Authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs)

As a jurisdictional authority, you require that installed alarm systems use UL Listed equipment. And you require that the systems be monitored by UL Listed monitoring stations.

But how can you be certain that the systems you oversee are properly installed, serviced and maintained as required by nationally recognized codes and standards? Will the signals from an alarm system in your jurisdiction actually be handled and processed as required by these codes?

UL's alarm system certificate service provides you with a convenient and reliable way to identify installed alarm systems that are currently tested, monitored and maintained to meet all applicable codes and standards. These certification programs place the widely recognized UL Mark on the entire system in the form of a UL certificate.

How does it work?

Certificates for installed alarm systems are available only from UL Listed alarm service companies. UL qualifies alarm service companies for Listing and for certificate service by reviewing examples of their work. After alarm companies becomes "Listed," they can then issue certificates for each system they install. However, these certificates may not be issued by a Listed company unless required to do so by an AHJ.

When a certificate is issued for an alarm system, it is the installer's declaration that the system will be installed, maintained, tested and monitored in accordance with applicable codes and standards. The certificated installation is then subject to random physical audit by UL's alarm system specialists. In addition, as part of the annual audit process, the UL representatives closely scrutinize the required documentation that goes along with a certificated alarm system. If noncompliance is found, the alarm company must rectify the problem or face cancellation of the certificate.

It is important to ask for a certificate when dealing with a UL Listed alarm company, because UL only audits installed systems for which certificates have been issued.

Each certificate identifies the type of alarm system, the name and address of the property protected by the system, and the name and address of the alarm service company responsible for issuing the certificate. A description of the equipment installed, its coverage and other protection details are included. Every certificate has a unique serial number, issue date and expiration date.

What we offer you

UL offers jurisdictional authorities a variety of services to help integrate the use of certificates into code-compliance management, loss control and underwriting processes. This includes various printed reports as well as free online access to UL's Certificate Verification Service (ULCVS). ULCVS gives authorities real time access to the latest information in our Certificate database. In addition, UL offers support to jurisdictional authorities in the form of educational seminars and meetings.

Certificate service is available for commercial burglar and fire alarm systems.