Security and Alarm Systems Blog

The NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code is a large book which specifies the rules to follow when installing and Monitoring a Fire System. Some counties require that it is followed, and some (smart) commercial applications require it as well. But most end-users don’t know what it is at all. This blog entry is just going to cover some of the basics.
Equipment
Fire Equipment must be Listed (UL in California) for the purpose for which it is used. So all equipment must meet the specifics outlined by Underwriters Laboratory (UL). It’s pretty hard to find fire equipment which is not UL, but the main purpose of this ordinance is to stop a company from using security-specific equipment on a fire system installation.
Installation Requirements
Installer Qualification is outlined in NFPA 72. It is generally accepted that a C-10 Electrical license is a requirement in California. Also, there are three ways an installer can be considered as a qualified fire system installer.
(1) Factory Trained and Certified for fire alarm design by a specific brand of system.
(2) Certified by a Nationally recognized fire alarm certification organization.
(3) Registered, licensed, or certified by a state or local authority.
Central Station Requirements
Central Station Services for a Fire System, like the equipment, must be UL Listed (or can be listed by another organization). There are also four types of Central Stations that will meet code.
(1) Provide all elements of central station services with its own facilities and personnel.
(2) Subcontracting of Installation, but all monitoring, retransmission, and associated record keeping and reporting must be in-house.
(3) Installation and Monitoring Services are all in-house.
(4) Monitoring is out-of-house, but installation and service is provided.
Progressive Technology Security Systems is in the fourth category. We specialize in installation, Service and testing of fire systems and have over 20 years of experience.
Please click here for more information on the National Fire Code.