Underwriters Laboratories of Canada

CAN/ULC-S561
To comply, or not to comply….
actually it’s not even a question!
By Alan Cavers & Brian McBain

CAN/ULC-S561, Installation
And Services For Fire Signal
Receiving Centres And Systems is
without a doubt one of the most
misunderstood standards in the
lexicon of the ULC S500 Series of Fire
and Life Safety Standards. Simply
stated, CAN/ULC-S561 promotes
reliable fire alarm monitoring.
This standard has been a Code
requirement in Canada for over 10
years and yet every day Authorities
find non-compliant systems and
ULC, along with organizations like
the Canadian Fire Alarm Association
(CFAA), field daily inquiries
about in conformity to, listing of,
requirements for and understanding
of CAN/ULC-S561. This article will
endeavor to provide for a better
understanding of this Standard, its
place and requirements, in fire and
life safety systems.

©ULC 2017 Ontario

 Underwriters Laboratories of Canada

Why is it important? with their own in-house policing/security service

that can provide 24/7 monitoring. Also some
In Ontario, fire alarm system installations are required
national retail chains will provide their own
to meet the intent of the Ontario Building Code
monitoring of their facilities.
(OBC). The OBC requires that signals to the Fire Signal
Receiving Centre are received and disposed of in a Codes and Standards
uniform manner.
The OBC governs the requirements for signals to the
The CAN/ULC-S561 Standard covers: fire department for new buildings and for existing
• Construction, operation, installation, inspection and buildings it is the Ontario Fire Code (OFC). The
tests applicable to fire signal receiving centres for occupancies that are generally required to have CAN/
fire protective signalling services utilizing fire signal ULC-S561 compliance are:
receiving centre facilities and satellite centres and
bridging centres;
For Single Stage Fire Alarm System
• Construction and operation of a proprietary fire
signal receiving centre; and
Group A -Assembly Occupancy - >300
• Installation, inspection and tests applicable to a fire
signal transmitting unit and its field device inputs Group B – Detention, Care and Care and
at the protected premises. Treatment Occupancies

Fire signal receiving centres come in two defined Group F, Division 1 – High Hazard
types; a Signal Receiving Centre and a Proprietary Industrial Occupancy
Fire Signal Receiving Centre. What’s the difference? A
Buildings regulated by the provisions of Subsection
Signal Receiving Centre is a facility that receives alarm
3.2.6. (Additional requirements for high buildings)
signals and at which trained personnel and service
persons are on duty at all times. Buildings containing interconnected floor space
required to conform to Articles 3.2.8.3 to 3.2.8.11
• Think normal commercial businesses like an ADT or
Chubb Edwards - these involve the monitoring of A retirement home regulated under the
multiple properties and/or for multiple owners. Retirement Homes Act, 2010 that is a Group C –
Residential Occupancy
A Proprietary Fire Signal Receiving Centre is a facility,
operated by the owner of the protected premises
in which services encompassed in this Standard are For Two Stage Fire Alarm System
monitored at all times by trained personnel.

• Think Specific business or facility with one All Occupancies at the initiation of an Alert Signal
owner, often having multiple sites and no third
party monitoring. These are often Hospitals or
Universities with large multi-building campuses

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Underwriters Laboratories of Canada

Occupancies with Fire Alarm System that includes Documentation to include the name and
waterflow indicating devices number of the Fire Signal Receiving Centre
(CAN/ULC-S561), and the latest edition of CAN/
The fire monitoring service for a building fire alarm ULC-S537-13, has expanded this section to impart
system is mandated in Ontario in the OBC Division B, the importance on fire monitoring:
3.2.4.8 (4) and in the OFC Division B, 6.3.1.2. Further
• (CAN/ULC-S561-13) NOTE: This standard
Code references for fire alarm monitoring service and presupposes that, where provided, the
CAN/ULC-S561 conformity are made through three interconnection from the fire alarm control unit
other Code referenced ULC fire alarm standards. or transponder to the fire signal receiving centre
shall comply with CAN/ULC-S561, Standard for
1. CAN/ULC-S524, Standard for Installation of Fire Installation and Services for Fire Signal Receiving
Alarm Systems which is referenced at OBC Division Centres and Systems. (Refer to Items A to I in
B, 3.2.4.5 (1) has as its last enforceable clause: Appendix C5.13, Interconnection to Fire Signal
• 5.15.1 (CAN/ULC-S524) - The interconnection Receiving Centre.)
wiring from the fire alarm control unit or
3. And CAN/ULC-S536, Inspection and Testing of Fire
transponder to the fire signal receiving centre
Alarm Systems in OFC Division B, 6.3.2.2.(1)
shall comply with CAN/ULC-S561, Installation
and Services for Fire Signal Receiving Centres
The key take away here is that the fire alarm system
and Systems.
monitoring is an extension of the fire alarm system,
2. and CAN/ULC-S537, Verification of Fire Alarm hence similar installation methods, and carries the
Systems in OBC 3.2.4.5.(2) contains within it the same importance for installation and maintenance as
following:
the fire alarm system.
• CAN/ULC-S537-04 Appendix C2 (G) -

Fire Monitoring System

So, what is a fire monitoring system? It is a Fire alarm system or a sprinkler riser that is connected to a fire
alarm transmitter for the purposes of transmitting fire alarm conditions from the protected property to a fire
signal receiving centre in order to dispatch the correct responding authorities.

Compliant System
All 3 parts are required to
Protective Premise Communication Path Fire Signal Receiving make up a compliant system.
This article focuses is on Fire
Active or Passive
Transmitter Center Signal Receiving Centres but
Multiplex
will touch on the installation
Fire Alarm Panel Internet Receiving Units
and periodic testing for them.

Spinkler Riser DACT c/w Cell Sufficient Staff

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 Underwriters Laboratories of Canada

Signal Receiving Centre vs. Proprietary

Signal Receiving Centre Proprietary Signal Receiving Centre

A facility that receives alarm signals and at which A facility, operated by the owner of the protected
trained personnel and service persons are on duty at premises in which services encompassed in this
all times. Standard are monitored at all times by trained
personnel.

This facility must consist of the following: These facilities must consist of the following:
• Facility with 2hr. Fire rating • 2 hour fire separation.
• Signal receivers, station automation computer • Exception- 1 hour only if the building is
• Dedicated Power Source sprinklered.

• Back-up systems which include – Telephone back-up, • Single locked door

generator, Uninterrupted Power Supply Units (UPS) • Owner will provide Staffing 24/7
• Security Vestibule- Interlocked Doors where only • Owner usually provides installation and
one can be opened at a time by the alarm room maintenance on the protected premises.
operator. • Owner usually provides a runner service.
• CCTV Camera System and intercom
• Early warning fire protection system
• Fire Extinguishers
• Buddy System – as in back up alarm centre
• Trained staff to handle and dispatch alarms – 24hrs
a day/7 days a week
• Contingency Plan – for unforeseen disasters –
natural or man-made

Fire Signal Receiving Centres receiving the following Also the installations at the protected buildings can
alarms or notification from the fire alarm system be proprietary fire alarm equipment or off the shelf
• Fire Alarm fire alarm transmitters.

• Fire Trouble
• Fire Supervisory
• AC Fail
• Communication Failures

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Underwriters Laboratories of Canada

Installation of a Fire Alarm monitoring system

Although there are differences between an FRSC and
a Proprietary system regarding the physical centres
themselves, the installation of a CAN/ULC-S561
compliant fire alarm monitoring system at the
protected premises are very similar. Both require:
• Transmitter that is CAN/ULC- S559 ( a Proprietary
System is eligible to use CAN/ULC-S527 Compliant
transmitter)
• Manufacturer’s Installation Instructions.
• Communication Channels
• Metallic raceway for interconnecting wires
All installed fire monitoring systems shall be properly
• Supervision of circuits
programed to transmit accurate signals to the Signal
• Installed as per CAN/ULC-S561 Receiving Centre in order that the operators can
• Tested prior to occupancy quickly dispatch responding authorities. Therefore
there can be no miscommunication of what is
When it comes to the transmission of signals, CAN/ occurring at the system,
ULC-S561 lays out the methods of communication
Fire Alarm = Fire Alarm
for these systems. Communications can be Active
Fire Trouble = Fire Trouble
or Passive. Active means that the channel between
Fire Supervisory = Fire Supervisory
the fire alarm system and the alarm centre is
continuously monitored so that any fault or failure and there can be no conflicting signals (i.e. Burglar
that could affect signal transmission and reception is alarm – there are provisions for a location to be
identified to the fire signal receiving centre. Passive both fire and burglar alarmed through the same
means that it is not monitored but that incorporates transmitter but fire alarm signals ALWAYS take
dual or multiple communications. These dual or more precedents over burglar).
channels create a communication system where It’s not just the transmitted signals that are required
the signal is transmitted through all channels and to be accurate for compliance with CAN/ULC-S561 but
when acknowledgement through one is received, also that the Contact Lists for each protected premise
the other(s) will stop transmitting that signal. These is up to date, that the proper fire department phone
channels also monitor each other for any faults and is numbers are recorded (and not just 911) and that
tested every 24hrs. there is no system of verification of fire alarm signals
Regardless of Active or Passive, the maximum time to prior to notification of the fire service to respond.
receive a fire alarm signal from a protected premise is CAN/ULC-S561 provides for the disposition of signals
60 seconds, and this brings us to the requirements for as follows:
accuracy of Signals.

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 Underwriters Laboratories of Canada

maximum time to receive a fire alarm

60 seconds
signal from a protected premise

maximum time to contact the fire

30 seconds
department

maximum time to contact persons

5 minutes
designated by the owner

maximum time for Fire Trouble and

Supervisory, Communications Troubles
5 minutes
or Signal Transmitting Unit Troubles to ULC-S561 lays out further required periodic testing
contact the owner which is also referenced in CAN/ULC-S536.

• Fire Alarm System - Annually

distance a service company/personnel is within
from the location to effect repairs. 4 hours • Waterflow - Every two months
• Supervisory- Gate Valves, Pressure -Every Six
months
A note on Standalone Sprinkler Risers
Standalone How do you make sure all these requirements
Sprinkler are met?
Risers that Compliance with CAN/ULC-S561 is not a simple
are monitored matter of just checking off a box or two but rather
have the same involves a complete audit of both the Receiving
time frame Centre and the Fire Alarm Transmitter. Authorities
requirements Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), Property Owners and Alarm
but only Companies all require the knowledge that the fire
transmit the monitoring system as a whole is in compliance. The
following National Codes required that these systems to comply
signals: to the NBC/ NFC – Signals to the Fire Department by
• Waterflow (alarm) way of Fire Alarm Monitoring System in Compliance
to CAN/ULC-S561 and that they shall provide a
• Fire Trouble
Certificate of Compliance attesting that the fire alarm
• Fire Supervisory (pressure and gate valves)
monitoring system is in compliance to the applicable
As the communications systems of fire alarm systems Standard for submission to the AHJ.
are tested communication, active or passive, CAN/

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Underwriters Laboratories of Canada

What kind of certificate to submit? There are two options,

A document that is acceptable to A ULC Fire Protective Signalling System Certificate – provided
the Authority Having Jurisdiction. through ULC listed Alarm Company.
Your local Building Official for new Companies that are certified to CAN/ULC-S561 can be found on
construction/installation and your our ULC Online Directory at
Fire Official for existing buildings/ http://database.ul.com/cgi-bin/XYV/template/
installations. LISCANADA/1FRAME/index.html
and using the following ULC Category Codes:

DAYRC- CAN/ULC-S559-04 Equipment

DAYYC- CAN/ULC-S561-03 – Shared Installation Co.

DAYIC - CAN/ULC-S561-03 – Shared and Full Service Fire Signal

Receiving Centres

A Final Note
CAN/ULC-S561 is a vital component in the chain of Fire Alarm standards and is mandated by our Codes, yet is
possibly one of the highest non-conformity issues with fire alarm systems that require monitoring. Although
the National Codes have since 2005 explicitly required CAN/ULC-S561 conformity, for the upcoming 2015
National Codes ULC has submitted an Appendix Note to further clarify the interconnection between it and
CAN/ULC-S524 Installation of Fire Alarm Systems so that Code users and enforcement authorities ensure
complete conformance with Code requirements. The draft Appendix note submitted (and as of this writing not
yet finalized by the Codes Commission) is:

CAN/ULC-S561, “Installation and Services for Fire Signal Receiving Centres and Systems,” which is referenced in
Sentence 3.2.4.8.(4), and CAN/ULC-S524, “Installation of Fire Alarm Systems,” which is referenced in Sentence
3.2.4.5.(1), go hand-in-hand: conformity to CAN/ULC-S561 entails conformity with the fire alarm system
components required in that standard. These components include fire alarm transmitter (signal transmitting
unit), interconnections and communication path.

We hope you have a clearer picture and understanding of CAN/ULC-S561, its requirements and how it fits into
our Codes and requirements for fire alarm systems. If any further assistance, interpretation, details or concerns
are required, do not hesitate to contact either ULC Regulatory Services or Certificate Services below. The CAN/
ULC-S561 Standard, along with any other ULC standards, can be purchased at the link below:

ULC Store: http://canada.ul.com/ulcstandards/aboutus/salesofulcstandardsmaterials/

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 Underwriters Laboratories of Canada

Certificate No:PSxxxxxxxx
File No: CCN: DAYIC
Service Center No:
Expires:
Issued:

FIRE PROTECTIVE SIGNALING CERTIFICATE

(CAN/ULC-S561)
This Certifies that the Alarm Companies whose names appear below are Listed by ULC and are authorized to install, monitor, and maintain
Protective Signaling Fire Alarm Systems in compliance with the requirements in CAN/ULC-S561 for Protective Signaling Systems.
The assignment of responsibilities as indicated shall be set out in a contract between the companies involved.
The Alarm Monitoring Company named on this certificate bears the responsibility for the monitoring of the status of signals generated by the
system and for the keeping of records respecting these activities.
The Alarm Installation Company named on this certificate bears the responsibility for the correctness of the system installation, periodic testing,
maintenance repair, as well as the keeping of records respecting these activities.
It is also the responsibility of the Alarm Installation Company to confirm that the equipment used in the installation is ULC Labelled and is suitable
for the application. All required service is provided for in the care contract between the Alarm Installation Company and the Occupant.
ULC makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, that the alarm system will prevent any loss by fire, smoke, water damage, or
otherwise, or that the system will in all cases provide the protection for which it is installed or intended. The certificate is evidence that the
signaling devices are monitored by a ULC Listed Alarm Monitoring Company and that the installation, maintenance and service is provided by a ULC
Listed Alarm Installation Company, which are subject to countercheck field inspections by ULC Representatives. This certificate is to be posted at
the Subscriber’s site and is valid only with a current maintenance contract.
ULC is not an insurer and does not assume any obligation or undertake to discharge any liability of the Alarm Companies or any other party for any
loss, which may result from failure of equipment, incorrect installation, non-conformity with requirements, cancellation of this certificate or
withdrawal of the Alarm Company from Listing by ULC prior to the expiration date appearing on this certificate.

SN: PSxxxxxxxxx
Protected Property: Alarm Monitoring Company: Alarm Service Company:

Alarm System Description: This system is installed and operated in accordance with STANDARD CAN/ULC-S561,2013 edition.

System Type: Fire Protective Signaling Authority Having Jurisdiction:

Responding Fire Department:
System Deviations from Referenced Standards: No deviations from Standards
System Type: Fire Panel

Alarm Transmission Method:

Local F/A Interconnection:
Line Security:
Control or Transmitter Unit:

ULC Codes and Advisory Services ULC Certificate Services

For additional information or questions ULC Codes For additional information or questions to ULC
and Advisory Services is here to help. Certificate Services you can reach them at
T: +1.866.937.3852
Contact Brian McBain
Alan Cavers ext. 61207or
T +1.613.751.3404
E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Visit us at
http://canada.ul.com/ulcprograms/
fireandsecurityalarmcertificateprograms/
http://industries.ul.com/life-safety-and-security/
alarm-service/ulwebcerts

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