UL Online Certifications Directory

A residential alarm system is one in which protective circuits and devices are installed at a residence and connected to a control unit at the same location. The purpose of the system is to energize an audible sounding device at the residence should the equipment detect unauthorized entry into the area protected.

This type of system can have provision for monitoring alarms remotely at (1) a receiving station that is UL Listed for Central Station Burglar Alarm Systems (CPVX), or for Central Station Protective Signaling Services (UUFX) or for Proprietary Alarm Systems (CVWX), or for Monitoring Stations, Residential (CVSU), or (2) a Police station or dispatch center. If this feature is provided, the type of connection and remote monitoring location is shown on the certificate form.

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.

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

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 Certificates as of the date of the inquiry. Only those alarm or signal system 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, alarm sounding device location, remote alarm transmission means, receiving location, issued and expiration dates, and the alarm company. Each certificate also bears a unique serial number.

The certificate serves as evidence that the installing company (1) is Listed as furnishing protective systems of the type and class indicated; (2) is authorized to issue the certificate to the installation as its representation that the equipment is in compliance with the requirements established by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. for the class; and (3) is subject to the Laboratories field counter check program whereby periodic inspections are made of representative installations 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, nonconformity with requirements, failure to discover nonconformity 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 protection as applied to residential alarm installations is defined as a "Basic System" or a "Expanded System" .

A control unit used in a Certificated residential alarm system shall be Listed in accordance with one of the following Standards: Household Burglar Alarm System Units, UL 1023 ; Mercantile and Bank Burglar Alarm Systems Units, UL 365 ; Proprietary Burglar Alarm Units and Systems, UL 1076 ; Central Station Burglar Alarm Units, UL 1610 ; or Digital Alarm Communicator System Units, UL 1635 .

The standard used to provide requirements for the installation of wiring and devices at a residence is UL 1641, "Standard for Installation and Classification of Residential Burglar 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.