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What is a UL Listed alarm service company?

Unfortunately, many alarm service companies do not adhere to recognized safety standards and do not implement third-party verification, such as that provided by UL, as part of their normal practice. That's why organizations, such as the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) and the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), recommend - and in some cases, require - third-party verification of alarm system installation and maintenance for a higher level of protection.

"Listed alarm service company" is a common, shorthand way of saying that a company has demonstrated its ability to provide quality alarm service and has been evaluated to be in compliance with UL's Standards for Safety and/or applicable national safety codes. These standards and codes involved:

  • Proper installation
  • Appropriate alarm response
  • Service and periodic maintenance testing

Only when alarm service companies have met these rigorous standards are they authorized to call themselves a UL Listed alarm service company.

A UL Listed monitoring station means the facility and its staff members have undergone a similar evaluation. And that means the company has demonstrated knowledge of applicable local, state or national standards.

To make sure that your alarm service continues to meet UL requirements, UL performs regular audits of its facilities, procedures, equipment and systems that bear an active UL alarm certificate. The features stated on active certificates are displayed in a database, UL Certificate Verification Service (ULCVS), which can be accessed by insurance professionals, fire authorities and government agencies charged with determining that alarm systems and services comply with appropriate codes and standards.

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

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