Alarm System Certification Program FAQ
Q. What does it mean to be Listed or Certified?
A. By becoming Listed or Certified, you are under independent third party surveillance by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). This means, you have demonstrated competence to national codes and standards such as: NFPA, ANSI, UL, FM, and are authorized to issue certificates/placards bearing third party marks such as Intertek (ETL), Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).
Q. What is a Listed Central Station?
A. Listed Central Station is a facility that has entered into a listing/certification agreement with a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), and is subject to an initial and subsequent random annual auditing program and has demonstrated the ability to meet the applicable NFPA codes and UL standard requirements covering such areas as:
- The Building Structure
- Operations Room Security
- Communications Cabling Security
- Standby Power Sources
- Receiving and Monitoring Equipment
- Review of Automation System
- Ensuring Adequate Staffing is present to handle alarm events
- Proper signal handling procedures
- Installation and Maintenance procedures are being followed in accordance with the code (when applicable)
- Test Logs/ Maintenance Records are properly maintained
- Disaster Plan verified
Q. What is a Certified Alarm Service Company?
A. Certified Alarm Service Company is an installation or maintenance company that has entered into a listing/certification agreement with a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). The alarm service company will be subject to several initial installation audits, random annual inspections, and be required to meet the applicable NFPA codes and UL standard requirements covering such areas as:
- The installation is in accordance to the NFPA codes and UL standards
- The system is being maintained and serviced as per the applicable standard and code requirements
- Alarm response – “i.e. Runner Service”
- All of the above items require a contract between the Alarm Service Provider and the protected premises
- The monitoring of the protective premises is being done by a NRTL Listed Central Station
- The Alarm Service Company is Authorized to issue certificates of compliance for the protected premises (i.e. ETL Certificate)
Q. What is a Certified Alarm System?
A. Certified Alarm System is an alarm system that is under END to END surveillance, meaning it was installed and is being maintained by a listed/certified alarm service company, under contract, and the premises is being monitored by a Listed Monitoring or Central Station. The alarm system is subject to random audits by the third party NRTL, which includes, but is not limited to the inspection at the protected premises, thorough review of the system documentation and record keeping. The alarm system from the premises to the monitoring station must be in compliance with applicable NFPA, UL and National Codes, and standards.
Q. How does Intertek’s Central Station and Alarm Service Company Programs Work?
A. Intertek’s program has been constructed following the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Administrations (OSHA) and by utilizing the applicable standards and codes by organizations such as the NFPA and UL for inspection and auditing parameters.
Intertek provides an avenue for alarm service companies to determine compliance with all federal, national, local standards and codes. The alarm service company will be audited and reviewed against these standards and codes, once compliance has been determined, the alarm service company will have the ability to issue Intertek – ETL Certificates to the premises owner and the responsible AHJ’s.
Q. Why Should I Use Intertek?
A. Intertek offers choice, and choice in any market means better service. Our Central Station and Alarm Service Company Programs ensure safety in commercial and residential facilities across North America. Manufacturers and AHJ’s have trusted Intertek and the ETL Listed Mark for compliance to safety standards for decades.
If you are a distributor or installer, you may feel that your decision making abilities has been compromised by your current Certification provider. You may have faced challenges with your current program such as, having your installers required to be certified by the same provider, and the electrical equipment used on the premise must also be listed by the same provider. In reality, many quality products such as fire control panels, smoke/CO detectors, back-up power supplies, wire and cable, and other life safety accessory equipment have been tested and certified with an ETL Listed Mark or another NRTL’s Mark. They may perform equal to or better than what you’re currently using, and they may be more cost-effective.
Intertek’s proprietary AlarmDirect online service for the Alarm System Description Certificate program, allows alarm service companies to enter their Fire or Burglar Alarm system data, submit to Intertek for review, and be notified within 24 hours upon approval for distribution. The appropriate AHJ is also notified of the ASDC for their jurisdiction.
