According to NFPA 731 Section 4.2.1, equipment constructed and installed in conformity with NFPA 731 must be “listed” for the purpose for which it is used.

Many products are required by codes and standards to be listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The NRTL’s test and certify products to ensure safety and compliance with the applicable testing standards.

Once products are listed (also called certified), they are then labeled with a mark that shows proof of the product certification or listing. Products that have been listed will have specific conditions and instructions on how they are to be used. Using a listed product in a way that was not covered in the product listing would be a violation.

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.

4.2 Equipment.

4.2.1 Equipment constructed and installed in conformity with this standard shall be listed for the purpose for which it is used.

4.2.2 The premises security system components shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturers’ published installation instructions.

4.2.3 Equipment that utilizes initiating, annunciating, and remote control devices that provide signaling by means of low-power radio frequency shall operate in accordance with 47 CFR 15, “Radio Frequency Devices.”

4.2.4 Equipment that has the physical appearance of a life safety device or appliance but does not perform its apparent life safety function shall be prohibited.