What safety standard governs the performance of fire alarm panels?

The performance of fire alarm panels is fundamentally governed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards. These standards are critical because they provide rigorous testing procedures and criteria that ensure fire alarm equipment is reliable and functions as intended in emergency situations. UL standards encompass a comprehensive range of safety aspects, including electrical safety, environmental resistance, and operational reliability, which are paramount when it comes to life safety systems like fire alarms.

While NFPA standards set forth guidelines for fire protection systems, including installation and maintenance practices, they often refer to UL standards as a benchmark for performance compliance. OSHA guidelines primarily focus on workplace safety and health regulations, and ANSI requirements cover a broad spectrum of standards across various industries but do not specifically govern the performance of fire alarm panels. Therefore, the UL standards are the most directly relevant to the performance and safety of fire alarm panels.