Applicable Codes & Standards

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Code Council (ICC) develop national codes and standards for our built environment. Codes define the requirements for “where” systems and features are installed and standards define “how” the systems must be installed. NFPA 72 does not require fire alarm and signaling systems to be installed; it merely provides the requirements for the installation, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of the fire alarm and signaling systems where these systems are required by another Code.

NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, and building codes such as the International Building Code (IBC) contain requirements for where a fire alarm system must be installed. These documents describe the type of system that must be installed, based on occupancy type or use group. They all reference NFPA 72 for installation and performance requirements. At this time, the 2009 editions of the IBC and NFPA 101 reference the 2007 edition of NFPA 72.

NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC) provides all wiring requirements. NFPA 101, the IBC and NFPA 72 all reference the NEC for the wiring of fire alarm and signaling systems. Specifically, Article 760 provides requirements for wiring fire alarm systems. Other signaling systems, such as access control, intrusion/burglary and building automation systems, are covered by Article 725.

In addition to the IBC, the NEC and NFPA 101, there are many other codes and standards that provide peripheral requirements for fire alarm system interfaces. For example, suppression systems are generally required to be supervised by the fire alarm system; elevators must have firefighter’s recall; HVAC systems greater than a certain size must be shut down; and doors must unlock in the event of a fire. These codes and standards include, but are not limited to:

  • ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators
  • NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems
  • NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler systems
  • NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection
  • NFPA 731, Standard for the Installation of Electronic Premises Security Systems
 
The resources contained herein are brought to you by the National Systems Contractors Association. NSCA is the leading trade association representing the commercial electronic systems industry, which includes professionals in life safety, automation and control systems, audio, lighting and more. Visit www.nsca.org for more information. Contact Barbra Snitker at bsnitker@nsca.org or 800.446.6722 for information about opportunities on MNEC.org.