Are “POTS in a Box” Systems Code-Compliant?

5/15/2026

With POTS lines going away very soon, I'm seeing many companies switch to a "POTS in a Box."

Do these meet the NFPA 72 code requirements?

I can't find much information about these devices. One thing I am finding is that they do not appear to be UL-listed.

At what point does NFPA 72 stop regulating the communication method?

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7 Comments

Chad

5/15/2026 08:15:25 am

never heard it called that, assuming you mean something like a Napco Starlink or similar, they are very compliant.

72 does regulate it. Its a performance based technology 2019 NFPA 72.26.6.3 They are cross supervised between host panel and communicator.... when installed correctly. And there is supervision between communicator and its NOC and the end central station.

If you are referring to a cable modem type situation with VOIP phone lines, that is a managed facility voice network (MVFN) and that too is covered by 72 under Transmission channels 26.6.4.1.4 but they are trickier, getting UL listed battery back up for the on premise equipment is super costly and impractical. Same issue with using IP communications.

chad

5/15/2026 08:21:40 am

Oh. I googled POTS in a box. Those do not look like they are compliant with 72.

I can't confirm this but they would advertise if they were.

Glenn Berger

5/15/2026 08:31:33 am

I too just search for the "POTS in a box." Truthfully, it looks just like a radio-type system that as long as the communication path can be guaranteed (i.e., supervised) then it probably will meet the "intent" of NFPA 72.

Jonathan Griffin

5/15/2026 09:50:36 am

I have perused the specification sheets for the DataRemote 90X2 Cellular Router/Dialer & 90X1 Router/Dialer.

They are both 3rd-Party ETL-listed, and perform the operation as a POTS-wired telephone. One is VOIP-enabled, the other is Cellular and both can be assigned as any other telephone in their respective VOIP or Cellular networks. One would jack from the FACU Dialer Phone Ports to the device and it behaves just like a dial-up phone. The device has a UPS battery back-up.
New technology is always evolving...

chad putney

5/15/2026 11:43:47 am

Honestly wondering: why would you choose that over a UL listed for fire alarm cellular or radio communicator?

Ryan Grant

5/28/2026 06:50:29 am

Chad-
I'm not sure. The money he spent on this setup, plus having the alarm company reprogram the panel for 6-hr communication supervision, a cellular dialer would have been much cheaper.

sean

5/15/2026 04:20:05 pm

We have radio and cell around us.

Some just one or the other or a combo.

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Are “POTS in a Box” Systems Code-Compliant?

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