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Fire Alarm System Certification Listing Process
Alarm System Certificate

Services
Fire alarm system certification Listing
process
AHJ Users Group Registration
Alarm Companies This page provides the information necessary for an alarm service company to
Alarm Company Forms obtain and maintain a Listing that enables issuance of Central Station, Local,
Alarm System Certificate Auxiliary, Remote Station and Proprietary certificates. These categories are defined
Application for Listing by the National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72). Since UL does not have published
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) requirements for these categories, the evaluation of the installation, maintenance,
Burglar Alarm Listing Process and service will be conducted to those requirements found within the National Fire
Central Station Facility Listing Process Alarm Code (NFPA72). The initial evaluation will be conducted to those
requirements found in the current code edition.
Certificate Verification Service
Fire Alarm System Certification Listing Process
However, local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) may apply previous editions of
Fire Certificate User Group
the Fire Alarm Code as adopted by local code or ordinance. In these cases, you
Free CD-ROM Request Form need to be aware of these requirements and apply those within the various
Insurance Professionals jurisdictions.
National Industrial Security Systems
Preliminary Alarm System Evaluation Forms Initial Listing process
Subscribing to ULCVS To qualify for a Listing, your company is evaluated for its ability to manage the
ULCVS Feature Set installation and maintenance of systems for compliance with NFPA 72. To obtain a
Listing under this category, contact the UL office that services your area.
Next, request an application for listing. Once you receive the application, complete
and sign it, then return it to the UL office along with the required preliminary deposit.
Costs to conduct an initial evaluation are updated annually to reflect current costs for
time and expenses, with travel and living expenses additional.
When UL receives the properly completed application and deposit, one of our
auditors will contact you to schedule the evaluation. The auditor will ask you to
complete and return the preliminary alarm system evaluation forms to provide more
information about the systems to be inspected. These forms are similar to the
descriptions that you will complete after you are Listed and wish to issue certificates.
Generally, four fire alarm systems will be inspected, although one large fire alarm
system covering a variety of fire alarm equipment may be sufficient. The inspection
will include a field evaluation and the required documentation (see the
Documentation section below).
Please be prepared to have staff available who are familiar with the sites and can
conduct the inspection with the UL representative. Your staff must be equipped with
proper tools to inspect all parts of the systems, including ladders, test smoke, heat
guns/dryers for testing heat detectors, keys, etc.
After the inspection, the UL representative prepares a report that will include any
requirements for corrective action for areas of noncompliance. Upon satisfactory
clearance of the report, UL establishes a Listing that allows your company to issue
certificates under this category.
You will receive a certificate of compliance specifying the UL category in which you
are Listed. A certificate of compliance is printed annually and sent to you upon
receipt of payment for UL's annual services. This certificate of compliance is
indication of the Listing category.
Some jurisdictions require that you submit a copy of your certificate of compliance
every year.
Annual inspection process

Once your alarm service company has established a Listing, it is subject to annual
audit by UL personnel. A UL auditor schedules the inspection at least 10-14 days in
advance.
Prior to the inspection, the UL auditor reviews the previous two years of inspection
files to determine which systems will be field inspected. The auditor randomly
http://www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/offerings/industries/lifesafetyandsecurity/alarmsyste... 08/02/2011
selects systems that were not inspected in the previous two years and may also
select some of those previously inspected to verify that defects found during the
previous inspection have been corrected. During the annual audit, it may also be
necessary to inspect systems that an AHJ expressed concern about.
During the annual audit visit, the UL auditor also reviews the required documentation
for the certified systems. (See the Documentation section below.)
After inspection, the UL auditor provides you with an inspection report that covers
any defects found and the required corrective action. You will need to provide
documentation of the corrective action taken to address the defects within the
required time period indicated on the UL report.
Should the annual inspection determine that you are not providing code-complying
fire alarm systems, a special investigation will be opened. A new work assignment
will be opened with costs for the assignment billed directly to your company. Travel
and living expenses will be billed as a separate cost. If this special investigation also
shows that your company fails to maintain an acceptable level of compliance with
the requirements of the appropriate standards, the ability to issue new certificates
may be suspended, existing certificates may be withdrawn by UL, and Listing for the
service under the investigation may be withdrawn.
Re-qualification process
Service centers that have not issued a certificate during a three-year period are
required to undergo a re-qualification inspection during the fourth year. Each year
during the three-year time period, you will have been contacted by a UL auditor to
offer a courtesy visit to discuss current requirements and remind you of the re-
qualification process. The re-qualification audit will be essentially the same as the
initial Listing investigation. During this audit, the UL auditor investigates a sampling
of your company's work to determine whether your company can provide code-
complying alarm service. It may be sufficient to look at one system. However, where
possible this system should consist of various types of fire alarm services (AFA.WF,
SS, MP). As with the initial Listing investigation, system documentation is also
reviewed.
Documentation
Since documentation requirements for fire alarm systems are considered a critical
component, this area will be given attention during all phases of your company's
Listing, and during annual and any re-qualification audits. Documentation can be
separated into two areas:
Completion documents
• Record of Completion (NFPA 72 form or as allowed by AHJ)
• Owner's manual and installation instructions covering all system equipment
• Record drawings
• Initial acceptance tests
Inspection and Testing/Maintenance and Repair Service documents

• Responsibility documents --The National Fire Alarm Code requires that the fire
alarm system's owner or designated representative be responsible for inspection,
testing and maintenance, and alterations or additions to the system. UL requires
that this delegation be in writing so that all parties have a common understanding
or responsibilities for code compliance. A copy of such delegation shall be
provided for the AHJ and is subject to review by the UL auditor. Should a person
or organization other than the system owner perform these duties, a written
contract is required and subject to review by the UL Auditor. Note: the above
requirements can be found in NFPA 72 1999 edition pars. 7-1.2 and 7-1.2.1.
Should system owners provide their own inspection, testing and maintenance or
alterations, there must also be documentation as to the qualifications of the
person performing these tasks. Requirements are found in par7-1.2.2 of NFPA 72,
1999 Ed.
• Repair, maintenance, inspection and testing records -- Records shall be
retained until the next test and for one year thereafter. The inspection and testing
record found in the National Fire Alarm Code should be used for this
documentation. However, the AHJ may allow for use of another form. Information
required for proper completion of these forms can be found in NFPA 72 99 ed.
Par. 7-5.2.2. Any system defects or malfunctions during routine inspection/testing
or maintenance visits require notification of the system owner within 24 hours of
the discovery. The UL auditor will review this documentation. Disposition of the
problem is also documented.
Service areas
Each alarm service company is assigned a service center area. This service area
will include an area within three hours (by car) from the Listed service center
address. This service center will be defined by U.S. Postal Service ZIP codes as
provided to the UL auditor upon initial listing evaluation. ZIP codes are reviewed for C
accuracy by the UL auditor during the annual inspection process.
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UL | Alarm System Certificate Page 1 of 1

Services
Alarm system certificate
AHJ Users Group Registration When a certificate is issued for an alarm system, it is the alarm company's
Alarm Companies declaration that the system will be installed, maintained, tested and monitored in
Alarm Company Forms accordance with applicable codes and standards.
Application for Listing
Auditing certificated systems
UL tracks each certificate carefully. We visit every Listed alarm company at least
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
once a year to audit certificated systems. During the audit, service and alarm
Burglar Alarm Listing Process
handling records are reviewed. In addition, UL alarm specialists randomly select a
Central Station Facility Listing Process
number of certificated installations and conduct a physical inspection. If
Certificate Verification Service
noncompliance is found, the alarm company must rectify the problem or face
Fire Alarm System Certification Listing Process cancellation of the certificate.
Fire Certificate User Group
Free CD-ROM Request Form Request a certificate
Insurance Professionals It is important to ask for a certificate when working with a UL Listed alarm company.
National Industrial Security Systems UL only audits installed systems for which certificates have been issued. See our
Preliminary Alarm System Evaluation Forms Alarm System Certificate Services page for more details on the difference between
Subscribing to ULCVS these designations.
ULCVS Feature Set
What the certificate contains
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.

Copyright 2011 Underwriters Laboratories Inc. All Rights Reserved. Online Policies.
UL | Insurance Professionals Page 1 of 1
Insurance Professionals

Services
Insurance professionals
AHJ Users Group Registration Insurers typically offer lower rates to property owners who have fire or burglar alarm
Alarm Companies systems installed in their facilities, regardless of the system installed. But not all
Alarm Company Forms alarm systems are alike. The same holds true for the companies that install and
Alarm System Certificate monitor those systems. So how do you distinguish alarm systems that have been
certificated for proper installation, service and maintenance as required by nationally
recognized codes and standards?
UL's alarm system certificate service provides insurers with a reliable way to identify
Central Station Facility Listing Process alarm system companies qualified to install and monitor UL certificated systems. By
Certificate Verification Service recommending fire and burglar alarm system installations that meet all applicable
Fire Alarm System Certification Listing Process safety and performance standards as verified by UL, insurers can reduce the
Fire Certificate User Group likelihood of a claim.
Free CD-ROM Request Form
Insurance Professionals Additional resources
National Industrial Security Systems For more information about the CSAA:
Preliminary Alarm System Evaluation Forms
• Press release on the joint awareness campaign announced by UL and the CSAA
Subscribing to ULCVS
• Frequently Asked Questions about UL, CSAA, and our joint awareness campaign
ULCVS Feature Set
• Advertisment on how certified fire and burglar alarm system installations can cut
insurers' risk, from Claims Magazine (2006)
• Order free fire alarm certificate program CD-ROM
• Order "A Practical Guide to Central Station Burglar Alarm Systems"

UL | Alarm Companies Page 1 of 1
Alarm Companies

Services Alarm companies
AHJ Users Group Registration
UL's alarm system certification programs provide authorities having jurisdiction
Alarm Companies
(AHJs) and insurance companies with a convenient, reliable way to identify code-
Alarm Company Forms
complying fire alarms and security systems. AHJs and insurers have found these
programs to be a great benefit when assessing risk and determining ongoing code
compliance with nationally recognized Standards and codes.
Burglar Alarm Listing Process How does it work?
Central Station Facility Listing Process UL Lists alarm companies to determine compliance with UL standards and nationally
Certificate Verification Service recognized codes. Once a company goes through this evaluation process, they can
Fire Alarm System Certification Listing Process issue certificates within their Listing category. These certificates are generally only
Fire Certificate User Group issued upon AHJ request.
Free CD-ROM Request Form
Insurance Professionals Why a certificate?
National Industrial Security Systems While it is important to require that installing companies be Listed, it is even more
Preliminary Alarm System Evaluation Forms important to request that an individual system be certificated. Just because a
Subscribing to ULCVS company has become Listed does not mean that all of their systems meet the code
ULCVS Feature Set requirements.
The only way to assure compliance and subject the systems to UL's audit process is
to issue a certificate.
UL support services
UL provides a vast number of support services for both AHJs and alarm contractors.
These include onsite consultations and education of alarm company staff and AHJ
personnel.
Together, these services help demonstrate that systems covered by UL certificates

are highly reliable and properly installed and serviced, maintained in accordance
with the codes, and properly monitored by UL Listed monitoring companies.

UL | Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) Page 1 of 2

Services
Authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs)
AHJ Users Group Registration As a jurisdictional authority, you require that installed alarm systems use UL Listed
Alarm Companies equipment. And you require that the systems be monitored by UL Listed monitoring
Alarm Company Forms 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?
Central Station Facility Listing Process
Certificate Verification Service UL's alarm system certificate service provides you with a convenient and reliable
Fire Alarm System Certification Listing Process way to identify installed alarm systems that are currently tested, monitored and
Fire Certificate User Group maintained to meet all applicable codes and standards. These certification programs
Free CD-ROM Request Form place the widely recognized UL Mark on the entire system in the form of a UL
Insurance Professionals certificate.
National Industrial Security Systems
Preliminary Alarm System Evaluation Forms How does it work?
Certificates for installed alarm systems are available only from UL Listed alarm
Subscribing to ULCVS
service companies. UL qualifies alarm service companies for Listing and for
ULCVS Feature Set
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.
Free CD
UL offers a free brochure on CD-rom that explains UL's fire alarm certification
programs.

UL

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UL | Fire Alarm System Certification Listing Process Page 1 of 3

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Alarm System Certificate

Annual inspection process

Inspection and Testing/Maintenance and Repair Service documents

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Alarm System Certificate

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Alarm System Certificate

Together, these services help demonstrate that systems covered by UL certificates

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Alarm System Certificate

What we offer you

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