Please note: All interim revisions for this edition available at time of your purchase will be included.

Local Burglar Alarm Units and Systems

UL 609

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover construction, performance, and maintenance of local burglar-alarm units and systems for use in mercantile premises, mercantile safes and vaults, and bank safes and vaults.

1.2 As covered by these requirements, a local alarm system consists of protective circuits and devices, connected through control apparatus to an enclosed tamper-protected sounding device mounted on an outside wall of the building in which the protected property is situated. Intrusion into or disturbance of the units or wiring causes the sounding device to be actuated. The sounding device continues to operate until it is stopped by using the proper control key, by exhaustion of the power supply, or by action of an automatic timing element that is preset for a definite operating period. These systems usually operate within the limits of Class 2 remote control and signal circuits of Class 2 remote control and signal circuits as defined by Article 725 of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.

1.3 The operation of a local alarm system is partially under the control and domination of the owners or others interested in the property. However, it is required that systems be maintained under the care and regular inspection service of the installing company. The installing company is expected to respond to troubles or calls for service promptly on report of the owner. See Maintenance, Sections 57 and 65. It is the responsibility of the owner to switch the system ON and OFF duty and to report malfunctioning of the system to the service company.

1.4 Local mercantile burglar-alarm systems are intended for the protection of mercantile premises or mercantile safes and vaults.

1.4 revised effective March 17, 2007

1.5 Local bank burglar-alarm systems are intended for the protection of bank safes and vaults.

1.5 revised effective March 17, 2007

1.6 Equipment intended for combination burglar-alarm and fire-protective signaling systems shall comply with the Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems, UL 864.

1.6 revised January 6, 2010

1.7 Devices installed on individual properties are further classified as to extent of protection at each location. Rules covering installation and classification (of extent) of alarm equipment at individual locations are published in the Standard for Installation and Classification of Burglar and Holdup Alarm Systems, UL 681, which should be consulted by burglar-alarm installers.

1.7 revised effective March 17, 2007

1.8 A product that contains features, characteristics, components, materials, or systems new or different from those covered by the requirements in this standard, and that involves a risk of fire or of electric shock or injury to persons shall be evaluated using appropriate additional component and end-product requirements to maintain the level of safety as originally anticipated by the intent of this standard. A product whose features, characteristics, components, materials, or systems conflict with specific requirements or provisions of this standard does not comply with this standard. Revision of requirements shall be proposed and adopted in conformance with the methods employed for development, revision, and implementation of this standard.

1.8 revised February 24, 1999