NFPA 72: Fire Alarm & Signaling Code

NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, covers how fire alarm systems are designed, installed, tested and maintained. Building codes and fire codes require compliance, so workers on any site that has an alarm system run into it.

• Fire Alarm Technicians
• Contractors
• Building Staff

What it covers

• Initiating devices: smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual pull stations, duct detectors, flow switches and tamper switches on sprinkler systems.
• Notification appliances: horns, bells, speakers and strobes that warn occupants, including requirements for audibility and visibility.
• Control panels, power supplies and batteries that keep the system working in a power loss.
• Circuits, wiring and survivability of critical paths.
• Monitoring and signaling to a central station or the fire department.
• Emergency communication and mass notification systems.
• Inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) schedules and records.

What workers should know

• Never disable, cover or remove detectors or horns without following the building's impairment procedure. Notify the owner or fire watch and put protections in place. See Fire System Impairments.
• During dusty work such as sanding, demolition or cutting, ask how detectors will be protected. Dust covers must be removed when the dust-making work stops. Forgotten covers leave occupants unprotected.
• Hot work near detectors can cause false alarms. Coordinate with the owner and follow permits. See Hot Work Permits.
• Don't paint over, hang items from or hit detectors, strobes or pull stations. Keep pull stations and panels accessible.
• Don't cut or move alarm wiring without a qualified fire alarm technician.
• When firestopping or penetrating walls, avoid damaging alarm cables. See Firestopping.

Construction sites

• Temporary fire alarm or detection may be needed as part of the construction fire safety plan. See NFPA 241.
• Occupants of partly occupied buildings must still be warned during work.
• After work, the alarm system must be tested and restored. Testing and acceptance records should be kept.

Checklist

• I know the building's impairment procedure and who to call
• Detector covers are used only during dusty work and removed afterward
• Alarm devices are not painted over, blocked or damaged
• Only qualified technicians work on the alarm system wiring and panels
• Fire watch is in place when the system is impaired

Last updated: October 8, 2026