KEN KIRSCHENBAUM, ESQ ALARM - SECURITY INDUSTRY LEGAL EMAIL NEWSLETTER / THE ALARM EXCHANGE You can read all of our articles on our website. Having trouble getting our emails? Change your spam controls and whitelist ken@kirschenbaumesq.com ****************************** test signals failing to communicate January 12, 2026 ***************************** test signals failing to communicate ***************************** Ken In the article addressing late or fail to test fire alarm transmitters, what was not mentioned is that on the fire alarm control with a built-in transmitter or standalone transmitter there are both lights and an audible sounder that activates when there is a loss of a communication path or fail to communicate with the central station. Based upon that, if the transmitter is part of the control or separate, there could be restrictions set on silencing the sounder that activates as well and thus it will keep on sounding until the problem is remedied annoying those present until the problem is resolved. So, it is obvious to all there that the central station transmitter is not communicating properly if even at all as required. This is in addition to the daily calls to them from the central station if they are doing their job. Those on site are aware of this and should be taking the necessary action as opposed to not being aware. Maybe they think so because someone silenced the sounder. If the alarm firm is diligent and determined to address this situation and has the necessary information that they should get when providing this service, they could notify their clients insurance company that will have a direct impact on their coverage and rates motivating them to take action. There are indirect ways to notify the AHJ without any refection that it came from the alarm firm for quick action too if you know them. Failure to receive test timers holds no excuses for either party in order to resolve this unless they do not want to deal with this. It can be due to the need for an equipment update and cost to do so. There is a work around this update as well as how to anonymously notice the AHJ that we know if we are contacted to discuss. This work around falls withing the FDNY requirements and does not require the firm proving this service to make any equipment changes or an inspection be performed. As a last note here, in the NYC Fire Code specifically states that the Approved Monitoring Central Station is the responsible party for the transmitter and not the servicing company unless there is an agreement stating otherwise. So, all those NYC approved wholesale fire alarm system monitoring central stations who take a blind eye to this are the ones who have to answer to the FDNY when things that are not working as required and not the alarm company proving this and they will. Look in THE ALARM EXCHANGE for us under Technical Support for answer on how to do the things stated. Superior Protection Services 516-486-4848 NYC Fire Alarm Code and Compliance Specialist ******************** Response ********************* Fire alarms usually have test signals scheduled periodically ranging from daily to hourly or more often. You should be clear on what is required for the firm alarm in question. Failure to test needs to be reported to the subscriber and corrected in timely fashion. Of course if you are not engaged to provide Repair Service under RMR then you need approval on a per call basis before providing service. If the subscriber does not call you in or authorize the repair you should notify the subscriber that the AHJ, FD, needs to be notified because monitoring is not possible. You then need to notify the FD or AHJ that monitoring has been suspended. At the same time, if you have a K&K Fire All in One, you can let the subscriber know it is responsible for paying the RMR for monitoring [and repair too if contracted for and subscriber is not permitting you access or authorizing a non RMR covered repair] even though monitoring has been suspended. It's very poor practice to continue billing for monitoring services that are not able to be performed unless you have made it crystal clear to the subscriber that monitoring has been suspended because the system will not communicate. Some of you are starting to re-sell the communication pathway, providing cellular service or radio, in which event make sure it's not your fault that communication is failing to test. *********************** STANDARD FORMS Alarm / Security / Fire and related Agreements click here: www.alarmcontracts.com *************************** CONCIERGE LAWYER SERVICE PROGRAM FOR THE ALARM INDUSTRY - You can check out the program and sign up here: https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/concierge or contact our Program Coordinator Stacy Spector, Esq at 516 747 6700 x 304. *********************** ALARM ARTICLES: You can always read our Articles on our website at ww.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/alarm-articles updated daily ******************** THE ALARM EXCHANGE - the alarm industries leading classified and business exchange - updated daily ************************* Wondering how much your alarm company is worth? Click here: https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/what-is-my-alarm-company-worth ****************************** Getting on our Email List / Email Articles archived: Many of you are forwarding these emails to friends or asking that others be added to the list. Sign up for our daily newsletter here: Sign Up. You can read articles and order alarm contracts on our web site www.alarmcontracts.com Sign up for emails from our Mail Chimp service: http://eepurl.com/i-Opgw ************************** 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
