Most contractors feel confident that they have the qualifications to install any fire alarm system, regardless of size or complexity. You likely already know that only an unfinished fire alarm system can delay the occupancy...
The standards development system for the National Electrical Code is a public, consensus-driven process. The NEC receives thousands of public inputs and comments every cycle. But how can a book be consistent if it has...
As more governments around the world adopt international fire protection standards, sales of fire protection systems are increasing dramatically, according to the “Fire Protection System Market Research Report--Global...
In my September article, I wrote about ways to improve chances of passing the fire alarm acceptance test the first time. It takes some effort on the part of the fire alarm contractor, but it can be done. This will improve job...
As I finish my last of 10 cycles as Secretary of the NEC, I marvel at the changes during the nearly 40 years of my involvement. We have seen numerous new technologies, from electric vehicles to solar photovoltaic systems to...
Thousands of annual job-related injuries and hundreds of fatalities can be attributed to electrical hazards. Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulations in place to prevent these types of...
According to a new report from the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), "Fatal Electrical Injuries of Contract Workers," the construction industry experienced a "substantial share" of contractor deaths involving electrical...
As more employers use contract and temporary workers, concerns over the safety of their working conditions have also increased. A recent study shows that this concern is justified, as fatal electrical injuries to contract...
I have written a couple of articles about NFPA 4, Standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety System Testing, in the past. The last one in December was about getting it referenced in the model codes to make its...
According to data from “Fires in Structures Under Construction,” published in this month by the NFPA Research, Data and Analytics Division, and other media reports, fires occurred at 3,820 U.S. construction sites with an...
The International Code Council (ICC), the Solar Rating and Certification Corp. (ICC-SRCC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have teamed up to release the 2018 International Solar Energy Provisions (ISEP)...
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the most important and comprehensive document created for the practical safeguarding of persons and property from the use of electricity and its hazards. Right now, the 2020 edition is...
Many contractors wish for some form of recurring revenue that keeps on giving while they keep busy bidding or working on their installation projects. Fire alarm system maintenance can meet this goal. As with any business...
In mid-April, the National Center for Fire and Life Safety (NCFLS) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced that the NPFA HEROES Experience, the first public fire and life safety educational and...
When I was growing up, I remember a TV commercial slogan made famous by Sy Syms, the founder of Syms clothing stores: “An educated consumer is our best customer.” I believe we can adapt this slogan to the fire alarm system...
In the last year or two, I have written a few articles about NFPA 3, Recommended Practice for Commissioning of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, and NFPA 4, Standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety...
I used to get weary of hearing intelligent buildings would be the norm in the near future. I never believed the concept would catch on. First, it was expensive. Second, there had to be a coordinated design for all of the...
We all remember our first fire alarm system installation. Good or bad, we learned from it. On my first installation, I remember going back to my office to speak with the “engineer” we relied on for information. He actually...
Life is full of surprises, and so is the 2018 edition of NFPA 70E. After years of requiring specific information on arc flash equipment labels, as listed in 130.5(H1) through (H3), the 2018 edition has introduced Exception No...
We have all heard the phrase “That’s good enough for government work!” Whether said in jest, sarcasm or resignation, it implies you have done all you’re going to do, and the result will just have to suffice. In the world of...
