Question:
These proposals ultimately require that all fire alarm companies and all commercial fire alarm systems be UL listed. The cost to the industry will force many out of the business. This is a negative impact on the industry. The cost of fire alarms will increase as it is more costly to provide UL listed service. There is more involved than just the listing fee of $30.00 per year. Since there will be far fewer companies installing fire alarms they will be able to charge whatever they want. Most consumers who are now opting to purchase fire alarm systems to protect their property will opt to live without this protection. For those companies that are required to have fire alarm systems they will pay more. For some this may be the final nail in their coffin and they will simply cease to exist. In any case, there will be fewer fire alarm system installed and thus fire will destroy more property and may even take more lives. I understand that NFPA sees every fire alarm as a life safety device. I know that fire alarms save lives. However, most commercial fire alarm systems are property protection systems, not life safety systems. Systems are required where there are lives at risk.

Answer: Q: These proposals ultimately require that all fire alarm companies and all commercial fire alarm systems be UL listed. The cost to the industry will force many out of the business. This is a negative impact on the industry.

A :One could argue that if a company refuses or isn't able to become UL listed, should they be trusted to install life safety equipment? Would having UL inspect and list all commercial fire alarm systems be any worse that the current method of having every system inspected and approved by the local AHJ? Q: The cost of fire alarms will increase as it is more costly to provide UL listed service. There is more involved than just the listing fee of $30.00 per year. Since there will be far fewer companies installing fire alarms they will be able to charge whatever they want. Most consumers who are now opting to purchase fire alarm systems to protect their property will opt to live without this protection.

A: NFPA currently has the attitude, with reagrd to fire alarms, that either you do it right or you don't do it at all. The only reason people bet away with half-way protection is because of slack code enforcement. I imagine the competition between the fire companies will remain cut-throat. The bid fire alarm market is already the most competitive segment in the commercial security industry. Q: For those companies that are required to have fire alarm systems they will pay more. For some this may be the final nail in their coffin and they will simply cease to exist.

A: I can't think of a better way to spend ones money than by protecting ones employees and clients. The cost of installation and servicing a fire alarm system is relatively small compared to what companies spend on other projects. Q: In any case, there will be fewer fire alarm system installed and thus fire will destroy more property and may even take more lives.

A: No, there won't be fewer fire alarms installed. If a business is required to install a fire alarm by code, then they have no choice. Currently, many businesses get away with half a system simply because of lax code enforcement by the local authorities. These cut-rate solutions are currently illegal, but nothing is done. What good is a law if there is no one to enforce it? Q: I understand that NFPA sees every fire alarm as a life safety device. I know that fire alarms save lives. However, most commercial fire alarm systems are property protection systems, not life safety systems. Systems are required where there are lives at risk.

A: In many cases, businesses that are required to have a fire alarm evacuation system under current law get away with not having one. The enforcement of the law varies wildly depending on jurisdiction. Plain and simple: This puts peoples live at risk. Current code requires that if you install a fire alarm system it meets certain standards. Currently, many people break the law because they can get away with it. Does that make it okay?