Types

• There are several different types of home alarm systems available to residential consumers. Burglar alarm and security systems, medical alert systems, and fire alarm systems, which may include smoke and heat detectors and even a home sprinkler system, all help to make the residents in a home safer. Whether a system is hard-wired or wireless, the rules governing the installation of alarm systems typically depends on the geographic area, in addition to the specific type of alarm system being installed. Alarm devices may be electronic, electrical or mechanical, and can be used to prevent or detect unauthorized entry into a home or to summon help for a fire or other medical emergency. Guidelines and regulations vary among states and municipalities, and depend on the type of alarm system being installed. In most cases, regulations generally involve compliance with NFPA 72 (National Fire Protection Association) fire alarm codes and standards and NEC (National Electric Code) requirements for electrical wiring and equipment. When applicable, home alarm systems may also require compliance with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), a federal law mandating additional standards and guidelines.
  
  

Significance

• Ordinances and regulations governing the installation of home alarm systems such as security and fire alarm systems usually are intended for installations at commercial alarm sites, but may also be required for residential areas. County alarm ordinances require permits for the installation of alarm systems to which the local police department is expected to respond. Although in some counties, homeowners may be issued a permit for a home security system, it is no guarantee that local law enforcement officials will be able to respond immediately, especially if there are no manpower resources available at the time. In many municipalities, permits are not required for the installation of fire alarms or medical alert monitors. Where permits are issued, a permit may not be transferred to another homeowner or address, and may only be valid for a specific period of time before it must be reissued. Local law enforcement officials in some areas can request to inspect a permit at any time.
  
  

Considerations

• Since local regulations can differ depending on the area in which you live, contact your local police department to find out if a permit is required to install a burglar alarm in your home. While burglar alarms are not federally regulated, many municipalities require permits. Hard-wired alarms or alarm systems of any kind may require an electrical permit, in which case you will need to contact the local building inspector or codes enforcement officer. You may also be required to register a security alarm system before emergency personnel will be dispatched to your home in response to an alarm. Some states have stricter fire alarm regulations, which means that local fire departments may be required to enforce state fire marshal regulations. In such cases, a permit may need to be issued by the fire department before installing a home fire alarm system.
  
  

Expert Insight

• Safety experts agree that installing a home security and fire alarm system is a wise investment. There are a number of companies which manufacture some very reliable products. You may want to hire an experienced electrical contractor to install the equipment, after which you may receive a visit from the local building inspector, fire official, and/or insurance agent who will each conduct an inspection. If you are installing an alarm system in a newly constructed home, you likely will be required to satisfy several specific building code regulations.
  
  

Benefits

• Regulating home and fire alarm systems helps to ensure that equipment meets safety standards and has been properly installed. Home security systems significantly reduce the chances of a home being burglarized, along with decreasing premium rates for homeowners insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts to customers who install alarm systems in their homes because they are less likely to have to pay claims on stolen property. Although some homeowners can save up to 20%, the actual amount of the discounts offered usually depends on the service area where the home is located. Likewise, smoke and heat detectors are relatively inexpensive, but save hundreds of lives each year by giving advance notice of a fire emergency. Other types of monitoring systems, like a medical alarm system, typically have emergency response services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  
  

Warning

• A permit for a security alarm system may be revoked following a repeated number of false alarms. Make certain that everyone in the household knows how to operate the system, as not understanding how to use it can set off the alarm. Manufacturers recommend that home alarm systems be tested frequently or a minimum of at least once each month. Testing the system weekly is a good idea to make certain that it will operate in the event of an actual emergency, and it only takes a few minutes. When you test a medical alert system, make sure that the phone lines into which the medical alarm system is connected are working properly. If a problem occurs during a routine test, be sure to have it corrected immediately.