What role do codes and standards play in burglar alarm systems?

Codes and standards play a crucial role in burglar alarm systems by establishing minimum safety and performance criteria that ensure the systems function effectively and reliably. These criteria help to ensure that alarm systems are designed, installed, and maintained in a manner that meets industry requirements, protecting both property and its occupants. By adhering to these standards, manufacturers and installers help reduce the risk of false alarms and enhance the overall effectiveness of security measures.

Setting minimum criteria is essential for maintaining consistency across different products and installations, ensuring that systems across various applications can provide a similar level of protection. This adherence to standards is relevant not only for the safety of the systems but also for legal compliance and insurance requirements, where failure to meet established codes can have significant repercussions.

In contrast, stating that codes and standards make systems more expensive ignores the long-term benefits of reliable system performance and reliability, while suggesting that they are optional guidelines undermines the critical role they play in enhancing safety. Additionally, indicating that these standards apply only to commercial systems excludes residential settings, where compliance is equally important.