What Is a Fire Alarm Coded System?

Meaning

• Fire alarm coded systems provide standards for fire alarm manufacturers, installers, educators and homeowners. The purpose of such a system is to reduce not only the likelihood and severity of a fire, but also the impact of risks from fire, smoke and the actions they cause. A fire alarm coded system is different from a local fire code or building code, which may include general regulations for fire safety as part of a more comprehensive set of guidelines.

Source

• In the United States, the nationally recognized fire alarm coded system if the National Fire Alarm Code, or NFPA 72, published by the National Fire Protection Association. This extensive code updates annually and provides rules and guidelines for fire alarm manufacture, installation and use. As a homeowner, you may not need to familiarize yourself with the code. However, selecting an alarm and an installer that comply with the Code is one way to ensure that you get an alarm that offers the protection you need.

Elements

• The NFPA's fire alarm code specifies numerous details for fire alarm systems. These include audible volume for home smoke detectors, which must be above 75 decibels. The Code also specifies that fire alarm systems must be spaced out throughout a home or public building and inspected regularly. Other Code guidelines concern smoke detector wiring, how smoke detectors operate and how off-site monitoring is conducted for homes with fire alarms that automatically alert emergency response personnel.

Enforcement

• The NFPA oversees the fire alarm code as part of its broad efforts to prevent and reduce fire risks. However, no agency actually enforces compliance with the code. In order for fire alarm manufacturers or installers to claim Code compliance, they must submit their products for inspection or pass written tests, respectively. NFPA publications update the fire alarm code to take advantage of new research and fire detection methods. The agency also publishes and sells old standards for reference.