Does a fire alarm communicator have to be serviced with a dedicated telephone line?
Modern technology says “no” (properly installed equipment has the ability to seize the telephone line for the exclusive use of the communicator), but the Standards and Codes state that a dedicated line MUST be provided. Two separate and diverse technologies must also be employed to transmit the signals to the receiving centre (the alternative is to utilize a communicator which uses Active Communication technology). Dual line digital communicators are no longer allowed in Canada (for new installations) and many have been delisted by ULC. A number of units are “grandfathered”, however no new certificates are going to be issued for these units. You can read more about this in our TIP example.
Related Questions
- We would like to have a monitored security system for our home but do not have a traditional telephone line. Can Scott Alarm provide service?
- Is the phone line going directly from the back of the alarm dialer to the telephone wall jack?
- What is the relationship between the telephone line and an alarm system?
