KEN KIRSCHENBAUM, ESQ
ALARM - SECURITY INDUSTRY LEGAL EMAIL NEWSLETTER / THE ALARM EXCHANGE
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comment on should alarm co install a non-compliant commercial fire alarm
May 11, 2026
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comment on should alarm co install a non-compliant commercial fire alarm from article on April 17, 2026
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Ken
If the installer is this concerned, why not consult with a NICET 3/4 or a P.E. who designs systems daily and knows the code. The installer will get caught doing fire alarm work in a public space and the AHJ will get involved. At that point, who is on the hook for reaching the point of no return?
Bart A. Didden, President
U.S.A. Central Station Alarm Corp.
Port Chester, NY
Milford, CT
St. Paul, MN
Pasco, WA
877-872-1266
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Ken
Whatever reason that you have for even considering doing this install,
WALK AWAY
It has potential disaster written all over it.
Ralph A.
ESS, LLC
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Response
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The question, at first blush, is a layup begging for an easy answer, which Bart offers. But the real world works a bit differently, especially for some who are out there day after day working hard to build or maintain their business.
If you look at best practices Bart's suggestion is terrific. This applies of course only if your subscriber is willing to install and pay for an approved commercial fire alarm, which was not the case in the initial question. If you don't know what is required for a code compliant fire alarm find out, and since the old adage "someone always knows" is true, you can hire plenty of Nicet 4 or other fire alarm experts to assist. Find them on The Alarm Exchange in the category Technical Support. There's always a "but" and here it comes.
Your "deal" for the fire alarm system may not be for enough money so you can't afford to engage an expert to assist. It's probably going to be a hard lesson, at least for the first few installations, and you better devote the time to learn enough to install the fire alarm system. That advice actually applies to all security and fire alarm and other security systems and services, though the degree of "life - Safety" is somewhat different for different systems. However, to answer Bart's question above directly, the risk for exposure and level of damages is enormous mostly for the dealer, but could extend to the Monitoring Center [affecting central stations like Bart's USA Central] and others involved in the communication pathway [manufacturers].
I do agree with Bart, seek expert help if you're not proficient [expert really] installing fire and other alarm systems. There are lots of training programs, manufacturer programs, association meetings, magazines; some of you have continuing education requirements [take them seriously instead of treating them as a waste of time].
If the job doesn't warrant doing it right then don't do it.
Ralph's advice is also great, don't install non-compliant fire alarm system, or, any system you don't know how to install or you know is deficient in design, equipment or services just because it's all the subscriber will pay for or it's all you know how to do or offer.
If you can't help yourself and go ahead with the job despite the above advice, be sure you are using the proper Standard Form Agreement [Fire All in One in this case], check the right boxes, use the Disclaimer Notice and fill it out properly, make sure your E&O policy is active, join the Concierge Program, hope for the best.
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Ken Kirschenbaum,Esq
Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum PC
Attorneys at Law
200 Garden City Plaza
Garden City, NY 11530
516 747 6700 x 301
ken@kirschenbaumesq.com
www.KirschenbaumEsq.com
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