POTS lines continue to work during power outages, however, newer alternatives, such as VOIP, need backup power to keep operating. Unfortunately, legacy telephone carriers want to convert all POTS lines to other technologies including IP, VOIP and cellular and this will radically change how fire alarm systems are monitored. POTS stands for “plain old telephone service.” Fire alarm signals are sent to a digital alarm communicator transmitter (“DACT”) which converts the signals to a digital format capable of being transmitted over a telephone line. The most common way fire alarm signals are transmitted to a central station is over traditional copper telephone lines known as “POTS” lines. This includes hardened infrastructure, backup power and HVAC systems, enhanced security systems and specially trained personnel. UL listed central stations provide higher levels of service and reliability because they are mandated to follow certain regulations. Most fire protection companies subcontract central station monitoring services to firms that specialize in this service. What Exactly Is An Underwriter Laboratory? Typically, there is a monthly fee for each individual account. Central monitoring stations use a special telephone and mobile lines, radio channels, computers, software and trained staff to receive and monitor fire alarm systems and call the appropriate authorities in the event an alarm signal is received. It does not store any personal data.Understanding the complexities of fire alarms just got a whole lot easier!įire alarm and sprinkler systems are required to be continuously monitored by an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed central station. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies.

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Central station monitoring