Stay on the leading edge of alarm system advances with the 2007 National Fire Alarm Code.

Heightened risk awareness and changing safety dynamics have revolutionized the role of alarm and signaling systems in protecting life and property. At the same time, sophisticated technical advances and solid research findings have improved their ability to meet the new demands. It is in response to and out of this dynamic environment that the 2007 edition of NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm Code has emerged.

The 2007 edition of NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm Code contains a number of technical revisions, including many to accommodate new technology and to take advantage of new research. Changes have also been made to better address the integration of mass notification systems and other systems with fire alarm systems. Revisions have also been made in several areas of the code for clarity and to enhance usability.

Some of the more significant revisions in the code address protection of fire alarm control units, personnel qualification, heat detector response time, smoke detector spacing, smoke detection in ducts, detectors that use multiple sensing inputs, video image smoke and flame detection, synchronization of visible notification appliances, exit marking audible notification appliances, tactile notification appliances, different types of protected premises fire alarm systems, and in-building enhancement systems for firefighter radio communications.

Significant changes to the requirements for smoke alarms in residential applications include revisions to require the interconnection of smoke alarms for existing occupancies, revisions to require additional smoke alarms for larger dwelling units, and revisions to allow voice messages to be included as a part of the smoke alarm notification signal.

Revisions to enhance and clarify the code include those that address suppression system inputs to the fire alarm system, emergency/voice alarm communications systems, fire alarm system interface with elevator systems, and the means to indicate central station service. In addition, a complete revision of the Record of Completion Form along with examples of filled-out forms have been provided.

Other significant changes include the addition of two annexes - one to provide guidance for the design of mass notification systems and one to replace previous annex material for the design of fire service interfaces with a separate industry standard.

Technology- and research-driven changes offer improved egress time and system reliability.

• Developed at the request of the U.S. Air Force, a new Mass Notification Systems Annex provides guidelines to facilitate fast, safe evacuation in emergency situations such as fire, terrorist attack, biological and hazardous chemical incidents, accidents, and natural disasters.
• Added requirements for new technology equipment, including video image smoke and flame detection, multi-criteria and multi-sensor devices, fire extinguisher monitors, and directional appliances.
• New guidance on visual notification in large space occupancies.
• Updated rules for spacing of smoke detectors in joist and beam and small room applications.
• New requirement to provide a Response Time Index for heat detectors.
• New provisions for strobe synchronization when installing visible notification appliances.
• New requirements for household fire warning applications, including smoke alarms with voice and expanded smoke alarm coverage for larger size homes.