Monitoring stations often have sensitive equipment that may be subject to transient surges that can occur from primary power supply lines.

The language in NFPA 731 Section 9.5 requires surge protection on all equipment that is sensitive to transient surges on primary power supply lines. Surge protection is also required on all equipment that is sensitive to transient surges on the communication circuits in accordance with the NEC^® (NFPA 70).

In the NEC^®, Article 708 covers Critical Operations Power Systems (COPS). Critical operations power systems are those systems so classed by municipal, state, federal, or other codes by any governmental agency having jurisdiction or by facility engineering documentation establishing the necessity for such a system.

These systems include but are not limited to power systems, HVAC, fire alarm, security, communications, and signaling for designated critical operations areas.

In the NEC^®, Article 645 covers Information Technology Equipment and has a definition in 645.2 of a Critical Operations Data System:

Critical Operations Data System. An information technology equipment system that requires continuous operation for reasons of public safety, emergency management, national security, or business continuity.

See NEC^® code language below:

Below is a sample of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the latest NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.

708.20(D) Surge Protection Devices. Surge protection devices shall be provided at all facility distribution voltage levels.

Below is a sample of NFPA 731. For the complete section, see the actual NFPA 731 text at NFPA.ORG. Once there, click on the free access link to the latest edition of NFPA 731.

9.5 Central Monitoring Stations.

9.5.1 The monitoring station building or that portion of a building occupied by a monitoring station shall conform to the requirements of ANSI/UL 827, Standard for Central-Station Alarm Services, clause “Facilities and Equipment.”

9.5.2 Disposition of signals shall be in accordance with Section 9.6.

9.5.3 Surge protection shall be provided on all equipment that is sensitive to transient surges on primary power supply lines.

9.5.4 Surge protection shall be provided on all equipment that is sensitive to transient surges on communication circuits in accordance with NFPA 70.

9.5.5 All wiring to alarm receivers shall be in conformance with NFPA 70.

9.5.6 All signals shall be recorded and displayed in accordance with 9.7.10.

9.5.7 Alarm receiving equipment shall be in accordance with Section 9.7.