KEN KIRSCHENBAUM, ESQ ALARM - SECURITY INDUSTRY LEGAL EMAIL NEWSLETTER / THE ALARM EXCHANGE You can read all of our articles on our website. Having trouble getting our emails? Change your spam controls and whitelist ken@kirschenbaumesq.com ****************************** Door chime does not comply with Pool Alert alarm requirements January 27, 2023 *********************** Door chime does not comply with Pool Alert alarm requirements *********************** Ken, We are a long time customer. We just updated our contracts and signed up for your Concierge Program. Recently we discovered that both AHJ’s in our immediate service area have been accepting the door chime feature on intrusion alarms in lieu of a Pool Alert Alarm as required under the 2021 International Pool and Spa Code which also references UL2017. (Section 305.4) I have attached the relevant portions of the requirements. Both cities that we provide services in have adopted this code. After searching your website I have only found pool alarms mentioned back in February 2012. Intrusion alarm door chimes obviously do not meet these code requirements. I was hopeful that you could chime in and see if we have any potential exposure since homeowners are under the impression that the door chime on their keypad is acceptable substitute. I have contacted both AHJ’s and started dialog to make them aware that the door chime feature does not meet the code requirements. I was also informed by one of the AHJ’s that most of the pool companies are not calling in final inspections for pools in an effort to circumvent the requirements. In the meantime, I have also added “pool alert alarms” to our Disclaimer Notice and our Certificate of Service to bring this to the homeowners and their insurance companies attention. Thank you, Michael R ********************** Response ********************** You are correct that the doorbell chime and the alarm chime feature on intrusion alarm panels do not comply with the UL requirement for a substitute to fencing around a swimming pool. The problem with the doorbell chime is that it doesn't last 30 seconds and it isn't distinct. I suppose that only doors accessing the pool be alarmed with a chime that lasted 30 seconds and the chime could be distinct if other doors were not protected. I know in my house my alarm system chime will go off if any door is opened, but I can't tell if it's for doors accessing the back of house to the pool area or other doors. You are also correct to use the Disclaimer Notice for this deficiency in the alarm system if intended as a substitute for a pool alarm for house doors leading to the pool area. The Disclaimer Notice is perfect for this deficiency. As far as arguing with the AHJ, that's up to you. A letter from you to AHJ will certainly put them in tough situation if they approve the system that way and injury or death from a pool accident occurs through an unprotected door. ********************** To order up to date Standard Form Alarm / Security / Fire and related Agreements click here: www.alarmcontracts.com *************************** To order up to date Standard Form Alarm / Security / Fire and related Agreements click here: www.alarmcontracts.com *************************** CONCIERGE LAWYER SERVICE PROGRAM FOR THE ALARM INDUSTRY - You can check out the program and sign up here: https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/concierge or contact our Program Coordinator Stacy Spector, Esq at 516 747 6700 x 304. *********************** ALARM ARTICLES: You can always read our Articles on our website at ww.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/alarm-articles updated daily ******************** THE ALARM EXCHANGE - the alarm industries leading classified and business exchange - updated daily ************************* Wondering how much your alarm company is worth? Click here: https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/what-is-my-alarm-company-worth ****************************** Getting on our Email List / Email Articles archived: Many of you are forwarding these emails to friends or asking that others be added to the list. Sign up for our daily newsletter here: Sign Up. You can read articles and order alarm contracts on our web site www.alarmcontracts.com ************************** Ken Kirschenbaum,Esq Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum PC Attorneys at Law 200 Garden City Plaza Garden City, NY 11530 516 747 6700 x 301 ken@kirschenbaumesq.com www.KirschenbaumEsq.com
