Commercial Alarm Systems NYC: Business, Retail & Office Security
Break-ins, theft, and security incidents threaten NYC businesses daily. Whether you operate a retail store, office, or small business, professional alarm systems provide documented protection and immediate emergency response. Yet many NYC business owners rely on outdated systems, unlicensed installers, or inadequate monitoring—creating security gaps that leave businesses vulnerable.
Choosing the right commercial alarm system and security company requires understanding your business's unique needs, NYC code requirements, and technology options. This guide explains alarm systems for NYC businesses and how to select qualified security companies.
Understanding Commercial Alarm Systems
What Business Alarm Systems Provide
Modern commercial alarm systems deliver comprehensive protection beyond basic intrusion detection. Core functions include intrusion detection through door and window contacts, motion sensors, and glass break detectors; fire and smoke detection (life safety critical); environmental monitoring for floods, temperature extremes, and carbon monoxide; panic and duress buttons providing silent alarms during emergencies; 24/7 professional monitoring; and emergency response coordination with police, fire, and medical services.
Modern capabilities extend system functionality: mobile app control and notifications allow remote management from anywhere, integration with access control systems creates unified security, video verification combines alarm events with camera footage reducing false alarms, remote arming and disarming provides convenience and control, and activity reporting with analytics tracks patterns and security trends.
Why professional installation matters: Strategic sensor placement eliminates blind spots and maximizes coverage. Proper wiring and power backup ensure reliable operation during emergencies. NYC code compliance including proper permits and fire alarm integration prevents violations and ensures life safety. Licensed monitoring coordination provides verified emergency response. Integration with building systems creates comprehensive protection. Ongoing support and service maintains long-term performance.
Modern alarm systems integrate seamlessly with access control and security cameras for comprehensive business protection.
Small Business Alarm Systems
Why Small Businesses Need Professional Systems
Small businesses face unique security challenges requiring professional alarm protection. After-hours break-ins threaten inventory, equipment, and sensitive information. Employee safety requires panic buttons and duress codes for threatening situations. Insurance requirements—many carriers mandate professionally monitored alarm systems for coverage or premium discounts. Fire detection and life safety protection prevent catastrophic losses. Liability protection documents security measures reducing exposure. Peace of mind allows owners to focus on business rather than constant security concerns.
Essential Components for Small Businesses
Professional small business alarm systems include door and window contacts on all entry points (front, back, side doors, accessible windows), motion detectors covering key areas including sales floors, offices, and storage, glass break detectors on street-facing windows and large glass surfaces, control panels with backup power and cellular communication maintaining operation during power or phone line failures, fire and smoke detectors integrated with the alarm system, panic buttons at registers and offices for emergency situations, and 24/7 professional monitoring providing verified response.
Silent Alarm Systems for Business
Silent alarms provide critical protection during threatening situations without alerting intruders. Duress codes appear to disarm the system normally but signal monitoring centers that activation is under threat. Panic buttons alert monitoring without audible alarms, allowing discreet emergency communication. These features prove critical during robbery situations—police receive dispatch without alerting intruders to the alarm. Employee safety improves dramatically when staff can signal emergencies without escalating dangerous situations.
Office Alarm Systems
Office Security System Requirements
Office buildings and multi-tenant commercial properties need comprehensive alarm coverage addressing after-hours intrusion detection when buildings sit unoccupied, multi-zone coverage for different floors, suites, and sensitive areas allowing selective arming, access control integration where alarm systems coordinate with building access to arm automatically when the last person leaves, fire alarm system integration (life safety critical and code-required), video verification dramatically reducing false alarms and police response issues, and remote management allowing property managers to monitor and control systems from anywhere.
Integration with Office Systems
Maximum value comes from integration. Alarm status connects to office access control systems creating unified security. Automatic arming and disarming occur based on access events—no manual intervention required. Employee badges or credentials control alarm functions maintaining audit trails. Integration with HVAC systems provides energy savings when buildings are alarmed by reducing heating and cooling in unoccupied spaces. Mobile apps give management real-time control, status visibility, and alert notifications.
Retail Security Systems
Unique Retail Security Challenges
Retail environments face distinct security challenges requiring specialized solutions. Shoplifting and organized retail crime create ongoing inventory losses. After-hours burglary threatens merchandise, cash, and equipment. Employee theft accounts for significant retail losses requiring internal monitoring. Cash handling security protects against robbery and internal theft. High customer traffic requires false alarm prevention—excessive false alarms damage police relationships and response. Integration with POS systems enables transaction verification and audit trails.
Retail Security System Components
Comprehensive retail alarm systems include entry and exit monitoring with delay timers allowing staff to enter and arm systems, motion detectors in merchandise areas detecting after-hours movement, glass break sensors on storefronts providing immediate detection, safe and cash office protection with dedicated zones, multiple panic buttons at registers where robbery risks concentrate, back room and storage area sensors protecting high-value inventory, and video verification with alarm events dramatically reducing false alarm police dispatch.
Retail Security Company Services
Professional retail security companies provide strategic system design for retail environments accounting for customer flow and merchandise layout, integration with cameras and POS systems creating comprehensive loss prevention, employee training on proper system use reducing false alarms and improving response, false alarm prevention strategies maintaining good relationships with police, video verification reducing police response issues and associated fines, and shoplifting deterrent signage leveraging visible security as crime prevention.
Multi-Location Retail
Retail chains and franchises benefit from centralized monitoring across all locations providing corporate visibility, corporate dashboards displaying all stores simultaneously allowing pattern identification, individual store management capabilities maintaining location-specific control, consistent security standards across the organization, and scalable solutions growing seamlessly as new locations open.
The Wired vs. Wireless Problem
The Industry Shortcut That Compromises Security
When alarm companies take over existing systems, many contractors rip out perfectly good hardwired sensors and replace them with wireless sensors. Why? It's faster, cheaper, and more profitable for them—but it creates serious security vulnerabilities for your business.
Why contractors push wireless replacement:
Speed drives decisions—installing wireless sensors takes minutes versus hours tracing and connecting existing wires, saving labor time but sacrificing security. Lower labor costs result from reduced technical skill requirements and faster installation. Higher profit margins come from markup on wireless sensors without time spent troubleshooting existing wiring. Ongoing revenue streams develop from wireless sensor battery replacement often charged to customers creating perpetual revenue. Frankly, laziness plays a role—it's easier than properly documenting and integrating existing wired infrastructure.
The Security Problems with Unnecessary Wireless Replacement
Reliability issues plague wireless systems in commercial environments:
Battery failures cause false alarms wasting employee time and damaging police relationships, or worse, missed detections leaving businesses unprotected. Radio interference from WiFi networks, microwaves, electronic equipment, and other devices disrupts signals in busy commercial environments. Signal range limitations affect larger retail spaces and multi-floor offices. Dead zones result from building construction including metal studs, concrete, and elevator shafts common in NYC commercial buildings. Systems may provide no warning when batteries are failing in some configurations, creating unknown vulnerabilities.
Security vulnerabilities create real business risks:
Wireless signals can be jammed by sophisticated intruders using readily available equipment. Radio frequency vulnerabilities exist in older wireless systems allowing potential bypass. Batteries dying during extended periods (holidays, vacations) leave businesses unprotected when most vulnerable. Reduced tamper detection compared to wired sensors creates gaps allowing sensor disablement. Environmental interference in NYC's dense RF environment with millions of electronic devices causes unpredictable problems.
Maintenance burden increases costs and hassle:
Battery replacement every 1-3 years per sensor means constant maintenance with 15-30+ sensors in typical commercial installations. Service calls for battery-related false alarms waste time and create disruption. Ongoing costs for replacement batteries add hundreds to thousands annually. System degradation over time as batteries age reduces reliability creating gradual security erosion.
Why Hardwired Sensors Are Superior for Businesses
Always powered: No battery failures or replacement needs—sensors operate continuously without maintenance windows.
More reliable: No radio interference or signal issues affecting performance in busy commercial environments with extensive electronic equipment.
More secure: Cannot be jammed or blocked by intruders using signal interference equipment.
Better tamper detection: Physical wire cutting triggers immediate alarms—any attempt to disable sensors alerts monitoring.
Minimal maintenance burden: No battery replacements required, though all alarm systems still need regular professional inspection, cleaning, and testing for optimal long-term performance.
Long-term reliability: Hardwired sensors should work dependably for many years with proper maintenance and care, providing consistent protection.
NYC building construction: Wired sensors handle steel and concrete commercial buildings better than wireless alternatives struggling with signal penetration.
Important note on maintenance: While hardwired systems eliminate battery-related maintenance, all alarm systems require regular professional inspection, cleaning, and testing to ensure reliable operation when needed. Hardwired systems simply have fewer potential failure points than wireless alternatives.
Connextivity's Proper Takeover Approach
We don't rip out working infrastructure. When taking over existing alarm systems, Connextivity properly evaluates and retains functional hardwired sensors—the way it should be done.
Our takeover process includes: Complete system documentation and testing of all components. Identification of all existing hardwired sensors and wiring infrastructure. Testing each sensor for proper function and reliability. Retention of all functional hardwired infrastructure that meets security needs. Replacement of only failed components with like-for-like wired replacements maintaining system integrity. Addition of new sensors as wired wherever possible using proper installation techniques. Use of wireless only where wiring is truly impractical such as historic buildings with preservation requirements or aesthetic constraints. Provision of complete system documentation for future reference and maintenance.
When wireless makes sense for businesses:
Historic buildings where wiring damages protected architectural features. Spaces where concealed wiring is genuinely impossible without major renovation. Temporary installations for construction sites or temporary locations. Aesthetic requirements prohibiting visible wiring in high-end retail or office spaces. Supplemental coverage between wired sensor zones adding coverage economically.
The Connextivity difference: Licensed electricians properly trace and connect existing wiring rather than taking shortcuts. Technical expertise enables troubleshooting and repair of existing infrastructure other companies dismiss. Long-term thinking recognizes proper wired systems outlast wireless alternatives. Honest assessment distinguishes what genuinely needs replacement from what works perfectly. Customer education about system capabilities, maintenance requirements, and security implications.
What to watch for with other alarm companies: Pressure to "upgrade to wireless" without explaining security and reliability downsides. Refusal to work with existing hardwired sensors claiming they're "obsolete." Claims that existing wiring "can't be used" without proper testing and documentation. Quotes including wireless replacement of all sensors without justification or alternatives. No documentation of existing system before proposing extensive changes.
Questions to ask alarm companies taking over your system: Will you evaluate and test existing hardwired sensors before proposing replacement? Why specifically are you proposing wireless replacement rather than retaining functional wired sensors? What are the security and reliability trade-offs with wireless versus hardwired? Can you document the existing system's condition before making recommendations? What's your company policy on retaining functional wired infrastructure? How many years of experience do your technicians have working with hardwired commercial alarm systems?
Legitimate technical reasons for wireless sensors don't include "it's easier for us" or "we prefer wireless."
NYC Installation and Compliance
NYC Code and Licensing Requirements
NYC and New York State establish specific requirements for alarm system installation ensuring safety and proper operation. Licensed electricians are required for alarm installation involving electrical work—verify contractors hold current NYC electrician licenses. NYS Department of State security installer licensing is mandatory for alarm system installation—confirm contractors hold current licenses. NYC Department of Buildings permits are required for certain installations depending on scope and building type. Fire alarm integration must meet NYC Fire Code requirements ensuring life safety systems work properly together. FDNY establishes requirements for monitoring services and emergency response procedures. Proper signage indicating alarm systems must be displayed per NYC regulations.
Fire code integration is life safety critical: Commercial alarm systems must integrate properly with building fire alarm systems. Electrically locked doors must unlock during fire alarm activation ensuring occupant egress—this is a fundamental life safety requirement that cannot be compromised. Integration connections must be properly designed and installed meeting code requirements. Regular testing and documentation are required maintaining compliance. Consult with licensed fire alarm professionals and FDNY regarding specific integration requirements for your building.
Professional Installation Process
Professional alarm installation begins with comprehensive security assessment through property walkthrough identifying vulnerabilities, entry points, and coverage needs. Evaluation of existing infrastructure examines current wiring, sensors, and control panels for retention or replacement. Strategic sensor placement planning eliminates blind spots and maximizes detection. Integration requirements are identified coordinating with access control, cameras, and fire alarm systems. Code compliance review ensures all work meets NYC requirements. Monitoring service selection identifies appropriate providers and service levels.
Installation includes licensed electrician work for all electrical components and wiring, proper evaluation and retention of existing wired sensors when functional, strategic sensor placement and wiring using professional installation techniques, control panel configuration and programming, backup power and cellular communication ensuring operation during outages, comprehensive system testing and commissioning verifying all functions, user training on proper operation and response procedures, and monitoring activation establishing 24/7 professional coverage.
Timeline expectations vary by project scope: Small businesses with basic coverage require 1-2 days. Medium offices and retail stores with comprehensive coverage need 2-4 days. Large commercial buildings with multi-zone systems and extensive integration require 1-2 weeks. Complex projects involving significant integration or multiple buildings extend timelines proportionally.
Choosing Security Companies in NYC
Required Qualifications and Licensing
NYC and New York State mandate specific licensing ensuring qualified installation and service. Licensed electricians holding current NYC licenses are legally required for electrical work—verify licenses through NYC Department of Buildings. NYS Department of State security installer licenses are mandatory for alarm system installation—confirm current licenses. Insurance and bonding including comprehensive general liability and workers compensation must be verified protecting your business from liability. FDNY-approved monitoring services must be utilized ensuring proper emergency response coordination.
Industry credentials demonstrate expertise and professionalism beyond minimum licensing. ASIS International membership shows commitment to security industry standards and continuing education. Security Industry Association (SIA) membership indicates active participation in industry advancement and best practices. Manufacturer certifications from partners like Axis, Pelco, Motorola, Milestone, and other leading brands demonstrate technical expertise and factory training. Certified Protection Professional (CPP) credentials show advanced security knowledge through rigorous examination. Certified Security Project Manager (CSPM) credentials demonstrate project management expertise specific to security installations. Physical Security Professional (PSP) credentials indicate specialized physical security knowledge.
What to Look For in Security Companies
Experience and expertise matter enormously when selecting alarm system providers. Seek installers with 5+ years serving NYC commercial properties demonstrating stability and expertise. Review portfolios of similar installations in comparable business environments. Verify understanding of NYC codes and requirements through specific questions about compliance. Assess technical expertise in integration, networking, and system troubleshooting. Request and check references from NYC clients in similar industries. Confirm willingness to properly evaluate and retain existing wired infrastructure rather than automatic replacement recommendations.
Service capabilities should be comprehensive addressing all business needs. Full-service providers handle design, installation, monitoring coordination, and ongoing support under one relationship. Integration capabilities connecting alarms with other security systems create unified protection. Emergency service availability ensures rapid response to system failures. Multiple monitoring center options provide flexibility and redundancy. Ongoing support and training maintains system effectiveness long-term. Honest assessment of existing systems rather than automatic upgrade pressure builds trust.
Red flags indicating problematic contractors: Unlicensed contractors violating NYC law and creating liability. Pressure sales tactics rushing decisions without proper assessment. Automatic recommendations to replace all wired sensors with wireless without technical justification. No verifiable NYC experience or inability to provide local references. Suspiciously low bids suggesting corner-cutting on materials, labor, or licensing. No ongoing support or monitoring coordination leaving you stranded after installation. Refusal to work with existing hardwired infrastructure despite functional condition.
Getting Quotes and Evaluating Proposals
Professional alarm system quotes should include complete equipment lists with manufacturer specifications allowing verification of quality, assessment of existing systems documenting current condition and recommendations (if takeover), sensor placement diagrams showing coverage and identifying any gaps, specific justification for any wireless sensor recommendations explaining why wired isn't feasible, installation scope and detailed timeline, monitoring service details including provider, service level, and costs, integration work specifications if connecting with other systems, comprehensive warranty coverage for both equipment and labor, ongoing support options and response time commitments, and total first-year costs including all equipment, installation, monitoring, and service.
Critical questions to ask security companies: Are you licensed in NYC as required by law? (Verify license numbers with city agencies!) Will you evaluate my existing alarm system before proposing replacement? Why specifically are you recommending wireless versus wired sensors for my business? What monitoring services do you work with and what are their response procedures? How do you handle false alarms and what strategies reduce them? What's your guaranteed response time for service calls and system failures? Do you provide integration with access control systems and security cameras? What warranties do you offer on equipment and installation work? Can you provide references from NYC businesses similar to mine? What ongoing maintenance is required and what does it cost?
Monitoring and Response
Professional Monitoring Services
Professional monitoring provides 24/7/365 monitoring by trained professionals who know how to assess situations and coordinate appropriate responses. Immediate emergency response coordination connects businesses with police, fire, and medical services. Police, fire, and medical dispatch occurs rapidly following verification protocols. Video verification when integrated with cameras allows monitoring to assess situations before dispatch reducing false alarms. False alarm filtering through proper verification prevents wasted police resources and maintains good relationships with law enforcement. System supervision continuously monitors alarm system health alerting you immediately if systems fail or lose communication.
Monitoring costs vary by business size and complexity: Small businesses with basic single-zone coverage: $25-50/month. Medium businesses and offices with multi-zone coverage: $40-75/month. Large commercial buildings and retail chains: $75-200+/month depending on zones, locations, and service level.
Why professional monitoring matters for businesses: Central station monitoring provides verified response giving police confidence in alarm authenticity. Self-monitoring through mobile apps only lacks professional verification and may not satisfy insurance requirements. Insurance carriers often require professional monitoring for coverage or premium discounts. NYC police response policies increasingly favor verified alarms given limited resources and false alarm problems.
False Alarm Prevention
NYC takes false alarms seriously affecting police response policies. Police may fine businesses for excessive false alarms—penalties increase with repeat violations. Multiple false alarms can result in police downgrading response priority or refusing non-verified response. Video verification dramatically reduces false alarm dispatch by allowing monitoring to confirm actual emergencies. Proper user training prevents the majority of false alarms caused by employee errors. Hardwired sensors demonstrate significantly lower false alarm rates than wireless systems eliminating battery-related false alarms.
Effective prevention strategies: Dual-verification sensors requiring multiple triggers before alarm prevents single-sensor false alarms. Video verification before dispatch allows monitoring to visually confirm emergencies. Comprehensive user training on proper arming, disarming, and duress code procedures. Pet-immune motion detectors prevent false alarms in businesses with animals. Regular professional maintenance preventing equipment failures that cause false alarms. Properly maintained hardwired sensors eliminating battery failures that cause intermittent false alarms. Cellular backup communication preventing false alarms from phone line issues.
Costs and ROI for Commercial Alarm Systems
Installation and Equipment Costs
Small business alarm systems: $1,500-5,000
Basic perimeter protection (doors, windows, motion)
Control panel with backup power
5-15 sensors depending on size
Fire/smoke detector integration
Basic professional monitoring setup
Office alarm systems: $3,000-15,000
Multi-zone coverage for different areas
Integration with access control systems
15-30 sensors depending on building size
Advanced control panel with cellular backup
Comprehensive monitoring and features
Retail security systems: $5,000-25,000
Comprehensive coverage including sales floor, stockroom, offices
POS integration for transaction verification
Video verification reducing false alarms
Multiple panic buttons throughout store
Advanced monitoring with rapid response
System takeover costs using existing wired infrastructure: Often 30-50% less than complete wireless replacement, demonstrating significant savings by properly evaluating and retaining functional components rather than unnecessary replacement.
Variables affecting costs: Business size and square footage directly impacts sensor requirements. Number of entry points and zones requiring coverage. Existing infrastructure quality—retaining functional hardwired sensors versus unnecessary wireless replacement significantly affects costs. Integration requirements connecting with access control, cameras, and building systems. Monitoring service levels and features selected. NYC labor rates exceeding national averages due to licensing requirements and cost of living.
Ongoing Costs
Professional monitoring: Small businesses: $25-50/month. Medium offices and retail: $40-75/month. Large commercial buildings and multi-location: $75-200+/month depending on zones and service complexity.
Maintenance and service: Wireless systems: $500-2,000/year including battery replacements every 1-3 years per sensor, service calls for battery-related false alarms and sensor issues, and ongoing costs for replacement batteries. Hardwired systems: $300-1,000/year covering regular professional inspections, cleaning and testing, and addressing any issues that develop, with significantly lower maintenance burden due to fewer failure points. All alarm systems regardless of sensor type require regular professional maintenance to ensure reliable operation.
False alarm fines: $0 if properly managed through training, verification, and reliable equipment, potentially hundreds to thousands of dollars for businesses with excessive false alarms affecting police response relationships.
Return on Investment
Measurable financial returns: Insurance premium discounts of 10-20% are common for businesses with professionally monitored alarm systems—verify specific discounts with your carrier. Theft and loss prevention protecting inventory, equipment, cash, and sensitive information. Reduced liability exposure through documented security measures and rapid emergency response. Employee safety improvements reducing workers compensation claims and improving retention. Lower ongoing maintenance costs with properly installed hardwired systems versus wireless alternatives.
Intangible but valuable benefits: Peace of mind for owners and management allowing focus on business rather than constant security concerns. Faster emergency response potentially saving lives and significant property damage. Deterrent effects from visible alarm signage and equipment reducing break-in attempts. Employee confidence and safety improving morale and reducing turnover. Customer perception of professional, secure business environment. Property value enhancement through professional security infrastructure.
Typical payback period: Most commercial alarm systems achieve full payback within 1-2 years through insurance savings and loss prevention alone, making professional systems sound financial investments beyond obvious security benefits.
Serving All Five NYC Boroughs
Connextivity provides commercial alarm systems throughout all five NYC boroughs. Whether you need business alarm systems in Brooklyn, retail security in Manhattan, office alarm systems in Queens, small business security in the Bronx, or alarm installation in Staten Island, our licensed installers deliver professional service. We understand borough-specific challenges from Manhattan high-rises to Brooklyn mixed-use properties, Queens business parks to Bronx industrial areas. Security systems Brooklyn NY and across all boroughs receive consistent quality and expertise.
Professional Commercial Alarm Systems Work
Commercial alarm systems protect NYC businesses from break-ins, theft, fire, and emergencies. Different business types—retail, office, small business—have unique security requirements demanding specialized expertise. NYC mandates licensed installation and strict code compliance protecting businesses and ensuring life safety. Professional monitoring provides verified emergency response saving property and potentially lives. Hardwired sensors offer superior reliability and security versus unnecessary wireless replacement pushed by contractors seeking installation shortcuts. Choose qualified, licensed security companies who properly evaluate existing infrastructure rather than automatic replacement recommendations.
Does your business have adequate alarm protection? Is your system professionally installed by licensed contractors meeting NYC requirements? If you're considering switching alarm companies, will they properly evaluate your existing hardwired sensors or pressure you into unnecessary wireless replacement compromising security? Does your system integrate properly with building fire alarms ensuring life safety compliance?
Inadequate alarm systems—or systems compromised by corner-cutting contractors—create false security leaving businesses vulnerable while professional systems provide real protection and rapid emergency response.
Need professional commercial alarm systems in NYC? Connextivity provides:
Comprehensive security assessments identifying vulnerabilities and requirements specific to your business type and location. Honest system evaluation—we retain functional hardwired infrastructure rather than unnecessary wireless replacement maximizing security and value. Professional system design tailored to your business operations and security needs. Licensed installation by NYC-licensed electricians and NYS security installers meeting all code requirements and ensuring legal compliance. Integration services connecting alarms with access control and security cameras creating unified security platforms. Professional monitoring coordination with reputable central stations providing verified 24/7 response. Ongoing maintenance and support ensuring reliable long-term operation when you need protection most. NYC code compliance meeting all fire code, building code, and FDNY requirements protecting your business from violations.
Whether you operate retail stores, offices, restaurants, warehouses, or any NYC business, we provide honest assessment and proper installation prioritizing your security over installation convenience.
As New York State licensed security installers, Certified Protection Professionals (CPP), and Certified Security Project Managers (CSPM), we design commercial alarm systems that work reliably protecting your business. ASIS International and Security Industry Association members with deep NYC experience across all five boroughs and diverse business environments.
Schedule your free commercial security assessment. We'll evaluate your business including existing alarm infrastructure, identify security gaps and vulnerabilities, recommend appropriate systems designed for your operations, coordinate professional monitoring services, and provide transparent pricing with detailed justifications. If you have existing hardwired sensors, we'll test them thoroughly and tell you honestly whether they should be retained or replaced—and provide specific technical reasons for our recommendations.
Contact Connextivity today
Explore our complete security solutions for comprehensive business protection.
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Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about alarm system requirements but does not constitute legal or code compliance advice. NYC alarm system codes, fire codes, building codes, and FDNY requirements are complex and vary by building type, occupancy classification, construction date, and specific circumstances. Building owners and business operators are responsible for ensuring their alarm systems comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Consult with licensed electricians, licensed security system installers, fire alarm professionals, code consultants, NYC Department of Buildings, FDNY, and legal counsel as appropriate to verify all requirements for your specific property and situation.