UL Online Certifications Directory

A Mercantile Alarm System is one in which the protective circuits and devices of a mercantile premises or safe or vault or ATM or night depository are connected to an enclosed and tamper-protected alarm sounding device attached to the outside of the building in which the premises or safe or vault or ATM or night depository is located or to an enclosed/exposed or unenclosed/concealed alarm sounding device located within the protected premises. Disturbance of the protective devices or unauthorized entry through protected portions of the premises or penetration through protected portions of a safe, vault, ATM, or night depository automatically causes the sounding device to operate until it is stopped by key control or by the entry of a code in the possession of the alarm system user or by exhaustion of the power supply or by a timing element set for a definite period of operation.

A mercantile alarm system may or may not provide supplementary remote location transmitting equipment that will transmit a signal to (1) a receiver at a police station or dispatch center, or (2) to a Central Station that is UL Listed for Burglar Alarm Systems (CPVX), or for Central Station Protective Signaling Services (UUFX), or for Monitoring Stations, Residential (CVSU).

The operation of a mercantile alarm system is primarily under the control of the owner or others interested in the property to be protected. However, it is required that mercantile systems be maintained under the care and inspection service of the alarm service company. Inspections are made at intervals of one year or less. It is the responsibility of the user of the alarm system to arm and disarm the system and to report improper functioning of the system to the alarm service company.

Each burglar alarm system covered by a certificate is required to be maintained by the alarm service company responsible for issuing the Certificate.

The limits of coverage, as determined by response time for service and maintenance, are based on identification of a service territory through the use of United States Post Office zip codes. An alarm service company selects those zip codes (areas) it will serve, as verified through periodic audits of its response capability by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. The area coverage is defined by five digit or nine digit zip codes, or some of each. A response area need not include all zip codes within the general area. A zip code shall be for the physical address of a Certificated installation.

UL maintains a Certificate Verification Service (ULCVS) that allows authorized Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)to verify up-to-date Certificate information and identify companies eligible to issue Certifcates as of the date of the inquiry. Only those mercantile alarm installations for which a Certificate has been properly issued are covered under UL's Certificate Service. The verification of a Certificate on ULCVS is the only method UL provides to identify the Certificated alarm systems actively covered under its Listing and Follow-Up Service.

The Certificate is intended to provide an Authority Having jurisdiction (AHJ) with basic information on the installation and maintenance of an alarm system. Information on the Certificate includes the name and address of the installed system, extent of protection, issued and expiration dates, and the alarm company. Each certificate also bears a unique serial number.

The certificate serves as evidence that the alarm service company (1) is listed as furnishing mercantile alarm systems; (2) is authorized to issue the certificate to the installation as its representation that the equipment is in compliance with requirements established by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.; and (3) is subject to the Laboratories' field counter check program whereby periodic inspections are made of representative installation to check the correctness of certification practices.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, that the alarm system will prevent any loss by burglary, or that the alarm system will in all cases provide the protection for which it is installed or intended. UL may at times conduct inspections of the alarm service company, including inspections of representative installations made by it. UL does not assume or undertake to discharge any liability of the alarm service company or any other party. UL is not an insurer and assumes no liability which may result directly or indirectly from inspection of the equipment, failure of the equipment, failure to conduct inspections, incorrect certification, non-conformity with requirements, failure to discover non-conformity with requirements, cancellation of the certificate or withdrawal of the alarm service company from inclusion in UL's Directory prior to the expiration date appearing on the certificate. If an installation is found not in conformity with requirements, it shall be corrected or the certificate is subject to cancellation.

Inspections and tests of representative installations in the field are made to determine the correctness of installation of protective devices and wiring, quality of workmanship, operability of circuits, maintenance and extent of protection applied.

The extent of alarm protection installed on a safe, vault, night depository, or ATM is "Complete" or "Partial" . The extent of protection installed in a premises or stockroom is classified as "Extent No. 2, 3, or 4" .

The standard used to investigate mercantile burglar alarm equipment is UL 365, "Mercantile and Bank Burglar Alarm System Units". The standard used for the installation and service of mercantile alarm systems is UL 681, "Installation and Classification of Burglar and Holdup Alarm Systems".

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UL, in performing its functions in accordance with its objectives, does not assume or undertake to discharge any responsibility of the manufacturer or any other party. UL shall not incur any obligation or liability for any loss, expense or damages, including incidental or consequential damages, arising out of or in connection with the use, interpretation of, or reliance upon this Guide Information.