A fire alarm system may utilize listed speakers as alarm notification appliances. Which statement is true?

A fire alarm system may utilize listed speakers as alarm notification appliances. Which statement is true?

• A. Not allowed.
• B. Allowed if listed.
• C. Always allowed.
• D. Only in certain jurisdictions.

Answer: (B)

Listing determines whether a speaker can act as an alarm notification appliance in a fire alarm system. If a speaker is UL-listed (or listed by another recognized testing authority) specifically for fire alarm use, it can be integrated as part of the notification system, as long as the installation follows the listing’s conditions and the NFPA 72 requirements. The listing confirms the device will perform correctly under fire conditions, with appropriate sound output, impedance, and reliability. Non-listed speakers aren’t permitted as alarm notification appliances, because they haven’t been shown to meet the safety and performance standards necessary for life-safety signaling. Some jurisdictions may add extra approvals, but the essential rule is that listing for fire alarm use is what permits a speaker to be used as an alarm device.

Listing determines whether a speaker can act as an alarm notification appliance in a fire alarm system. If a speaker is UL-listed (or listed by another recognized testing authority) specifically for fire alarm use, it can be integrated as part of the notification system, as long as the installation follows the listing’s conditions and the NFPA 72 requirements. The listing confirms the device will perform correctly under fire conditions, with appropriate sound output, impedance, and reliability.

Non-listed speakers aren’t permitted as alarm notification appliances, because they haven’t been shown to meet the safety and performance standards necessary for life-safety signaling. Some jurisdictions may add extra approvals, but the essential rule is that listing for fire alarm use is what permits a speaker to be used as an alarm device.