Fire Codes to Know: NFPA Code 72 - Fire Alarm & Signaling

NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, is crucial for understanding and protecting people and property. This code outlines the standards for the design, installation, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm and emergency communication systems across all types of buildings.

NFPA Code 72 was created to ensure fire alarm systems are dependable and effective. It aims to help these systems detect fires, notify building occupants, and trigger emergency responses quickly and without delays. Compliance with NFPA 72 helps ensure your business is taking the right steps to protect lives and limit property damage.

The code’s ultimate goal is life safety. You want to know that if a fire starts, you and your employees will be notified in time to evacuate safely. You want assurance that fire extinguishers are accessible and functional, that emergency communication systems are working, and that the fire department will be alerted automatically

What's Included in NFPA 72?

NFPA 72 provides all the details to guide you on a range of systems, including automatic fire detection, alarm notification, emergency communication systems, and fire safety controls. The code outlines where devices should be installed, how they should be powered, and the type of coverage required for different layouts and occupancy types.

Important NFPA 72 Outlines

• Fire alarm systems must have both primary and backup power supplies to continue operating during outages. 
• Manual fire alarm pull stations should be located in easily accessible areas, typically near exits and along evacuation routes. 
• Audible and visual notification appliances, such as horns, strobes, and speakers, need to meet strict criteria for sound, flash rates, and placement.
• In larger or high-risk facilities, a mass notification system (MNS) may be required to provide critical emergency messaging to all building occupants, not just fire-related alerts.

Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

Fire alarm systems must receive regular maintenance to be compliant and effective. NFPA Code 72 requires annual inspection and testing of the entire fire alarm system, as well as a sensitivity and functionality test for smoke detectors every two years. It’s also important to note that it's mandatory to document all inspections, tests, and maintenance activities, should they be needed for compliance audits and system performance evaluations.

NFPA Code 72 is updated every three years to reflect the latest in fire safety technology and practices. Even though it is not a federal law, it is often a required insurance standard and enforced by fire safety authorities. As a building owner or manager, you are legally required to comply with these codes to maintain occupancy permits and ensure the safety of life.

Your Fire Safety, Our Expertise

The experts at CertaSite can help you identify which NFPA Code 72 requirements are most important for your business’s specific needs. Schedule your free on-site risk assessment today to ensure you’re ready and protected in the event of an emergency.