NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm & Signaling Code

Requirements for fire detection, alarm systems, and emergency communication

Overview

NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, provides the requirements for the installation, performance, testing, inspection, and maintenance of fire alarm systems, supervising station alarm systems, public emergency alarm reporting systems, fire warning equipment, and emergency communication systems. The 2025 edition includes significant updates for smoke detector placement near cooking appliances and expanded carbon monoxide detection requirements.

This code covers everything from household smoke alarms to complex multi-building fire alarm networks, ensuring systems provide early warning to building occupants and emergency responders. The standard is adopted by jurisdictions across North America and referenced in building codes, fire codes, and life safety standards.

Inspector Certification Standards

NFPA 72 Chapter 10 requires qualified personnel for system inspection and testing. NICET Fire Alarm Systems (FAS) Level II certification or ITFAS certification meets most jurisdictional requirements. Some states require additional licensing per local codes.

View state-specific requirements

Smoke Detector Requirements (2025 Updates)

2025 Major Update: Smoke alarms and detectors within 10-20 feet of cooking appliances must comply with UL 217 (8th edition) or UL 268 (7th edition) for resistance to nuisance alarms from cooking activities.

Placement Near Cooking Appliances

Prohibited Zone: No installation within 10 ft radius of cooking appliances unless necessary for coverage
10-20 ft Zone: Detectors must be listed for resistance to nuisance alarms per UL 217/268
6-10 ft Exception: Permitted only if no other location available and must be nuisance-resistant listed
Horizontal Flow Path: 10-20 ft restriction applies along horizontal air flow from cooking appliance

General Placement Requirements

Inside each bedroom and sleeping area
Outside each separate sleeping area within 21 feet of doors
On every level of the home including basements
In rooms with fuel-burning appliances
At the top of first-to-second floor stairways
Minimum 36 inches from air supply diffusers

Carbon Monoxide Detection

The 2025 edition expands carbon monoxide detection requirements beyond traditional fuel-burning appliances:

Updated CO Source Definition

No longer limited to fuel-burning appliances only
Includes attached garages regardless of fuel-burning equipment
Areas near loading docks and vehicle idling zones
Spaces adjacent to generator rooms

Installation Requirements (Section 29.7)

Outside each separate dwelling unit sleeping area within 21 feet
On every occupiable level of a dwelling unit
In rooms with fuel-burning appliances or fireplaces
In "unconditioned areas" (new definition): attics, crawlspaces, garages
Listed to UL 2034 or UL 2075 standards
Interconnected with smoke alarms where required by code

Fire Alarm System Types

NFPA 72 defines several types of fire alarm systems:

Household Fire Alarm Systems: Single and multiple-station alarms for residential occupancies
Protected Premises Systems: Local fire alarm systems serving a single building or area
Supervising Station Systems: Central, remote, or proprietary stations monitoring multiple properties
Public Emergency Reporting Systems: Municipal street boxes and radio systems
Emergency Communication Systems: Mass notification and in-building fire emergency voice/alarm

System Features & Capabilities

Addressable Systems: Individual device identification and status monitoring
Analog Systems: Continuous monitoring of detector sensitivity
Wireless Systems: Must comply with low-power radio requirements
Voice Evacuation: Required in high-rise buildings and large assemblies
Integration: Interface with HVAC, elevators, and door releases

Spacing & Coverage Requirements

NFPA 72 detector spacing and coverage reference
Detector Type	Smooth Ceiling	Maximum Height	Reduction Factor
Smoke Detector	30 ft spacing	40 ft (updated)	Beamed/sloped ceilings
Heat Detector	50 ft spacing	30 ft typical	High airflow areas
Beam Detector	60 ft coverage	40 ft mounting	Stratification
Duct Detector	Per AHU size	N/A	Airflow velocity

Special Considerations

High Ceilings: Above 40 ft requires performance-based design calculations
Beamed Ceilings: Detector in each beam pocket when beams exceed 4 inches
Sloped Ceilings: Detectors within 3 ft of peak for slopes exceeding 1 ft in 8 ft
Raised Floors: Detection required below raised floors with cables
Elevator Shafts: Detector within 21 ft of each elevator door

Inspection & Testing Requirements (Chapter 14)

Inspection and testing frequency summary
Component	Visual	Testing	Records
Control Panel	Weekly/Monthly	Annual	5 years minimum
Smoke Detectors	Semi-Annual	Annual functional	Sensitivity records
Heat Detectors	Semi-Annual	Annual test	Test results
Notification Appliances	Semi-Annual	Annual	Candela verification
Batteries	Monthly	Semi-Annual load	Replacement dates

Sensitivity Testing Requirements

Year 1: Tested to ensure within listed and marked sensitivity range
Year 2: Not required if Year 1 passed
Year 3 and after: Every other year thereafter
Devices outside range must be cleaned and retested or replaced
Records must show sensitivity measurement values

New Technology Requirements (2025)

Thermal Imaging Fire Detectors (Section 17.12)

Detect temperature changes using thermal imaging technology
Must have clear line of sight to potential hazards
Alarm on temperature rate-of-rise within field of view
Supervisory signal required when view is obstructed
Listed for specific hazard and environment applications

Wireless System Requirements

Maximum 200 seconds check-in interval for critical devices
Mesh networking permitted with redundant communication paths
Battery life calculation required (minimum 1 year)
Signal strength monitoring and low battery alerts
Protection against interference and jamming

Was this resource helpful?

Your feedback helps us improve our technical resources and guides.