The performance and operation of monitoring stations that monitor premises security systems must comply with the requirements of NFPA 731 Chapter 9. This includes specific rules for public safety agencies, building construction, fire protection, doors leading to operations rooms, standby power and the like.

One requirement in Section 9.3.2.2 relates to the operations room having a minimum fire resistive construction rating of 1 hour.

In order to properly advise a potential client who desires an existing room to be turned into an operations room, the security professional needs to understand building construction and what constitutes a fire rated wall.

UL Product iQ is a great tool that can be used to see many different wall types that are considered fire rated and the number of hours that the wall is rated for. On UL Product iQ, there is a link for Fire Rated Walls, Floors, Beams and Columns to search by assembly number or to search with specific parameters to match up the type of existing wall to an hourly rating.

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.

9.3.2 Building Construction.

9.3.2.1 Building construction requirements shall be governed by local and state building codes.

9.3.2.2 The operations room shall have a minimum fire resistive construction rating of 1 hour.

9.3.2.3 Emergency lighting shall be provided for the operations room and those areas critical to maintaining overall operations.