§ 9-203. General installation requirements for burglar and holdup systems.

(a)

In addition to the requirement set forth in the National Electrical Code, alarm systems shall be subject to the following requirements. Where there is a conflict with the most recently adopted edition of the NEC, the most stringent requirement will apply.

(1)

Power Supply.

(A)

Every alarm system must have standby power sufficient to operate the system in a non-alarm status (without being the cause of an alarm activation) for a minimum of four hours.

(B)

Every alarm system must have a U.L. 1449 listed (or better) surge protector installed between the transformer and:

(1)

The 110 voltage source used to supply power to the master control panel; and

(2)

Any power device connected to the system but powered separately. Any alarm system that has a multiphase power service and a dedicated transformer to that premises (building) only does not require surge protection as described above.

(C)

Every residential alarm system control panel must have either:

(1)

Push on/pull off connectors to the battery and a description of the transformer location permanently affixed to the inside of the control panel; or

(2)

An on/off switch that disconnects the battery and the transformer from the central processing unit inside the control panel.

(D)

Transformers must be affixed to an electrical outlet.

(E)

Every alarm system must have a supervised standby power supply that causes a local annunciation when standby power falls below the manufacturer's recommended specifications.

(2)

Grounding.

(A)

Every alarm system must be grounded under NEC (National Electrical Code), NBFAA (National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association), U.L. 681, or manufacturers' standards.

(3)

Sensors, Actuators, and Signal Devices.

(A)

Any door or window contact installed for the purpose of activating the alarm system must be hermetically sealed if used on solid state control panels.

(B)

Any holdup alarm (requiring push button activation) must use simultaneous two-button activation or a keyed manual reset after activation.

(C)

Any panic or medical/emergency alarm activation must cause an audible alarm.

(D)

All audio detection devices must be either volumetric sound detectors with operator analysis or detectors that require two different inputs within one-half second (or less) to generate an alarm.

(E)

Any residential alarm system with an audible alarm must have a sufficient number of sound generating devices to alert or awaken all normal hearing occupants within the alarm user's premises that an alarm has been activated.

(F)

Every alarm system using a digital communicator must have a proper phone interface device as required by FCC accessible to the alarm user and mounted within 24 inches of the control panel.

(G)

Any audible alarm must automatically silence the annunciator within 30 minutes after activation.

(4)

Alarm Housings and Control Units.

(A)

All alarm system equipment shall be either Underwriters Laboratory or Factory Mutual listed.

(B)

All alarm system equipment shall be used only for the purpose intended by the manufacturer and installed per manufacturers' specification.

(C)

Any alarm system that has a touchpad or other device designed to allow the user to activate the alarm (when in the disarm mode) must be configured as follows:

AUDIBLE	SILENT
(a) Panic	(d) Duress
(b) Fire	(e) Holdup
(c) Medical/Emergency

 

(5)

Wiring.

(A)

All alarm system wiring must meet NEC (National Electrical Code) standards and be a minimum of 22 gauge, or meet manufacturer's specifications (whichever is the higher standard). Wiring run through plenum ceilings must be plenum rated.

(B)

Any wire splice must be "hot" soldered and taped, or "B" connected according to manufacturers' specifications. "B" connectors must not be crimped with other than a tool recommended by the manufacturer.

(CB-122-1979; CB-96-1989; CB-102-1995; CB-66-2003)