This third edition of the National Fire Alarm Code Handbook is based on the 1999 edition of NFPA 72. In addition to presenting the complete text of the code, the Handbook includes code appendices and Formal Interpretations, conveniently located adjacent to relevant code.

All code text is printed in black, and commentary text and exhibits are in easy-to-see red ink. The commentary explains the intent and technical background of code requirements, the historical perspective of specific requirements, and the reasoning for changes to NFPA 72. In addition, this edition, for the first time, includes supplements that provide insight into four topics of significance to the field of fire detection and alarm. These supplements are:

• Performance-based Design and Fire Alarm Systems.
• Fire Alarm Systems Providing Central Station Service: Applications and Advancements.
• Integrating Fire Alarm Systems with Other Building Systems.
• Human Response to Alarm Signals.