Fire and Security Alarm Certificate Programs
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UL Solutions portfolio includes the Fire and Security Service Solutions (FSSS) certificate programs which provide code authorities, insurance companies, building owners, municipalities and governments with a convenient, reliable way to identify code complying fire security and integrated fire protection and life safety systems. These programs take the widely recognized ULC Mark and place it on an installed system in the form of a certificate. A variety of code authorities, government bodies and insurers around Canada have found these programs to be a great benefit when assessing risk and determining ongoing code compliance.
UL Solutions lists companies to determine compliance with ULC Standards and nationally recognized codes. Once a company goes through this evaluation process they are then permitted to issue ULC certificates within their listing category. These certificates are generally issued when mandated by a requesting body to assist in determining compliance to national standards. ULC certificates can only be issued by ULC Listed companies.
Certificate Programs
ULC Fire and Security Service Solutions Certificate programs include:
- Alarm response guard service may be used in lieu of police in conjunction with the Intrusion Alarm Certificate Program.
- Requirements are outlined in CAN/ULC-S301:2018, the Standard for Signal Receiving Centres Configurations and Operations.
- Provides ULC certificated response on intrusion alarm systems.
- Requirements for verification of fire alarm systems are provided in CAN/ULC-S537:2019, the Standard for Verification of Fire Alarm Systems.
- Inspection and testing of fire alarm systems are outlined in CAN/ULC-S536:2019, the Standard for Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems.
- Includes fire alarm control unit, transponders, annunciators, initiating devices, audible/visible signal device.
- Once the installation of the fire alarm system is complete, the company must follow CAN/ULC-S537 for the verification of the system.
- Once initial records are in place, the company must follow CAN/ULC- S536 for subsequent inspection and testing of the system.
- Company’s responsibility is to identify and document any deficiencies and/or changes made to the system through the inspection process.
- The ULC Integrated Systems Testing (IST) Program aims to assist code authorities and building owners in confirming that those who develop and implement the Integrated Testing Plan as required by CAN/ULC-S1001 have the required technical knowledge, experience and skills.
- Individual Integrated Testing Coordinators (ITCs) are qualified based on their training, project experience, and knowledge demonstration by passing a ULC written exam.
- Integrated Systems Testing Service Providers are certified based on their projects portfolio, systems, procedures, documentation and audit of a sample IST project.
- ULC Listed Integrated Systems Testing Service Providers are allowed to issue ULC Certificates verifying that integrated fire protection and life safety systems in a building have been successfully tested in accordance with CAN/ULC-S1001.
- Intrusion alarm monitoring covers commercial, financial and residential properties.
- Installation, monitoring, and service of intrusion alarm monitoring systems are outlined in CAN/ULC-S301:2018, the Standard for Signal Receiving Centres Configurations and Operations, and CAN/ULC-S302-14, the Standard for the Installation, Inspection and Testing of Intrusion Alarm Systems.
- Includes subscriber’s control unit, communication line security and signal receiving centre construction, security, equipment and operation equipment meet the requirements of CAN/ULC-S304:2016, the Standard for Control Units, Accessories and Receiving Equipment for Intrusion Alarm Systems.
Managed Video Signal Receiving Centre
- Managed video signal receiving centre covers the monitoring of video signals from field equipment.
- The managed video monitoring services are outlined in CAN/ULC-S301:2018, the Standard for Signal Receiving Centres Configurations.
- Protective signaling systems cover fire alarm system and sprinkler system monitoring.
- Installation, monitoring, and service of fire alarm monitoring systems, and sprinkler monitoring systems are outlined in CAN/ULC-S561:2020, the Standard for Installation and Services for Fire Signal Receiving Centres and Systems.
- Includes signal transmitting unit, communication method, and fire signal receiving centre construction, security, equipment and operation.
- Equipment meets the requirements of CAN/ULC-S559:2020, the Standard for Equipment for Fire Signal Receiving Centres and Systems.
- Signal receiving centre automation software (SRCAS) is used by signal receiving centres to process signal activity from intrusion alarm systems and protective signaling systems.
- The signal receiving centre automation software meets the requirements as outlined in CAN/ULC-S1981:2020, the Standard for, Signal Receiving Centres Automation System.
- Certificates are issued by the signal receiving centre automation software publisher to identify copies.
- Companies are evaluated to the applicable standard to obtain a ULC Listing.
- ULC Listed companies are subject to routine audits.
- Service contracts for monitoring and/or service must be in place with the occupant/property owner where applicable.
- Service records must be maintained which are to be audited by UL Solutions.
- In the Intrusion Alarm and Protective Signaling Systems Programs, certificates can be issued as Full Service with one company for service and monitoring or Shared Service with separate service and monitoring companies, depending on the alarm companies ULC Listing.
- ULC Certificate on a property indicates compliance to the applicable standard.
- Third-party auditing of companies in the program results in unbiased review for all participants and provides a comfort level that a trusted vendor, UL Solutions, is auditing companies.
- Knowing that alarm and monitoring companies are being audited assists insurance companies and regulatory authorities in deciding their involvement in conducting their own monitoring and acceptance of companies.
- Knowledge that UL Solutions will investigate any issues that may arise with certificates or ULC Listed companies, and report to the certificate requiring body.
- Once an investigation is completed to assess compliance with applicable program requirements and Canadian National Standards, the company is then ULC Listed and authorized to issue ULC certificates in that category.
- The UL Solutions company listings are published on UL Product iQ® website.
Certificated systems are required to be maintained under the care and inspection service of the issuing service company. While it is important that companies be UL Listed, it is even more important to request that an individual system be certificated and subject to UL Solutions audit services to assure continuing compliance.
Systems are only considered to be ULC systems when an active certificate has been issued and maintained by a ULC Listed company. A company that has been listed by UL under the service is not required to issue certificates on all of its systems. Only systems covered by a certificate can be audited by UL in accordance with program requirements.
Standards
- CAN/ULC-S301
- CAN/ULC-S302
- CAN/ULC-S304
- CAN/ULC-S536
- CAN/ULC-S537
- CAN/ULC-S559
- CAN/ULC-S561
- CAN/ULC-S1001
- CAN/ULC-S1981
For complimentary viewing or to purchase a copy of any of the above CAN/ULC Standards please visit the ULC Online Store.
Should you have any questions or require more information about our programs, please send an email to TRT.Certificate@ul.com
For questions regarding the Fire and Security Service Solutions within the U.S. please use the U.S. website.