Fire Signal Receiving Centres and Systems.
between a fire alarm system control unit and a fire signal receiving center comply with the same CAN/ULCS561. These two Standards are not only separately referenced in the Code, but are integral to each other in that conformance to CAN/ULC-S561 is directly linked to CAN/ULC-S524.
In addition to signaling, the CAN/ULCS561 Standard requires that fire signal receiving centers conform to specifics such as ratings of fire separations, exiting, and other construction and safety requirements as well as operating procedures, standby/back-up systems, signal receivers, automation systems, emergency lighting and basic fire protection.
the ULC system certificate program.
body such as ULC do not meet the intent of the National Building Code.
Communications path systems are defined Communication can come in the form of passive or active communication.
Examples of passive systems are dual path systems and cellular back up; an example of an active system is Internet Protocol (IP). Transmitting and receiving equipment are ULC Listed to work with both types of communication channels and is tested to determine if there is telephone line supervision between a protected property and a fire signal receiving center.
• Fire signal receiving center personnel must contact the fire department within 30 seconds Defining the transmission time provides much more clarity for code users compared to previous requirements.
All fire protective signaling systems are required to be tested annually with records documenting the testing. These tests are required by CAN/ULC-S561 and are in addition to those required by CAN/ULC-S536, Standard for the Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems. Stand-alone sprinkler risers shall be tested bimonthly. For these systems to remain working at all times, regular maintenance and testing at a protected property is needed.
Once the installer of the fire protective signaling system determines that fire protective signaling system has been installed in accordance with requirements of CAN/ULC-S561 the installer would then request a ULC Certificate for the protected property, ULC issues a ULC certificate and this is displayed at a fire alarm monitoring panel. The certificate states that an installation, equipment and method of communication adhere to applicable ULC Standards. This certificate is the only proof that a building is being monitored in accordance with applicable ULC Standards.
In summary, a ULC protective signaling services certificate provides a code authority the necessary evidence that a complete system complies with the CAN/ULC-S561 Standard.