digital revision

EN 50518

Monitoring and Alarm receiving centres

The European standard, EN 50518, deals with monitoring and alarm receiving centres which receive and process intruder and hold-up alarm systems via traditional alarm systems and CCTV systems, etc.

The standard devides the alarm centres into two categories with different levels of requirements. Category I applies to centres that receive alarms with any significance for protection and security. Category II includes other alarms, such as fire alarms and social alarms.

EN 50518 addresses risk assessment, the physical construction and electronic protection of the premises as well as operational safety in the form of, for example, standby power supplies. Furthermore, EN 50518 contains technical requirements and requirements for performance on alarm handling as well as requirements on daily operations, staffing, training, tests and access to the ARC. The division of alarm centres into two categories shows the difference between different types of alarms and increases the security of such functions that may be exposed.

SBSC is Sweden’s leading certification body in fire safety and security. We are accredited for alarm receiving centres and carry out audits throughout Europe and an SBSC certification according to EN 50518 is valid throughout the entire European market.

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Requirements for Alarm Receiving Centres
– according to edition EN 50518

Basic requirements

In order to be certified in accordance with EN 50518, you must be able to demonstrate that you fulfil the requirements of the standard. Since the evidentiary requirements are stringent, there is a requirement of documentation such as, for example, certificates for component parts such as doors, windows and locks as well as drawings and photographs of the designs.

Examples of other requirements

  • Current risk assessment which covers all risks associated with the alarm receiving centre.
  • Physical robustness and alarms installed in accordance with the specified requirements.
  • Implemented measurement methods which show that the performance of alarm handling meets minimum requirements.
  • Established testing of equipment carried out daily and weekly.
  • Continuity plan for reduced operation.
  • Security screened, vetted and well-trained personnel who work according to clear instructions.

For end-customers, the grant of a certificate provides an extra assurance that the alarm receiving centre maintains the quality and security necessary in order to ensure that alarms are processed and handled properly.

Advantages of being certified by SBSC

  • SBSC is Scandinavia’s leading certification body within fire safety and security. An SBSC certification shows your customers that you meet all the requirements in relevant standards.
  • The certification demonstrates to standards authorities and end customers that you comply with the requirements in relevant standards.
  • The certification shows that you possess the quality required with respect to organisation, personnel and operations.
  • The certification demonstrates to the buyer that you employ methods to ensure agreed delivery.
  • The certification is an affirmation that an independent certification body regularly checks the company, your personnel, your services, and your management systems which boosts confidence in the operation.
  • SBSC’s certificates and certification marks enjoy substantial market value and a high level of recognition both in the industry and with end customers and standards authorities.
  • SBSC’s certificates provides access to the entire European market.
  • We can help you with marketing; Describe your company on sbsc.se while showcasing your logo and effortlessly informing your customers about your valid certificates. Our website gets thousands of searches for certified companies, products and persons every month.

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