The most common way fire alarm signals are transmitted to a central station is over traditional copper telephone lines known as “POTS” lines. This includes hardened infrastructure, backup power and HVAC systems, enhanced security systems and specially trained personnel. UL listed central stations provide higher levels of service and reliability because they are mandated to follow certain regulations. Most fire protection companies subcontract central station monitoring services to firms that specialize in this service. What Exactly Is An Underwriter Laboratory? Typically, there is a monthly fee for each individual account. Central monitoring stations use a special telephone and mobile lines, radio channels, computers, software and trained staff to receive and monitor fire alarm systems and call the appropriate authorities in the event an alarm signal is received. Companies defending the location of the central monitoring station that they use generate most of the controversy.Understanding the complexities of fire alarms just got a whole lot easier!įire alarm and sprinkler systems are required to be continuously monitored by an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed central station.

My own opinion is that either one will do a good job of responding to your alarm needs. This is a listing that is given by the Underwriters Laboratory and insures that the monitoring center meets specified requirements for:

Be sure that any central station you choose is UL listed. Larger alarm installation companies have their own central stations, but 90% of alarm companies use l do not have central stations and use a 3rd party “wholesale” central stations. There are also monitoring services that don’t use a central monitoring station at all, and instead let you control what happens when your alarm is triggered ( see Blockwatch Alarm for more information ). There are local central stations and national central stations.

Central station alarm monitoring