All fire detection and alarm equipment must be listed by:

• A. NFPA 13
• B. a nationally recognized testing agency
• C. Local code official
• D. Insurance company

Answer: (B)

Fire detection and alarm equipment must be tested and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. This listing shows the device has been evaluated to applicable standards for safety, performance, and compatibility with fire alarm systems, giving authorities and designers confidence that it will operate reliably in life-safety situations. Recognized labs such as UL, FM Approvals, ETL, or CSA perform the testing and publish the listing, which is then used by authorities having jurisdiction during approval. The local code official enforces and may accept listings, but the formal requirement comes from the equipment being listed by a recognized testing organization. NFPA 13 covers sprinkler systems, not listing of alarm equipment, and an insurance company doesn’t certify products for listing.