UL Standards for security alarm systems
Our security alarm certification program facilitates transparency and gives alarm service providers, alarm system subscribers, insurance companies, cannabis regulators and other stakeholders confidence that the service provided by an alarm company complies with strict standards.
We assess alarm companies for their ability to install, maintain, test, inspect and monitor alarm systems, as well as provide runner service and communicate with the proper authorities.
The applicable UL Standards for a security alarm system are:
- UL 681, the Standard for Installation and Classification of Burglar and Holdup Alarm Systems
- UL 827, the Standard for Central Station Alarm Services
UL Listings for security alarms
The UL Certificate is the alarm service company’s evidence that the security alarm equipment, installation, maintenance and service meet — and may exceed — the minimum standard requirements for performance of a security alarm system. A UL Certificate for a security alarm system can only be issued by a UL Listed alarm company. To become UL Listed, you must demonstrate compliance to relevant standards. To maintain your UL Listing, you must successfully demonstrate compliance on an annual basis through an audit conducted by UL Solutions.
We offer UL Listings for security alarms in the following categories:
- Central Station Security Alarm Service (CPVX)
- Mercantile Security Alarm Service (CVSG)
- Residential Monitoring Stations
Central station burglar alarm service
Intrusion detection systems at a subscriber’s property send signals to a central station where the information is recorded, maintained and processed by trained operators. Central station system operation is under joint control of the owner and the central station. The specifics of arming and disarming the system are agreed upon in advance, and any deviations from that understanding are investigated by the central station. Runners are on duty at all times and are dispatched to investigate any unauthorized entry of protected properties. Local law enforcement may also be dispatched.
A UL Listed alarm service company with a central station security alarm service Listing has the ability to issue UL Certification.
Mercantile burglar alarm service
Intrusion detection systems can have local alarm annunciation, or the alarm system can send signals to a central station or local law enforcement center. Specific components and operation of a mercantile security alarm system are primarily dictated by the stakeholder requiring the certificate, property/business owner or others interested in the property. For example, an insurance company may require that the security alarm system be equipped with line security.
Specific responses to alarm signals are not defined in ANSI/UL Standards; the specified response to an alarm signal is defined — and agreed upon — by the alarm service provider and the alarm system subscriber and is noted in the service agreement.
A UL Listed alarm service company with a mercantile security alarm service Listing has the ability to issue UL Certification.
Residential monitoring stations
A residential monitoring station is a facility that has personnel on duty specifically trained to handle signals received from bank (CPRH), mercantile (CVSG) and residential (CVWY) burglar alarm systems.1 A residential monitoring Listing indicates that the Listed monitoring company has demonstrated compliance with the requirements in UL 827. Those requirements include building, equipment, standby power, communication infrastructure, physical security, staffing, signal processing, signal retransmission and record-keeping.
A monitoring station does not have the ability to issue UL Certification. The UL Listed monitoring company must be in a contractual agreement with a UL Listed alarm service company if a UL Certification is to be issued at a protected property.
1 Central Station Systems (CPVX) are not permitted to be monitored by a central station that is only Listed to the Residential Monitoring Station Category.
Why UL Solutions for security alarm service certification
We facilitate transparency between the alarm service company, the alarm system subscriber and other stakeholders, creating trust between the company and the consumer.
A service agreement is required between the alarm service company and the alarm system subscriber to help support timely response and resolution of trouble signals. The security alarm certification program helps promote reliable and consistent handling of alarm signals, contributing to a dependable response process.
If law enforcement is dispatched as a result of a false alarm, the alarm system subscriber could be at risk of incurring substantial fines. A properly functioning alarm system can help reduce the risk of false alarms.
Demonstrating compliance with the UL 681 Standard helps indicate to alarm system subscribers and other stakeholders that an alarm system is installed, serviced and maintained according to applicable requirements.
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