NFPA 72: Unveiling the 2025 Fire Alarm Code Updates
Jul 5
3 min read
NFPA 72: Unveiling the 2025 Fire Alarm Code Updates
The 2025 edition of NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, is undergoing significant revisions. These updates aim to enhance fire safety standards, incorporate new technologies, and address evolving industry needs. There is a strong focus on cybersecurity, advanced detection methods, and refined notification protocols.
Key Takeaways
The 2025 edition of NFPA 72 introduces crucial updates across various chapters. These updates reflect advancements in fire alarm and signaling technology and practices.
Key areas of focus include cybersecurity, new detection technologies, refined notification appliance requirements, and updated documentation and maintenance protocols.
Cybersecurity Integration
A major addition to the 2025 edition is the emphasis on cybersecurity. A new Chapter 11 is being developed to address the protection of fire alarm systems from data theft, damage, and unauthorized access. This includes:
Definition of Cybersecurity: The protection of systems from theft or damage of data, or damage to hardware or software, as well as from unauthorized command or control or access to any information of any services the systems provide.
Cybersecurity Standards: Systems are to be designed and installed in accordance with standards such as:
- ANSI/ISA-62443 Series
- NIST Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Version 1.1
- UL 2900 Series
- Other standards accepted by the authority having jurisdiction.
Maintenance Plans: Requirements for network-connectable equipment maintenance plans, including an annual review of electronic access credentials and access logs.
Enhanced Documentation and Maintenance
Several changes aim to improve documentation and maintenance practices:
Observations: A new definition for "Observation" has been added. This refers to suggested corrections or improvements that do not affect system operation.
Abandoned Equipment: Requirements for the removal or marking of abandoned fire alarm equipment to prevent confusion.
Documentation Storage: Record documentation is no longer permitted to be stored within control unit enclosures. A separate document enclosure is required.
Impairment Notification: System owners or their representatives must now be notified within eight hours of a system impairment, including out-of-service events.
Advancements in Detection and Notification
The 2025 edition introduces new detection technologies and refines notification appliance requirements:
New Detection Technologies:
- Acoustic Leak Detection: For high-pressure gas leaks, considering characteristics of the leak, materials, phase of release, environment, and ambient conditions.
- Thermal Image Fire Detection: Detects heat signatures from thermal events, distinct from video image flame detection.
Notification Appliances:
- Minimum Hearing Distance: A new definition to prevent ear damage from audible appliances.
- Obstructions: Annex material added to guide designers and installers on considering obstructions like light fixtures, ductwork, and structural elements.
- Restricted Audible Mode Operation (RAMO): A new concept allowing alternative notification methods in environments where occupants may be sensitive to sound or light. This requires a risk analysis or AHJ approval.
- Voltage Drop Calculations: Revised calculations for DC circuits and new text for AC circuits in voice evacuation systems. These require consideration of control/relay modules and design for 167 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wireless Devices: New requirements for low-powered wireless devices include battery-depletion thresholds, distinctive low-battery signals, and individual device monitoring.
Other Notable Updates
Emergency Control Function Interfaces: The allowable distance for emergency control function interfaces from equipment has been extended from three feet to 20 feet under specific conditions.
Dedicated Function Fire Alarm Systems: Clarification that these systems are not required to include other features of a building fire alarm system.
Combination Systems Signaling: Fire alarm signals in combination systems must be distinctive and clearly recognizable. There is a defined priority order for signals.
Alarm Verification: Tighter requirements for alarm verification are now in place. This feature is only to be enabled in cases of nuisance alarms or expected environmental factors, protected by password or limited access.
These comprehensive updates underscore the NFPA's commitment to continually improving fire safety standards and adapting to technological advancements within the industry.
Conclusion
As we look forward to the 2025 updates, it is essential to stay informed about these changes. Understanding the implications of the NFPA 72 updates can enhance safety measures and ensure compliance with the latest standards.
For all your fire alarm needs, such as design, build, maintenance, or monitoring, reach out to Mytek Pros.
Sources
What Do You Think of These Proposed Updates to NFPA 72?, Security Sales & Integration.
Fireside Chat: Inside the 2025 Edition of NFPA 72, Part 4, Security Sales & Integration.
Fireside Chat: Inside the 2025 Edition of NFPA 72, Part 3, Security Sales & Integration.
Fireside Chat: Inside the 2025 Edition of NFPA 72, Part 2, Security Sales & Integration.
Telgian to present NFPA 72 2025 Fire Smarts webinar, Fire & Safety Journal Americas.
