UL's product safety certification programs require companies to submit samples of product for UL testing. When products comply with the applicable requirements, the manufacturer is authorized to use the UL Listing Mark. UL follow-up inspection then confirms that all products used in installed solutions match compliance standards. The company is included in UL's Product Directories. Only products that bear a UL Listing Mark are considered UL Listed. PAC Integrations only uses UL Listed products in its installations.

"Listed alarm service company" is a common way of saying that a company is authorized to use the UL Listing Mark on alarm services that are in compliance with UL's requirements. For alarm systems, the UL Mark is a certificate.

"Listed central station" means that an alarm monitoring facility has demonstrated the ability to provide service that meets or exceeds the standards outlined by UL. In the case of monitoring stations, UL requirements cover building structure, receiving and monitoring equipment, and staffing, as well as installation and ongoing service. In order to be able to provide standards-compliant service, the building, equipment and staffing requirements must be met at all times. PAC Integrations and its central station partners are UL Listed.

A "Certificated alarm system" means that, as a Certificate-issuing alarm company, PAC Integrations declares that it only provides services that comply with the established UL standards. It is equivalent to a manufacturer whose products are qualified to bear the UL Mark and whose company name is included in a UL product directory. A Certificated alarm system is subject to random audits to countercheck compliance.

At PAC Integrations, the answer is yes. It is important to note that the vast majority of alarm systems in the U.S. are not Certificated. A system that has a Certificate complies with published, nationally recognized standards and codes that provide a baseline common understanding of the system and service provided.

UL Certification has minimal effect on pricing. It is most important to make sure that you compare the various components included in the proposed solution. Elements that are generally considered minimum components for reliable alarm service include:

• Proper equipment required for the application
• Installation made in accordance with codes and standards
• Trained alarm technicians installing the system
• Repair service provided by trained alarm technicians
• A preventative maintenance program by trained alarm technicians

If these elements are in place in competing systems, the cost of a Certificated alarm system should be competitive with a similar non-Certificated system.