UL Requirements for Alarm Monitoring

Security

• During the UL alarm monitoring inspection, the security of the station is judged. If the monitoring station is not properly secure, every alarm being monitored can be compromised. The room used for the central monitoring location is required to have hardened walls that are not easily penetrated. The entry door to the monitoring room must be equipped to close automatically and must be able to lock securely from the inside.

  The operation of security equipment is also inspected. Automated systems, including communications gear and computers, must be connected to an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) or backup generator. These security features allow the station to respond to alarms even if the power is lost in a storm or cut by criminals.

Dedication

• In order to be UL listed, alarm companies must be dedicated to monitoring only security systems. Other operations, such as answering services or security consulting, cannot be run from the same location. A security company is permitted to operate other services, but they must be at a different location than the alarm monitoring station.

  Monitoring locations are also required to have a minimum of two staff members on duty at all times. This provides dedicated redundancy and ensures that alarms can be dealt with properly if several events occur at once. Completely automated monitoring systems without dedicated individual supervision will not be UL certified.

Location

• The location of a monitoring station is also a major consideration. UL-certified alarm monitoring stations are not permitted to be located on the bottom floor of an establishment and must be at least one story off the ground to discourage break-ins. Additionally, the location must not have any outside windows.

  Each location is required to have fire-suppression equipment installed. This equipment must include an automated sprinkler system and a fire alarm system. A ventilation system designed to provide air flow to the alarm system employees is also required.