FAQs

Fire alarm systems are primarily governed by NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code), NFPA 70 (National Electric Code) for electrical installation, and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) for occupancy-specific requirements. Other national codes and local standards from Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) may also apply.

Fire alarm system requirements are determined by occupancy type, size, and use as defined in the International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101. For example, assembly occupancies exceeding 300 people, hotels with three or more units, and certain business occupancies based on occupant load all require fire alarm systems.

The main types are conventional (devices grouped by zone), addressable (each device has a unique address for pinpoint location), hybrid (combines both), and wireless (ideal for historic or hard-to-wire buildings). The right type depends on building size, complexity, and code requirements.

A typical fire alarm system includes a fire alarm control panel (FACP); initiating devices such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, and pull stations; notification appliances like horns, strobes, and speakers; primary and backup power supplies; and communication devices that transmit signals to a monitoring station.

Fire alarm systems receive primary power from commercial electricity and secondary power from batteries or a generator. Per NFPA 72, backup power must provide a minimum of 24 hours of standby and 5 minutes of alarm operation.

In most commercial settings, yes. NFPA 72 requires fire alarm systems to be connected to a UL-listed central monitoring station for 24/7 response, unless specific exceptions apply for small occupancies with local-only alarms.

Strobes must flash between 1 and 2 Hz and be visible in all public and common areas, typically mounted between 80 and 96 inches. Audible devices must exceed ambient noise by at least 15 dB or reach a minimum of 75 dB at pillow level in sleeping areas, per NFPA 72 and ADA 2010 standards.

Voice evacuation systems use speakers to deliver pre-recorded or live emergency messages directing occupants to exit safely. They are required in certain occupancies, such as high-rise buildings and assembly areas exceeding 1,000 occupants per IBC and NFPA 101.

NFPA 72 requires monthly visual inspections, quarterly testing of certain initiating devices, and annual full-system functional testing. All results must be documented and available for review by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Fire alarm system design begins with a code analysis using IBC, NFPA 101, and local requirements, then coordinates with architectural and MEP drawings. Design deliverables include device spacing calculations, riser diagrams, voltage drop calculations, and device legends, with AHJ review and PE stamping where required.