Seconds Save Lives:
Ensure Your Fire System is Connected to Emergency Services
Fire alarms and sprinkler systems are designed to detect and suppress fires and alert building occupants—but most fire systems are not connected directly to emergency services. Without monitoring, a fire department may only respond if someone manually calls 911, delaying critical action.
With ProTELEC monitoring, your system is connected to our ULC-certified Emergency Monitoring Centre. When an alarm is triggered, our monitoring panel instantly sends a signal, and our trained operators notify the fire department within 30 seconds—no verification call required. We then alert you or your designated contacts.
In emergencies, every second matters. ULC-S561 compliant monitoring ensures fast, automatic response—saving lives and reducing property damage.
We Monitor Your Fire System for Abnormalities
Monitoring doesn’t just detect fires. It also protects against sprinkler malfunctions and leaks, which can lead to costly water damage. With around-the-clock monitoring, you’re alerted immediately to any abnormal system activity.
Many jurisdictions require ULC-S561 certified monitoring for commercial and mid-rise residential buildings. Even when not required, it’s increasingly recommended by fire departments and insurers for safety and compliance.
How ProTELEC Handles Your Different Fire System Alarms
ProTELEC complies with the strict timing and response standards of CAN/ULC-S561:
- Fire Alarm: Must notify the fire department within 30 seconds—no verification allowed and no time wasted.
- Trouble Alarm: Must notify keyholders within 5 minutes.
- Supervisory Alarm: Signals a potential issue (e.g., with sprinklers or connected devices).
- Communication Failure: If monitoring stops, we notify keyholders and an on-site fire watch may be required.
Sprinkler System Monitoring
Sprinkler systems without an on-site fire alarm panel are still monitored for key events, including:
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- Waterflow – Indicates sprinkler activation; requires fire department dispatch.
- Low Pressure – Signals insufficient pressure to function; we notify keyholders.
- Gate Valve – Detects closed water supply valves; we notify keyholders immediately.
Fire Alarm Monitoring Panel Installation
CAN/ULC-S561 also governs how the monitoring panel is installed, ensuring tamper protection and communication reliability.
Key installation features include:
- Mechanically protected wiring
- Tamper-resistant cabinets
- Dedicated power source
In some provinces, ULC-listed installations are subject to annual ULC audits.
Communications & Transmission Types
Alarm signals are transmitted from your building to our Emergency Monitoring Centre using approved communication methods. CAN/ULC-S561 recognizes both active and passive monitoring systems, with options including:
- Telephone Line
- Cellular
- IP (Internet Protocol)
Active Monitoring
Supervises the communication link every 180 seconds. If disrupted, a communication alarm is generated, and notification must occur within five minutes. Active monitoring ensures high reliability and is required when only a single path is used.
Passive Monitoring
Checks in once per day. If passive communication is used, two non-redundant paths are required to meet ULC standards (e.g., phone + cellular or IP + cellular), ensuring signals still transmit if one path fails.
ULC-S561 Certification
The ULC-S561 Certificate is the only official document that proves your fire alarm system meets national monitoring standards. As a ULC-Certified company, ProTELEC can issue and maintain this certification for your building.
Trusted Protection Across Industries
ProTELEC fire monitoring solutions are ideal for:
Commercial • Education • Government • Healthcare
High-Rise Residential • Industrial
Choose ProTELEC for Proven, Compliant Fire Monitoring
With decades of experience and a certified, Canadian-operated Emergency Monitoring Centre, ProTELEC delivers fast response, peace of mind, and full ULC compliance. From system design to certification and communication infrastructure, we handle it all.
Protect your people and your property—partner with ProTELEC.
Contact us today to learn more or request a ULC-S561 consultation