For many years, users could either purchase a hard copy of NFPA 72 or a PDF version. NFPA no longer sells PDFs, so if you want an electronic version, you must now subscribe to NFPA Link. 

This excellent tool enables users to view previous editions of the code and show you what has changed. Searching for a particular topic is much easier using an electronic version. Some of the best features of NFPA Link are the enhanced content links at the bottom of many of the paragraphs. 

Some people like to use the codebook; some prefer to use the handbook. NFPA Link is like having both in one. A lot of changes seem quite minimal when just looking at the code, but if you read the enhanced content, it will provide a great deal more information about what is actually required and, in many cases, helpful explanations of what the paragraph really means. 

Bonus content

Here is an example: “14.1.3 Procedures that are required by other parties and that exceed the requirements of this chapter shall be permitted.” 

If you read the enhanced content, it explains this in a lot more detail: “As with other requirements in the code, the inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements are considered minimum. In some cases, the authority having jurisdiction may impose requirements that are more stringent. For example, owners of large, high-value industrial facilities may establish corporate policies requiring more frequent system testing as part of their overall risk management strategy to minimize the potential for disruption of their operations.” This now clearly shows that you may have to follow guidelines not specifically covered in Chapter 14 of NFPA 72. 

Using Annex A is also very helpful, but it may not explain the reasoning as well as the enhanced content does. Here is an example of the difference between the two: “14.2.1.4 The purpose for periodic testing shall be to statistically assure operational reliability.” This requirement does not provide much insight as to how to ensure operational reliability. First, look at the annex material: “A.14.2.1.4 Periodic testing of fire alarm and signaling systems is not necessarily done as a complete system test. NFPA 72 requires parts of the systems to be tested at different frequencies. At any one particular test, only a fraction of the system can be tested. Periodic testing contributes to the assurance of operational and mission reliability but does not ensure either.” 

This provides more information, but still does not tell you how to improve operational reliability. Compare that to this enhanced content: “Periodic inspection and testing do not necessarily ensure proper system operation or availability other than at the specific point in time of the inspection or test. The purpose of periodic inspections and tests is to minimize the potential time a system, function, or device might be out of service before discovery of the problem. For example, assume that during renovation work a smoke detector in the project area is covered with a plastic bag to prevent the entry of dust and dirt but is not removed at the conclusion of the project. If the facility inspects its smoke detectors annually, and the plastic bag was placed over the detector the day after the inspection, the detector could potentially be impaired for a year. If the inspection period is semiannual, as required by NFPA 72, the potential out-of-service time is reduced to 6 months. If the facility has a superior inspection program requiring all smoke detectors to be inspected each month, the maximum out-of-service time before discovery of the plastic bag would be one month.”

Life and safety

In past articles, I have covered ways to locate information about a particular device more easily, such as using the table of contents or the index at the back of NFPA 72. Finding information quickly is a plus, but understanding the intent behind the instructions and how to accomplish them are even more valuable to a well maintained, reliable fire alarm system.

Remember, we are dealing with life safety systems, and it is very important to know you have done everything you can to ensure the system will work as intended when needed. I wrote a previous article about how to improve your inspection and testing department (see “Earning Clients’ Trust” in the September 2024 issue of ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR). Using these available tools will help make that easier and will show you are the expert and care about your client’s fire alarm system and the safety of the building inhabitants.

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