Fire Panel Monitoring FAQs
Does a fire alarm system have to be monitored?
Fire alarm monitoring may be a requirement for your fire panel as determined by the AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) or your insurance company. The building size, occupancy number and occupancy type may affect your requirement.
Although it may not be a requirement, TELSCO highly recommends fire alarm monitoring for any building with a fire panel to ensure the safety of the occupants.
How much is a fire alarm monitoring system?
The price of fire alarm monitoring varies based on factors such as system configuration, ULC requirements, communication methods and maintenance packages. Following a consultation with one of our security experts, you can expect the cost to protect your business with Fire Alarm Panel Monitoring to be between $50 and $120 per month.
Is fire alarm monitoring worth the cost?
In many cases, this expense is not optional and must be accepted as part of required operating cost. With that being said, many of us would agree that fast, reliable response to a fire related emergency is money well spent. Even if ULC monitoring is not mandated for your particular building, we highly recommend investing in this service.
How often should a fire alarm monitoring system be tested?
ULC Fire Alarm Monitoring Systems require an onsite inspection and full system test once per year as mandated by the Underwriter’s Laboratories of Canada. When it comes to communication between the fire monitoring panel and the monitoring centre, all panels are programmed to send a regular communication test to TELSCO. If a regular communication check is missed, TELSCO operators are made aware, and any concerns with the communication can be rectified as quickly as possible.
Who monitors the fire alarm system?
TELSCO’s Local Monitoring Centre receives and communicates all alarms received from the fire alarm monitoring panel. When a fire alarm is received, TELSCO dispatches the fire department right away. With ULC fire alarm panel monitoring, the ULC guidelines state that the fire department must be dispatched within 30 seconds of the alarm being received. In addition to fire alarm signals, TELSCO also monitors the panel for trouble conditions that might suggest an onsite service call is required.