.
  • Installation made in accordance with local, regional or national codes and standards.
  • Installation and repair service provided by trained alarm technicians.
  • A preventative maintenance and testing program provided by trained alarm technicians.

What should I ask alarm service companies?

Key questions to assist you in comparing companies and their monitoring services include:

  • Is the company UL Listed? UL Listing means the company has met specific requirements of performance for its facility and staff members.
  • Who owns the equipment? Some companies will rent equipment on a monthly basis. However, even though you don't own this equipment, it will still be your responsibility to maintain it. If you own the equipment, make sure you understand the kind and length of warranty.
  • Can you get a no-obligation survey of your business or home?
  • What are the added costs? These could include fees for programming the system, making a phone connection or any other system connections, installing phone jacks and responding to alarms.
  • Does the company offer a 24-hour response to maintenance or trouble calls?
  • Are alarm activations verified by telephone or direct audio/video? Some communities require one of these.

What role should location play in choosing an alarm company?

If no guard or runner response is required when an alarm sounds, the location of the alarm company and it's service centers are generally not a factor. An alarm company located several states away may be able to provide an equivalent level of service as the one located down the street.

However, location can play an important role when a guard response is required. UL Listed alarm companies are regularly audited to ensure they can respond to a disturbance in a time frame that meets national safety codes, such as NFPA 72. UL Listed alarm companies can often service an entire metropolitan region by utilizing multiple service centers, so headquarter location may not be an indication of fastest response capability. Be sure to ask your alarm company for the location of their service centers.

For more information, please contact your nearest UL Security & Signaling representative.

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