What is an Auxiliary Service Provider May 18, 2026

KEN KIRSCHENBAUM, ESQ
ALARM - SECURITY INDUSTRY LEGAL EMAIL NEWSLETTER / THE ALARM EXCHANGE
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What is an Auxiliary Service Provider
May 18, 2026

What is an Auxiliary Service Provider

Ken
   The Auxiliary Service Provider (ASP) is a new entity defined in the 2025 edition of NFPA 72 to regulate third-party services that receive, modify, or manipulate fire alarm signals from a protected premises before directing them to a supervising station. Unlike simple internet service providers that merely route signals, an ASP is positioned in the network topology such that signals cannot reach the supervising station without the entity's intervention, often acting as an intermediary for cloud-based or IP-based communicators.
   I've authored a paper entitled "What You Need To Know About
Auxiliary Service Provider (ASP)" and all fire alarm dealers [which is any alarm company that sells, installs, monitors, inspects or services fire alarms, should know.
   The article is below and you are welcome to share this information with the alarm industry.
David Currie
dave@damar.net
Damar Security Systems
1-866-337-1234
http://damarsecuritysystems.com

Response
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   This is valuable and timely advice and information; thank you for sharing this Dave, and introducing this newly named class of service providers. ASPs, what they are likely to now be known as, have been around for years and are increasing. These operations now have their own category, and now, new guidelines.
   Here is Dave's article, and thanks to Peter Goldring who suggested to Dave that he send this to me to share with the industry. Note that after introducing the ASP Dave provides his take and opinion on several issues that deserve serious consideration.
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What You Need To Know About Auxiliary Service Provider (ASP)
David J. Currie – Damar Security Systems 2026 04 09
   The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) has published the 2025 edition of NFPA 72 (United States National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code). NFPA 72 covers the application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems, supervising station alarm systems, public emergency alarm reporting systems, fire warning equipment and emergency communications systems (ECS), and their components. NFPA 72 has introduced a new section dealing with Auxiliary Service Providers (ASP). In Canada, the National Building Code and the National Fire Code, or provincial or territorial codes govern fire alarm systems. These codes, without exception, reference and require conformance to CAN/ULC 561, Fire Signal Receiving Centers (FSRC).

The following is from the NFPA:
   The Auxiliary Service Provider (ASP) is a new entity defined in the 2025 edition of NFPA 72 to regulate third-party services that receive, modify, or manipulate fire alarm signals from a protected premises before directing them to a supervising station. Unlike simple internet service providers that merely route signals, an ASP is positioned in the network topology such that signals cannot reach the supervising station without the entity's intervention, often acting as an intermediary for cloud-based or IP-based communicators.
   NFPA 72 2025 edition, defines an Auxiliary Service Provider as:
   “3.3.31* An entity or service that receives signals from a protected premises fire alarm system, modifies or manipulates the signals, and directs them to the supervising station (Fire Signal Receiving Centre), positioned in the network topology such that signals cannot reach the supervising station without the entity or service.”
   A.3.3.31 Auxiliary Service Provider (ASP). Auxiliary service providers (ASPs) that first receive and redirect or modify fire alarm system signals from the protected premises before they are received by the supervising station need to be further regulated. (ULSE Technical Committee TC 8555) Although these entities and their equipment and services are set up to automatically retransmit signals to the supervising station, this signal transmission can compromise the safeguards placed in this Code (NFPA 72) to ensure reliable signal transmission from the protected premises to the supervising station and timely response by emergency responders.
   An internet service provider or other common carrier that routes signals directly to the supervising station should not be considered an ASP.
   Entities that operate or offer building owners an auxiliary service provide a combination of on-premises fire alarm communicators and pathways from the protected premises to its facility, receivers, or servers prior to the supervising station. The pathway(s) of the ASP includes that from the supervised fire alarm communicator at the protected premises to the ASP, and secondarily from the ASP to the supervising station (Central Station or CS) (in Canada, the FSRC). Any failure of the pathway(s) needs to include annunciation at the protected premises that the fire alarm signal(s) was not acknowledged by the supervising station and notification to the supervising station of a failed communication. It is common for the fire alarm service company to provide the supervising station identification to the ASP to ensure signals are received at the prearranged supervising station. ASPs might provide other business services. Only fire alarm signals from the protected premises to the supervising station for signal processing are meant to comply with this Code.
   This definition establishes ASPs as intermediaries between fire alarm systems and supervising stations (Canadian Fire Signal Receiving Centers), distinguishing them from simple transport providers like telecom carriers (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, Bell, Rogers, Telus), which only relay signals without altering them. While there is nothing that prevents common carriers from providing ASP services it is highly likely that certain already established providers such as AlarmNet, Connect-24, Alarm.Com, etc. may be potential Auxiliary Service Providers.
   Here is a link to a YouTube Video that describes the Auxiliary Service Provider concept: https://youtu.be/OHcYUpoB5Yo
   NFPA 72-2025 introduces the new entity - Auxiliary Service Provider (ASP) at 3.3.31 and provides requirements in Section 26.2.11, that regulates ASPs and mandates several operational requirements:
   Signal Handling: ASPs must ensure alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals are properly re-transmitted.
Data Logging: They are required to record all signals sent and received for at least one year.
   System Integration: ASPs allow signals to be routed not only to supervising stations but also to other protected premises, enabling advanced monitoring architectures.
   Compliance Path: ASPs must comply with UL 827, the United States standard for Central-Station Alarm Services. However, as of early 2026, UL 827 does not yet define evaluation criteria for ASPs, creating a gap in enforceability. (DJC Comment: UL Standards and Engagement have established a new technical committee TC 8555 and is currently seeking members for that committee to develop additional clauses for UL 827regulating ASPs.)
   There is mention of bi-directional communications between the ASP and the protected premises. In the United States there are some requirements where the Central Station may transmit signals, such as an acknowledgement of signals received, back to the originating fire alarm system. Such acknowledgements to the protected premises fire alarm system are not required and are not provided in Canada.
   One of the purposes of this bulletin is to advise you that UL Standards and Engagement has established a new Technical Committee for the purposes of developing a Canadian Standard for Auxiliary Service Providers. Interested parties who would like to serve on this new technical committee can apply to ULS&E. You may want to apply for membership in TC 8555 – when asked for the TC simply enter “8555” Here is the link to apply:
   https://safetyscience.my.site.com/MyInfo/s/

Why is this important to those of us who provide Fire Signal Receiving Centre service to our customers?
   First of all, here is my disclaimer! The following are my own personal thoughts about Auxiliary Service Providers and their application in the Canadian fire alarm monitoring industry.
   Why Auxiliary Service Provider Initiative? Apparently the initiative to recognize ASPs stems from major communication interruptions that involved third party service providers situated in the communication path between the customer’s alarm signal transmitter and the CS or FSRC. These third-party providers receive signals over the internet and over the cellular data network, monitored for missed test signals, and relay alarms through to many supervising stations. (In CAN/ULC 561 these providers are referred to as “Clearing Houses.”) If a supervisory (3 minute check-in) or a test signal failed to arrive in the appointed time this service provider would initiate a “communication failure” or a “late to test” signal and send it on to the CS or FSRC. These third-party providers suffered multi-hour interruptions where absolutely no signals, including valid alarms, were transmitted to the supervising station. Valid alarms were missed!
   It has also been suggested that the impetus to introduce ASPs may have come from one or more U.S. based trade associations and/or certain U.S. municipal fire services. The reasons do not appear to be clear at this time but imagination suggests that certain manufacturers may be pushing the ASP concept! Again, my opinion only.
   ASP or Clearing House Canada! In Canada, CAN/ULC 561 at Section 16.1 does address clearing houses (facilities that receive, may process, and retransmit signals) and very clearly differentiate between those that simply retransmit all signals and those that perform any type of decision making (such as tracking test signals). Where signals are processed, the clearing house must meet the requirements of a satellite center (16.1.3) and be Listed in accordance with CAN/ULC 561. Obviously, Clearing Houses or ASPs that monitor three minute supervisory or scheduled test signals are both “processing” and/or making decisions on signals and should be required to be listed to be acceptable in Canada! Apparently ULC Fire and Security Systems Solutions has chosen to “look the other way” or is accepting the U.S. approach and is accepting non listed facilities and services in the alarm signaling chain!
   In the United States third party providers, at this time, are not required to meet any code or standard requirements. In fact, the U.S. permits intermediate providers to send signal receipt acknowledgements back to the originating (Customer Alarm Panel) alarm signal transmitter regardless of whether the signal has been successfully forwarded on to the supervising station or not.
   Are Auxiliary Service Provider Listings Reasonable? In my opinion, the introduction of another link in the fire alarm communications path (an ASP) is very much like employing a sledge hammer against a mosquito! I believe that there is a valid concern about ASPs but the somewhat simpler solution would be to require that all third party communication providers be listed, as they are in Canada if they process any signals passing through.
   Will UL-ULC Listing Remove The Problem? However when I apply some serious thought to requiring UL-ULC listing (conformance, compliance to UL 827 or CAN/ULC 561) and the benefits that may be realized, it must be understood that “listings” and “compliance” will not prevent equipment failures. UL-ULC listing will not make the potential of equipment failure go away and it will do absolutely nothing to address possible failures. And where third party (or perhaps even fourth party) data centers are employed there is virtually no chance that those data centers will be listed as being in compliance with any UL-ULC standard.
   ASPs Required? NFPA 72 - 2025 does not appear to make the employment of an ASP mandatory. At 26.2.11.1 the clause reads “Where an auxiliary service provider (ASP) is used….” and again at 26.2.11.2.4 “Where used, an ASP shall be approved.” I have not been able to find any other reference to an ASP that would imply mandatory use. While this would indicate that the insertion of an ASP into the fire alarm communication path is voluntary it would not take much effort to modify NFPA 72 at some point in the future to make ASPs mandatory. Again remember that NFPA 72 applies only in the United States. In Canada the National Fire Code or provincial/territory derivatives would have to be revised to require the use of ASPs.
   While I may be wrong, it is my belief that there is absolutely no need for Auxiliary Service Providers in Canada! Why do I feel this way?
   I cannot think of any beneficial improvement that an Auxiliary Service Provider would add in Canada!
   The implementation of Auxiliary Service Providers in Canada will increase the number of potential points of failure. A ULC Listing and conformance to ULC Standards will do absolutely nothing to alleviate the possibility of equipment failure and the potential loss of alarm signals.
   Questions will arise about who is going to be responsible for the installation, service and testing of the alarm signal transmitters at the customer’s premises? The NFPA description envisions that the ASP will provide the protected premises transmitters and communication paths between the protected premises and the ASP, and between the ASP and the FSRC. This will create a conflict with the requirements in CAN/ULC 561 which require the FSRC to perform the customer premises installations.
   Who is going to investigate and correct communication problems between the customer and the ASP? If the ASP is providing the communication path then they will have to assume the maintenance and repair responsibilities.
   Will the ASP be responsible to provide the communication path(s) between the customer premises and their facility? Internet connectivity or cellular (AlarmNet, Connect-24 – Securenet, etc.)
   Why has NFPA specified that this new entity will provide the communication paths?
   There are many aspects of potential liability exposure when an ASP is introduced into the signaling path!
   Customers of monitored fire alarm systems experience confusion about who to contact for service on their fire alarm system or who to contact to place their monitoring on Test-disable. We don’t need to add another entity in the equation.
   As owners/operators of ULC Listed Fire Signal Receiving Centers do we want to have a third-party interfacing with our customers!
   NFPA 72 2025 at Section 3.3.31 defines Auxiliary Service Provider as “An entity or service that receives signals from a protected premises fire alarm system, modifies or manipulates the signals, and directs the signals to the supervising station and is positioned in the network topology such that signals cannot reach the supervising station without the entity or service.
   At the present time the National and provincial/territorial fire codes in Canada do not recognize Auxiliary Service Providers. Should the proposed Standard even be acknowledged in Canada.
   NFPA 72 section on ASP’s does not appear to address customer notifications regarding fire alarm trouble and/or supervisory signals. Is it the intention that the ASP notify the customer of the trouble and/or supervisory signals?
   NFPA 72 section on ASP’s does not address the requirements for following up on unrestored alarm, trouble and supervisory signals. Will the ASP accept the responsibility to follow up on unrestored trouble and/or supervisory signals?
   What Should Be Done?
   In Canada, CAN/ULC 561 was originally developed in 1999. Since then there have been huge advancements in telecommunications, principally in Cellular Data and the internet. Some manufacturers have kept pace with the technological advancements while others have attempted to offer new - but cheaper- services. Companies operating Central Stations or Fire Signal Receiving Centers should bear the sole responsibility of supervising the communication abilities between the customer premises and their listed facilities. There is no room for an intermediate third party (perhaps even employing a fourth party data center) to be responsible for monitoring communication integrity. Certain fire alarm signaling manufacturers have designed systems where a receiver in the CS or FSRC provides the necessary supervision (3 minute check in or 24 hour) and in the absence of the required signals alerts the station automation system. And these receivers provide the required supervision on both internet and cellular signaling. Dual paths are the most practical and reliable methods of signaling between a customer premises and the CS-FSRC!
   UL-ULC Standards must do away with the old-time ideas of signaling and move up to the current times. Current standards still permit the use of automatic telephone (DACT) transmitters which should be banned because telephone companies are rapidly doing away with Plain Old Telephone Service lines. Every day hundreds or thousands of people are cancelling their landline telephone service. While analogue terminal adapters can provide “POTS-LIKE” service they depend upon customer or carrier provided modems, routers and network switches which require 12 VAC power to operate. Current standards still allow the use of a telephone line and a second method (internet or cellular) (passive communications) with the requirement that each path supervises the other. This means that a total alarm signal transmitter can fail and not be detected for up to twenty-three hours. This is not sufficient in this day and age. Standards in both the U.S. and Canada must be revised to move fire alarm signaling into the current century.
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Ken Kirschenbaum,Esq
Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum PC
Attorneys at Law
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Garden City, NY 11530
516 747 6700 x 301
ken@kirschenbaumesq.com
www.KirschenbaumEsq.com