While it goes without saying that all buildings should possess adequate fire alarms there is more that goes into a comprehensive fire protection strategy than just alarms. One specific service that can help ensure that your property is properly protected is fire alarm monitoring. But what standards are fire alarm monitoring systems held to? In today’s blog we will be detailing ULC fire monitoring and why it is helpful for protecting your property.
What is the difference between a Fire Alarm System and a Fire Alarm Monitoring System?
It is important to understand the differences between your fire alarm system and your fire alarm monitoring system. The main purpose of a fire alarm is to detect the presence of a fire and then notify the occupants of a building so that they can evacuate as quickly as possible, it doesn’t notify the fire department that an alarm has been triggered. A fire alarm monitoring system on the other hand detects when an alarm goes off and notifies emergency responders ensuring that notification occurs even if there are no building occupants or bystanders to call for help.
What is ULC Fire Monitoring?
ULC is an acronym that stands for Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, which is an independent, non-profit organization that certifies fire alarm monitoring systems and safety products. This certification is required for any fire alarm monitoring system that is sold in Canada and any company that is performing fire alarm monitoring must be able to provide a ULC Certificate to ensure that the monitoring system was installed and is being monitored in accordance with the ULC Standard. The ULC Standard details the following; what type of monitoring equipment is in use, the installation of the onsite communication panel, the construction of the monitoring center that will receive the alarm signals, the method of communication that the monitoring panel uses when it contacts the monitoring center and how the alarm signal is handled when it is received.
These monitoring standards can help ensure the safety and security of properties where they are installed providing peace of mind to property owners. If you have any questions about fire alarm monitoring systems, please feel free to contact us.
Alpha Integrated has over 30 years of experience in the security business. We offer a wide-range of state-of-the-art products, a knowledgeable and friendly staff, competitive pricing, and a business model with integrity that stands behind and services the products we carry and install. Our clients include commercial, multi-residential, residential, marine, and other venues. Please feel free to call us on the Lower Mainland at (604) 583-2542.
