Why ULC Certification Is Important for Fire Alarm Monitoring

Fire alarm monitoring keeps businesses and commercial properties safe from fire hazards. This system detects early signs of fire and sends signals to a receiving center, where a group of operators are on standby and ready to call the fire department and other appropriate authorities. 

Canadian Fire and Building Codes require commercial property owners to install fire alarm systems with ULC certification in their premises. The Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (UL Canada or ULC) created this sought-after recognition to effectively reduce injury, loss of life, and property damage.

ULC fire monitoring systems are a sign of confidence and trust for civilians, insurers, and regulators. The certification makes people feel protected, allowing trade to continue without any concerns. That’s why businesses and alarm companies need to ace the rigorous ULC certification programs. Let’s learn more about fire monitoring in Canada and its respective CAN/ULC standards.

What Is ULC Fire Monitoring?

Fire monitoring in Canada is all about fast response times, instant communication with local authorities, and successful evacuation for commercial building occupants. A ULC fire monitoring system can do all that without failure, ensuring public safety. 

A fire alarm system is a network of fire alarms, motion detectors, smoke sensors, sprinkler systems, and alarm panels connected to a remote monitoring facility. When triggered, the following response process occurs:

1. A triggering event sets off the fire alarms that echo throughout the building
2. The fire panel sends a distress signal to the remote monitoring center 
3. Operators contact the premises to rule out false alarms and confirm the accident; if no one is contacted, they notify the owner or representative, and the authorities
4. Once an emergency is confirmed, the appropriate emergency responses are dispatched
5. After solving the crisis, the monitoring team double-checks if the response has been fulfilled; they’ll also begin assessing the security system to ensure they’re all in working order

Investing in fire alarm systems with ULC certification in Canada is good for home and business owners because they protect their trade and occupants from harm. These devices ensure that everyone within the building is alerted so they can evacuate safely, providing quick solutions to a crisis.

ULC Fire Alarm Monitoring Requirements

Alarm companies need ULC certification in Canada before they can sell their products as ULC-listed. Multiple ULC certifications and resources are available for business owners, but CAN/ULC-S561-13 is the standard for fire monitoring in Canada. That means meeting the ULC fire alarm monitoring requirements:

• Applicable requirements of the authority having jurisdiction
• Building code
• Verified Standard for the Installation of Fire Alarm System (CAN/ULC-S524-06)
• The alarm service company has an active service contract with the subscriber

Passing UL Canada's rigorous assessment gives them the stamp of approval that their products meet their standards. Here are the steps required in this process:

1. All fire alarm system components are listed and labelled
2. Once the requirements are confirmed, the products are inspected and tested
3. Maintenance checks are carried out as part of the ULC fire alarm monitoring requirements
4. ULC representatives will check and inspect if the fire systems have been installed correctly and efficiently
5. If the representatives find any discrepancies or non-compliance with the ULC fire alarm monitoring requirements, they will draft an improvement plan the alarm company must enact within a specified time frame
6. The representatives award the alarm company a ULC certificate to signify compliance with the CAN/ULC-S561-13 standards

Benefits of ULC-Certified Fire Alarm Monitoring

As commercial property owners, your main responsibility is to protect the safety of your company, assets, and employees. Neglecting their security puts your trade at risk of poor performance, reduced consumer appeal, and discontinuity. 

Prevent these from happening by installing fire monitoring systems with ULC certification in Canada. Doing so reaps you the following benefits:

Faster Response Time in Emergencies

Normal fire alarms only sound off when triggered—it can only do that. A ULC-certified fire system offers no more than 60 seconds of fast response time. During this period, the remote monitoring team has already confirmed the crisis, contacted the appropriate authorities for dispatch, and prompted occupants to vacate the building.

Reduced False Alarms

False alarms force occupants to evacuate the building and shut down production, which is bad for business operations. Not only that, but these incidents also waste the authorities' resources that could’ve been used for real emergencies.

Lower false alarms by only using fire, intrusion, and burglar systems meeting the CAN/ULC standard. A team of operators in a remote monitoring system will confirm the crisis by contacting the property owner or representative before taking action.

Compliance With Local Regulations

Every commercial property owner must adhere to the updates of the Canadian Fire and Building Codes to keep business ongoing. Installing a ULC fire monitoring system within the premises helps you stay up to code and reminds you about the adjustments to take when an amendment occurs. Doing so will help you avoid delays in occupancy and pay hefty penalties!

Reduced Insurance Costs

Fire incidents can cost your business a fortune, depending on the damages to the commercial space. Insurance companies offer discounts on policy premiums to business owners who install fire alarm monitoring systems within the building according to Canada's fire monitoring policies, saving you costs. 

Your #1 ULC Fire Monitoring Systems Provider

PasWord Protection adheres to the fire monitoring of Canada standard by providing top-of-the-line ULC-listed fire monitoring systems. Our devices and reliable monitoring center can protect your business from danger and ensure it stays up to the fire code. From design to installation to maintenance, we got your back!

Get a free security assessment and learn more about how we can safeguard your business.