NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code 2010 Edition

NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code covers the application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing and maintenance of fire alarm systems, supervising station alarm systems, public emergency alarm reporting systems, fire warning equipment and emergency communications systems (ECS), as well as their components.

In the most extensive revision since 1993, NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code 2010 Edition's scope and organization have expanded beyond the core focus on fire alarm systems to also include requirements for mass notification systems used for weather emergencies; terrorist events; biological, chemical and nuclear emergencies, and other threats. In addition to updated rules for in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications systems, this new chapter includes first-time provisions for:

• Risk analysis requirements for the design of mass notification systems (MNS)
• In-building MNS
• Wide-area MNS for locations such as college campuses and military bases
• Distributed recipient MNS to communicate with targeted individuals or groups
• In-building radio enhancement systems
• Area of refuge for two-way emergency communications systems

Other major revisions and additions that increase protection affect:

• Circuits and pathways: A new chapter combines existing and new requirements and consolidates basic wiring rules and circuit performance into one location.
• Voice intelligibility: Revised installation and testing provisions plus an extensive new Annex with detailed guidance for testing
• Signaling for the deaf and hard of hearing: Improved safety in sleeping areas includes new rules that mandate low-frequency signaling for those with mild to severe hearing loss, and tactile as well as visible signaling for those with profound hearing loss.
• Smoke detector placement: Updated spacing and placement requirements for level beamed ceilings and new spacing requirements for sloped beamed ceilings