NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 26 Changes

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 26 - Supervising Station Alarm Systems

The following information contains the changes, updates and additions to Supervising Station Alarm Systems found in Chapter 26 of the NFPA 72 2016 edition.  Remember if you see a * make sure to consult the Annex A for additional information.

All information highlighted in this light blue color is NEW to the 2016 edition of NFPA 72.

• 26.2.1.1 Alarms signals initiating by manual fire alarm boxes, automatic fire detectors, waterflow from the automatic sprinkler system, or actuation of other fire suppression system(s) or equipment shall be treated as fire alarm signals.
• 26.2.1.2* Except as permitted by 26.2.2 and 29.7.9.2, all fire alarm signals received by a supervising station shall be immediately re-transmitted to the communications center.
• 26.2.1.3 Fire alarm signals received at the supervising station by a zone or zones shall be re transmitted by zone to the communications center.
• 26.2.1.4 Fire alarm signals received at the supervising station that are identified as an individual point or points shall be re-transmitted by point identified to the communications system.

Central Station Service Alarm Systems

• 226.3.4.7 The authority having jurisdiction identified in 26.3.4.2(5) shall be notified within 30 calendar days of the expiration or cancellation by the organization that listed the prime contractor.
• 26.3.8.3* Supervisory Signals.  Upon receipt of a supervisory signal that is not prearranged, the central station shall perform the following actions:
1. *Communicate immediately with the persons designated by the subscriber and notify the fire department, law enforcement agency, or both when required by the authority having jurisdiction
2. Dispatch a runner or maintenance person to arrive within 2 hours to investigate unless the supervisory signal is cleared in accordance with a scheduled procedure determined by 26.3.8.3(1)
3. Notify the authority having jurisdiction and the subscriber when sprinkler systems or other fire suppression systems or equipment have been wholly or partially out of service for 8 hours.
4. When service has been restored, provide notice to the subscriber and the authority having jurisdiction of the nature of the signal, the time of occurrence, and the restoration of service when equipment has been out of service for 8 hours or more.

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 24 - Supervising Station Alarm Systems

Back to the Beginning - NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 3 - Definitions

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 24 Changes

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 24 - Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)

The following information contains the changes, updates and additions to Protected Premises for Fire Alarm Systems found in Chapter 23 of the NFPA 72 2016 edition.  Remember if you see a * make sure to consult the Annex A for additional information.

All information highlighted in this light blue color is NEW to the 2016 edition of NFPA 72.

• 24.3.1.2* Where no listed loudspeakers exist to achieve the intelligibility requirements of the Code for a notification zone, non-listed loudspeakers shall be permitted to be installed to achieve the intelligibility for that notification zone.

Learn more about voice intelligibility here:

• 24.3.5.4 Where emergency communications systems utilize Class N pathways that are also shared Level 1 or Level 2 pathways as a means to support ancillary functions, devices, or interconnected systems, the shared pathways shall meet the requirements of 23.6.3
• 24.3.5.4.1 In addition to the requirements of 23.6.3, a risk analysis shall be performed and approved by the AHJ.
• 
  

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 24 - Emergency Communications Systems (ECS) - Pathway Survivability

• 24.3.13.7 Two-way in-building emergency communications systems shall have a pathway survivability of Level 2 or Level 3.
• Exception: Level 1 shall be permitted where the building is less than 2-hour fire-rated construction.
• 24.3.13.9.1 Area of refuge emergency communications systems shall have a pathway survivability of Level 2 or Level 3.
• Exception (1): Level 1 shall be permitted where notification zones are separated by less than 2-hour fire-rated construction.  
• 
  

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 24 - Emergency Communications Systems (ECS) - In Building Mass Notification Systems

• 24.5.14* Mounting of LOC Controls
• 24.5.14.1 Controls that are intended to be accessed by authorized users shall be mounted in accordance with 24.5.14
• 24.5.14.2 LOC controls, including switches, microphone, latches and so forth shall be located above the finished floor at a minimum of 36" (91 cm) and a maximum of 48" (122 cm) where the horizontal reach is less then 10" (25 cm)
• 24.5.14.3 If a horizontal reach of 10" (25 cm) to 24" (61 cm) is required, the maximum elevation shall be limited to 42" (107 cm) above the finished floor and the minimum elevation shall be limited to 28" (71 cm).
• 24.5.14.4 Text and visual indicators, including lamps, screens, displays, instructions, or labels, associated with control or operation shall be visible within all points of elevation between 40" (102 cm) and 60" (152 cm) above the finished floor.
• 24.5.14.5 Where controls and information are provided in accordance with 24.5.14.2 through 24.5.14.4, provision of additional or redundant controls shall be permitted within the same vicinity at an elevation or reach other than those indicated.
• 24.5.14.6 Dimensions other than those identified in 24.5.14.2 through 24.5.14.4 shall be permitted when documented within the emergency response plan that ADA guidelines are not applicable or when otherwise required by the AHJ.

Notifier LOC Panel for Mass Notification

• 24.5.18.8 Addressable primary textual and graphical visible appliances using signaling line circuits shall meet the performance requirements of section 23.6.
• 24.5.18.9 Non-addressable primary textual and graphical visible appliance circuits shall meet the performance requirements of section 23.7.
• 
  

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 24 - Emergency Communications Systems (ECS) - Area of Refuge

• 24.10.3 The remote area of refuge stations and the central control point shall communicate with each other via pathways based on their performance capabilities under abnormal or fault conditions in accordance with the requirements for Class A, Class B, Class N, or Class X pathways specified in Chapter 12.
• 24.10.4 All pathways between a remote area of refuge stations and the central control point shall be monitored for integrity.
• 
  

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 24 - Emergency Communications Systems (ECS) - Elevator Emergency Communications Systems

• 24.11 Elevator Emergency Communications Systems. This was in section 24.5.4 of the 2013 edition of NFPA 72
• 24.11.3 Inspection and testing of elevator emergency communications systems shall be performed in accordance with ANSI/ASME A17.2, Guide for Inspection of Elevators, Escalators and Moving Walks
• 
  

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 24 - Emergency Communications Systems (ECS) - Stairway Communications Systems

• 24.12* Stairway Communications Systems.
• 24.12.1 Where required by the building code in force and not included as part of another emergency communications system, a stairway communications systems shall be installed in accordance with 24.12.
• 24.12.2 The stairway communications system shall be permitted to be integrated with another two-way emergency communications system providing it is installed in accordance with 24.12.  
• 24.12.3 The stairway communications system shall comprise remotely located communications points and a central control point
• 24.12.4 Each remote point shall have the capability to communicate with the central control point.  Similar language for Areas of Refuge in Section 24.10.2
• 24.12.5* Quantity and locations of the remote communications points shall be as required by the building code in force and engineer specifications.
• 24.12.6* If the central control point is not constantly attended, it shall have a timed automatic communications capability to connect with a constantly attended monitoring location acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction here responsible personnel can initiate the appropriate response.  Similar language for Areas of Refuge in Section 24.12.5.
• 24.12.7 The physical location of the central control point shall be as designated by the building code in fomrce or the authority having jurisdiction.  Similar language for Areas of Refuge in Section 24.10.6.
• 24.12.8 The remote communications points shall provide for two-way communications, provide an audible and visual signal to indicate communication has occured, and indicate to the receiver the location sending the signal.  Similar laguage for Areas of Refuge in Section 24.10.7
• 24.12.9 instructions for the use of the stairway communications system, instructions for summoning assistance via the systems, and written identification, including in braille, of the location shall be posted adjacent to each remote communications point.  Similar language for Areas of Refuge  in Section 24.10.8.

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 26 - Supervising Station Alarm Systems

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 23 - Protected Premises Fire Alarm Systems 

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 23 Changes

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 23 - Protected Premises Fire Alarm

The following information contains the changes, updates and additions to Protected Premises for Fire Alarm Systems found in Chapter 23 of the NFPA 72 2016 edition.  Remember if you see a * make sure to consult the Annex A for additional information.

All information highlighted in this light blue color is NEW to the 2016 edition of NFPA 72.

• 23.1.2 The Requirements of Chapters 7, 10, 12, 17, 18, 21, 24 and 26 shall apply, unless otherwise noted in this chapter.
• 23.2.2.1 A record of installed software and firmware version numbers shall be prepared and maintained in accordance with sections 7.5 and 7.7.
• 23.3.2.2 Non-required systems and components shall be identified on the record drawings required in 7.2.1(14)   

Protected Premises - SLC Performance

• 23.6 The assignment of class designations to signaling line circuits shall be based on their performance capabilities under adnormal or fault conditions in accordance with the requirements for Class A, Class B, Class N, or Class X pathways as specified in NFPA 72 Chapter 12
• 23.6.1* A single fault on a pathway connected to the addressable devices shall not cause the loss of the devices in more than one zone.
• 23.6.1.1 For the purpose of this section, each floor of the building shall be considered a separate zone.  
• 23.6.1.2 For the purpose of this section, if a floor of the building is subdivided into multiple zones by fire or smoke barriers and the fire plan for the protected premises allows relocation of occupants from the zone of origin to another zone on the same floor, each zone on the floor shall be considered a separate zone.
• 23.6.1.3* The requirements in 23.6.1 shall NOT apply to the following:
1. Circuits between enclosures containing transponders and control units regardless of the number of initiating devices, notification appliances, or control relays that may be connected to those control units.
2. Circuits connecting short-circuit fault isolation modules to enclosures containing transponders and control units where the conductors are installed in metallic raceway or equivalently protected against mechanical injury and where the circuit does not exceed 3 feet (1 m) in length.

Below are some diagrams of different CORRECT methods of using ISO or Fault Isolation modules with SLCs:

Isolation method with a Class B SLC

Isolation method with a Class A SLC

Isolation Method for a Hybrid Class A and Class B SLC

Below is an INCORRECT method of using a Fault Isolation Module with SLC:

INCORRECT Isolation Method for SLC

• 23.6.1.4 The loss of more than one zone shall be permitted on a documented performance-based design approach. 
• 23.6.1.5* Performance-based designs submitted to the authority having jurisdiction for review and approval shall include documentation, in an approved format, of each performance objective and applicable scenario, together with technical substantiation used in establishing the proposed zone performance.

Protected Premises - Class N Devices and Shared Pathways

• 23.6.2 Class N Devices
• 23.6.3 Class N Shared Pathways
• 23.6.3.1 Level 1 and Level 2
• 23.6.3.2 Accessibility
• 23.6.3.3 Deployment Plan
• 23.6.3.4 Change Control Plan
• 23.6.3.5 Management Organization
• 23.6.3.6 Analysis
• 23.6.3.7 Maintenance Plan
• 23.6.3.8 Other Risks

Protected Premises - System Requirements

• 23.8.2.7 Each interconnected fire alarm control unit shall be separately monitored for alarm, supervisory, and trouble conditions with supervised pathways that are in accordance with the manufacturers' published instructions.
• 23.8.2.7.1 Alarm conditions on interconnected fire alarm control units shall annunciate as alarm signals and initiate the evacuation signals.
• 23.8.2.7.2 Supervisory conditions on interconnected fire alarm control units shall annunciate as supervisory signals.
• 23.8.2.7.3 Trouble conditions on interconnected fire alarm control units shall annunciate as trouble signals.
• 23.8.2.7.4* Where supervised pathways between interconnected fire alarm control units is not achievable, a supervised annunciator shall be installed adjacent to the control unit(s) to annucnaite the status of each control unit.
• 23.8.2.9.1 Where multiple control units of the same manufacturer are interconnected in a network arrangement and serve the same protected premises, the control units shall be arranged to be reset or silenced from one location.
• 23.8.2.9.2 Where multiple control units of different manufacturers are interconnected in accordance with 23.8.2.5 through 23.8.2.8 and serve the same protected premises, the control units shall be permitted to be reset or silenced individually at each control unit. 
• 23.8.2.9.3 Resetting procedures shall be documented and permanently posted beside each control unit and annunciator.

The following is a California State amendment:

• 23.8.5.1.2 Where connected to a supervising station, fire alarm systems employing automatic fire detectors or waterflow detection devices shall include a manual fire alarm box to initate a signal t the supervising station.
• Exception: Fire alarm systems dedicated to elevator recall control, supervisory service and fire sprinkler monitoring as permitted in section 21.3 of NFPA 72.

• 23.8.5.4.1* Systems equipped with alarm verification features shall be permitted under the following conditions:
1. The alarm verification feature is not initially enabled, unless conditions or occupant activities that are expected to cause nuisance alarms are anticipated in the area that is protected by the smoke detectors.  Enabling of the alarm verification feature shall be protected by password or limited access.
2. A smoke detector that is continuously subjected to a smoke concentration above alarm threshold does not delay the system functions of sections 10.7 through 10.16 or 21.2.1 by more than 1 minute.
3. Actuation of an alarm-initiating device other than a smoke detector causes the system functions of section 10.7 through 10.16 or 21.2.1 without additional delay.
4. The current status of the alarm verification feature is shown on the record of completion.

The following is a California State amendment:

• 23.8.5.4.1 Systems equipped with alarm verification features shall be permitted under the following conditions:
• (5) Operation of a patient room smoke detector in I-2 and R-2.1 occupancies shall not include an alarm verification feature.

• 23.8.5.6.3* If a valve is installed in the connection between a sprinkler system and an initiating device, the valve shall be supervised in accordance with 17.16.1 unless the valve is arranged to cause operation of the supervisory signal initiation device when it is in its non-normal position.  

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 24 - Emergency Communication Systems (ECS)

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 21 - Emergency Control Function Interfaces

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 21 Changes

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 21 - Emergency Control Function Interfaces

The following information contains the changes, updates and additions to Emergency Control Function Interfaces found in Chapter 21 of the NFPA 72 2016 edition.  Remember if you see a * make sure to consult the Annex A for additional information.

All information highlighted in this light blue color is NEW to the 2016 edition of NFPA 72.

• 21.1.1 The Requirements of Chapters 7, 10, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 26 shall apply, unless otherwise noted in this chapter.
• 21.1.3 The requirements of this chapter shall not apply to Chapter 29 unless otherwise stated.
• 21.2.6 The installation wiring between the fire alarm control unit and the emergency control function interface device shall be Class A, Class B, Class D, Class N, or Class X in accordance with NFPA 72 Chapter 12 Circuit Pathways.  

The following pertains to Elevator Phase 1 Recall

• 21.3* Elevator Phase 1 Emergency Recall Operation
• 21.3.1 All fire alarms initiating devices used to initiate elevator phase 1 emergency recall operation shall be connected to the required building fire alarm system.
• 21.3.2* In facilities without a required building fire alarm system, fire alarm initiating devices used to initiate elevator phase 1 emergency recall operation shall be connected to either a non-required building fire alarm system or a dedicated function fire alarm control unit that shall be designated as "elevator recall control and supervisory control unit," permanently identified on the dedicated function fire alarm control unit and on the record drawings. 
•  

The following is a California State Amendment.

• 21.3.6 Smoke detectors shall not be installed in un-sprinklered elevator hoistways unless they are installed to activate the elevator hoistway smoke relief equipment or where required by Chapter 30 by the California Building Code (CBC).

CBC: 3005.4.1 Automatic sprinkler system.  Automatic sprinklers shall not be required to be installed in the elevator hoistway, elevator machine room, elevator machinery space, elevator control space, or elevator control room where the following are met.  NOTE:  All 6 of the following conditions must be met.

1. Approved smoke detectors shall be installed in the elevator hoistway, elevator machine room, elevator machinery spaces, elevator control spaces, or elevator control rooms and connected to the building fire alarm system in accordance with Section 907.
2. Activation of any smoke detector located in the elevator hoistway, elevator machine room, elevator machinery spaces, elevator control spaces, or elevator control room shall cause the actuation of the building fire alarm notification appliances in accordance with section 907.
3. Activation of any smoke detector located in the elevator hoistway, elevator machine room, elevator machinery spaces, elevator control spaces, or elevator control room shall cause all elevators having equipment located in that elevator hoistway, elevator machine room, elevator machinery spaces, elevator control spaces, or elevator control room to recall nonstop to the appropriate floor in accordance with CCR Titile 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Order.
4. The elevator machine room, elevator machinery spaces, elevator control spaces, or elevator control room shall be enclosed with fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed with Section 712, or both.  The fire-resistance rating shall not be less than the required rating of the hoistway enclosure served by the machinery.  Openings in the fire barriers shall be protected with assemblies having a fire protection rating not less than that required for the hoistway enclosure doors.  The exception to Section 3005.4 shall not apply.
5. The building fire alarm system shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with Section 907.
6. An approved sign shall be permanently displayed in the elevator machine room, elevator machinery space, elevator control space, or elevator control room in a conspicuous location with a minimum of 1 1/2" letters on a contrasting background stating, NO COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE PERMITTED IN THIS ROOM By Order of the Fire Marshal (or name of fire authority).

• 21.3.11 Actuation from the elevator hoistway, elevator machine room, elevator machinery space, elevator control space or elevator control room smoke detectors or other automatic fire detection as permitted by 21.3.9 shall cause separate and distinct visible annunciation at the building fire alarm control unit or at the fire alarm control unit described in 21.3.2.  Removed the following portion: and at required annunciators to alert firefighters and other emergency personnel that the elevators are no longer safe to use. 
• 21.3.13 Separate outputs from the building fire alarm control unit or the fire alarm control unit or the fire alarm control unit described in 21.3.2 to the elevator controller(s) shall be provided to implement elevator Phase 1 Emergency Recall Operation in accordance with Section 2.27 of ANSI/ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, as required in 21.3.13 through 21.3.13.3.

Chapter 21 Changes - Specific to Fire Service Access Elevators

• 21.5 Fire Service Access Elevators.  Where one or more elevators are specifically designated and marked as fire service access elevators, 21.5.1 and 21.5.2 shall apply.
• 21.5.1* Status of elevator(s), including location within the hoistway, direction of travel, and whether the elevator(s) are occupied, shall be permitted to be displayed on a building fire alarm system annunciator located at the fire command center.
• 21.5.2 Temperature and presence of smoke in associated lobbies, machine rooms, control rooms, machinery spaces, or control spaces shall be continuously monitored and displayed on a building fire alarm system annunciator located in the fire command center.  

• The conditions in 21.5.1 and 21.5.2 shall be permitted to be displayed on a standard emergency services interface complying with Section 18.11.

Chapter 21 Changes - Specific to Door and Shutter Release

• 21.8.3 All door and shutter hold-open release and integral door and shutter release and closure devices used for release service shall be monitored for integrity in accordance with section 12.6.  Exception: Pathways installed as Class D circuits in accordance with 12.3.4.

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 23 - Protected Premise Fire Alarm Systems

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 18 - Notification Appliances

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 18 Changes

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 18 - Notification Appliances

Audible Characteristics - Specific to Low Frequency

The following information contains the changes, updates and additions to both the audible and visual characteristics found in Chapter 18 of the NFPA 72 2016 edition.  Remember if you see a * make sure to consult the Annex A for additional information.

• 18.4.5.3* Audible appliances provided for the sleeping areas to awaken occupants shall produce a low frequency alarm signal that complies with the following:
• (1) The alarm signal shall be a sqaure wave or provide equivalent awaekening ability.
• (2) The waveform shall have a fundamental frequency of 520 Hz + or - 10%.
• (3)* The notification equipment shall be listed for producing the low frequency waveform.

Listen to a 520HZ Low Frequency Tone

Listen to a 3 KHz Standard Tone 

Author note:  

A square wave is a non-sinusoidal periodic waveform in which the amplitude alternates at a steady frequency between fixed minimum and maximum values, with the same duration at minimum and maximum.

Visual Characteristics

• 18.5.3.2* The maximum light pulse duration shall be 20 milliseconds with a maximum duty cycle of 40 percent.

Exception: Lights used to meet the requirements of 18.5.5.5 shall be permitted to be listed and labeled to have pulse duration up to 100 milliseconds.

• Table 18.5.5.7.2 Effective Intensity Requirements for Sleeping Area Visible Notification Appliances.

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 21 - Emergency Control Function Interface

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 14 - Inspection, Testing and Maintenance

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 14 Changes - Testing

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 14 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

There are not too many updates to chapter 14 in the newest version of the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.

All information highlighted in this light blue color is NEW to the 2016 edition of NFPA 72.

• 14.2.2.2
• 1.2.2.2.4 In the event that any equipment is observed to be part of a recall program, the system owner or the systems owner's designated representative shall be notified in writing.

The following updated code section only applies to the State of California:

• 14.4.6.1 Testing.  Household fire alarm systems shall be tested in accordance with the manufacturer's published instructions according to the methods of Table 14.4.3.2.

>>>>>> Are you interested in becoming NICET certified in Inspecting and Testing Fire Alarm Systems?  If so we have you covered.  Check out out training material here:

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 18 Notification Appliances

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 12 Circuit Pathways

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 10 Changes Fundamentals

NFPA 72 2016 - Chapter 10 Fundamentals - California Specific (CSFM)

Below is a breakdown of the updates and changes to NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 10 Fundamentals".  remember to consult the Annex A if you see an *.

All information highlighted in this light blue color is NEW to the 2016 edition of NFPA 72.

Note:  The next two code sections are California Amendments.  These only apply if you are performing work in the state of California.

• 10.3.1 Equipment constructed and installed in conformity with this code shall be listed for the purpose for which it is used.  Fire Alarm systems and components shall be California States Fire marshal (CSFM) approved and listed in accordance with California Code of regulations, Title 19 Division 1.
• 10.3.3 All devices and appliances that receive their power from the initiating device circuit or signaling lice circuit of a control unit shall be California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) listed for use with the control unit.

NFPA 72 2016 - Chapter 10 Fundamentals - Personnel Qualifications

This is a great addition to the code as it establishes a baseline for the supervision and guidance for trainees or apprentices. 

• 10.5.1.5 System design trainees shall be under the supervision of a qualified system designer.
• 10.5.2.4 System installation trainees shall be under the supervision of a qualified system installer
• 10.5.3.3 Service Personnel.  Service personnel shall have the knowledge and experience of the maintenance and servicing requirements contained in this code, of the equipment being serviced or maintained, and of the servicing or maintenance methods.  That knowledge and experience shall be acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction or meet the requirement 10.5.3.4
• 10.5.3.5* Programming Personnel.  
• 10.5.3.5.2 System installation personnel shall be permitted to configure systems in the field per the manufacturer's published instructions.
• 10.5.3.5.3 System end users shall be permitted to manage operation per manufacturer's published instructions or training.
• 10.5.4 Plans Examiners and Inspectors
• 10.5.4.1 Fire Alarm system and emergency communications system plans and specification submitted for review and approval shall be reviewed by personnel who are qualified to review such plans and specifications.
• 10.5.4.2 Fire Alarm system and emergency communications system installations shall be inspected by personnel who are qualified to perform such inspections.
• 10.5.4.3 State or local licensure regulations shall be followed to determine qualified personnel.
• 10.5.4.4 Personnel shall provide documentation of the qualifications by one or more of the following:
• (1) Registration, Licensing, or certification by a state or local authority
• (2) Meeting the requirements of NFPA 1031
• (3) Assignment by the authority having jurisdiction to perform plan reviews and inspections.

NFPA 72 2016 - Chapter 10 Fundamentals - Signal Priority

Note:  The next code section is a California Amendment.  This only applies if you are performing work in the state of California.

• 10.7. Signal Priority
• 10.7.1 Where approved by the AHJ, ECS priority signals when evaluated by stakeholders through risk analysis in accordance with 24.3.11 shall be permitted to take precedence over all other signals.
• 10.11.2* Visible notification appliances, textual visible notification appliances, and speaker notification appliances located in the same area shall be activated and deactivated as a group unless otherwise required by an ECS emergency response plan.
• 10.11.3 Visible alarm strobe notification appliances shall not be activated when speaker notification appliances are used as permitted by 24.3.5 for non-emergency paging.  

NFPA 72 2016 - Chapter 12  - Circuits and Pathways

NFPA 72 2016 - Chapter 7 Fundamentals - Documentation

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 12 Changes

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 12 - Circuits and Pathways

The following covers the changes, updates and additions to Pathway Class Designations.  Remember to consult the Annex A when you see an *.

All information highlighted in this light blue color is NEW to the 2016 edition of NFPA 72.

• 12.2.3.4* Where operational capability is required to be maintained or continued during the application of a fault, the operational capability required in 10.11.1 shall be restored within 200 seconds from the time the fault is introduced.
• 12.3* Pathway Class Designations. pathways shall be designated as Class A, Class B, Class C, Class E, Class N, or Class X, depending on their performance.
• 12.3.3* Class C.  A pathway shall be designated as Class C when it performs as follows:
• (2) A loss of end-to-end communication is annunciated as a trouble signal.
• 12.3.6 Class N. A pathway shall be designated as class N when it performs as follows:
• (1)* It includes two or more pathways where operational capability of the primary pathway and a redundant pathway to each device shall be verified through end-to-end communication.  Exception: When only one device is served, only one pathway shall be required.
• (2) A loss of intended communications between endpoints shall be annunciated as a trouble signal.
• (3) A single open, ground, short or combination of faults on one pathway shall not affect any other pathway.
• (4)* Conditions that affect the operation of the primary pathway(s) and redundant pathway(s) shall be annunciated as a trouble signal when the system's minimal operational requirements cannot be met.
• (5)* Primary and redundant pathway shall not be permitted to share traffic over the same physical segment.

• 12.3.8* Class A and Class X Pathway Separation.
• 12.3.8.1 The outgoing and return (redundant) circuit conductors shall be permitted in the same cable assembly (i.e., multi-conductor cable), enclosure, or raceway only under the following conditions:
• (1) For a distance not to exceed 10 ft. where the outgoing and return conductors enter or exit the initiating device, notification appliances, or control unit enclosures.
• (2) Single drops installed in the raceway to individual devices or appliances.
• (3)* In a single room not exceeding 1000 sq' in area, a drop installed in the raceway to multiple devices or appliances that does not include any emergency control function devices.  

The following is a California State amendment.  This only applies if you are conducting work in the state of California:

• 12.3.8.1 The outgoing and return (redundant) circuit conductors shall be permitted in the same cable assembly (i.e., multi-conductor cable), enclosure, or raceway only under the following conditions:
• (4) Where the vertically run conductors are contained in a 2-hour rated cable assembly, or enclosed (installed) in a 2-hour rated enclosure or a listed circuit integrity (C.I.) cable, which meets or exceeds a 2-hour fire resistive rating.

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 14 - Inspection, Testing and Maintenance

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 10 - Fundamentals

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 7 Changes Documentation

NFPA 72 2016 - Chapter 7 Documentation - Minimum Required Documentation

Below is a breakdown of the updates and changes to NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 7 Documentation specific to "Minimum Required Documentation".  remember to consult the Annex A if you see an *.

All information highlighted in this light blue color is NEW to the 2016 edition of NFPA 72.

• 7.1.6 The requirements of Chapters 10, 12, 14, 17, 18, 21, 23, 24, 26 and 27 shall apply unless otherwise noted in this chapter.  
• 7.2.1* Where documentation is required by the authority having jurisdiction, the following list shall represent the minimum documentation required for new fire alarm systems, supervising station and shared communication equipment, and emergency communications systems, including new systems and additions or alterations to existing systems:
• (3) Floor plan layout showing locations of all devices, control equipment, and supervising station and shared communications equipment with each sheet showing the following:
• (a) Point of compass (north arrow)
• (b) A graphic representation of the scale used
• (c) Room use identification
• (d) Building features that will affect the placement of initiating devices and notification appliances.
• (7) Battery capacity and de-rating calculations (where batteries are provided)
• (9) Mounting height elevation for wall-mounted devices and appliances. 
• (10) Where occupant notification is required, minimum sound pressure levels that must be produced by the audible notification appliances in appliances in applicable covered areas.
• (11) Pathway diagrams between the control unit and the supervising station and shared communications equipment.
• (13) For software-based systems, a copy of the site-specific software, including instructions on how to obtain the means of system and software access (password)
• 7.2.2 System design documents shall identify the name and contact information of the system designer.

NFPA 72 2016 - Chapter 7 Documentation - Completion Documentation

Below is a breakdown of the updates and changes to NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 7 Documentation specific to "Completion Documentation".  remember to consult the Annex A if you see an *.

All information highlighted in this light blue color is NEW to the 2016 edition of NFPA 72.

• 7.5.4 For new emergency communication systems, an owner's manual shall be provided and shall contain the following documentation.  Note this verbiage was previously located in section NFPA 72 2013 24.8.3.
• 7.5.7 Site-Specific Software. 
• 7.5.7.1.1 The site-specific software documentation shall include both the user passcode and either the system programming password or specific instructions on how to obtain the programming password from the system manufacturer.
• 7.5.7.1.2 The passwords provided shall enable currently certified qualified programming personnel to access, edit, modify, and add to the existing system site-specific software.  

NFPA 72 2016 - Chapter 7 Documentation - Records, Record Retention, and Record Maintenance

Below is a breakdown of the updates and changes to NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 7 Documentation specific to "Records".  remember to consult the Annex A if you see an *.

• 7.7.1.5 The emergency communications system and fire alarm system as-built plans and other related documentation shall be permitted to be maintained together, including the appearance of both systems on the same drawings.  See also 7.7.2.8.
• 7.7.2.2 The documentation cabinet shall be sized so that it can contain all necessary documentation.
• 7.7.2.6* The building owner or the building owner's representative shall, on an annual basis, review any electronic documentation media formats and associated interfacing hardware for compatibility and update if necessary.
• 7.7.2.8 Emergency communications system and fire alarms system record documentation shall be permitted to be maintained together in the same documentation cabinet.

NFPA 72 2016 - Chapter 10 Fundamentals

NFPA 72 2016 - Chapter 3 Definitions

NFPA 72 2016 Changes and Updates Made Easy

What is NFPA 72 and when do we use it in Fire Alarm design?

The NFPA 72 is a Standard put out by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that covers direction for designing, installing, maintaining and testing fire alarm systems.  Actually it covers a few other key components to life safety including Mass Notification and Two-Way Communication.   This is what drove the addition of the term "Signaling" to the document's title back in the 2010 Edition.

Author's Note:  NFPA 72 is not actually a code.  In fact, it is a standard.  Remember Fire Alarm Standards are like the how-to manual and Fire Alarm Codes are more of a when to do manual.  Find out more here:  Fire Alarm Codes vs. Fire Alarm Standards.  Another quick example is the International Fire Code (IFC) section 907 lets us know when specific fire alarm systems and components are required for each occupancy group.  The NFPA 72 tells us how to install these components.

All information highlighted in this light blue color is NEW to the 2016 edition of NFPA 72.

Do you want to know what fire alarm components are required for each occupancy group?  Click here

What Changed in the NFPA 72 2016 Edition?

This article is to serve as a simple one stop informative document of the changes within the new 2016 NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.  Let's get started:

Key items to note:

• The following chapters have been reserved for future use: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 19, 20, 22, 25, and 28.
• There is a new Annex G.  This new annex covers the guidelines for Emergency Communication Strategies for Buildings and Campuses.
• Annex H is the new location to find Informational References
• There is NO Cross Reference Index

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 3 - Definitions

There are a few new definitions in the document.  The following is a list of the new items we were able to locate:  If you see the *, consult the Annex A for additional information.  

• 3.3.11 Alarm. An indication of the existence of a condition that requires immediate response.  Note that this section existing in the previous version (2013) however, the verbiage has been updated.  
• 3.3.13 Alarm Repeater System. A device or system for the purpose of automatically retransmitting alarm information received by the alarm processing equipment.
• 3.3.36.1 Level Ceilings. Ceilings that have slope of less than equal to 1 to 8.
• 3.3.67* Device (Class N). A supervised component of a life safety system that communicates with other components of life safety systems and that collects environmental data or performs specific input or output functions necessary to the operation of the life safety system.
• 3.3.91 Emergency Response Plan. A documented set of actions to address the planning for, management of, and response to natural, technological, and man made disasters and other emergencies.  Note that this section existing in the previous version (2013) however, the verbiage has been updated.
• 3.3.92* Endpoint (Class N). The end of a pathway where a single addressable device or a control unit is connected.
• 3.3.253* Signal. An indication of a condition communicated by the electrical, visible, audible, wireless, or other means. Note that this section existing in the previous version (2013) however, the verbiage has been updated.
• 3.3.257 Signaling Zone. See 3.3.317, Zone.
• 3.3.271 Spacing. A horizontally measured dimension used as a criterion in determining the allowable coverage of devices.
• 3.3.317 Zone
• 3.3.317.2* Signaling Zone. An area consisting of one or more notification zones where signals are actuated simultaneously.

NFPA 72 2016 Chapter 7 - Documentation