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Unveiling the 2022 NFPA 72: Critical Updates for Fire Alarm Systems

Jul 5

3 min read

The 2022 edition of NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, introduces crucial updates impacting fire alarm system design, installation, and maintenance. These changes, which jurisdictions are progressively adopting, focus on remote access protocols, notification appliance standards, and revised inspection and testing procedures, aiming to enhance safety and system reliability.

Remote Access and System Control

The 2022 edition of NFPA 72 introduces specific guidelines for remote access to Fire Alarm Control Units (FACUs). While remote testing and diagnostics are permitted, stringent rules now govern programming changes and system resets.

  • Onsite Personnel Requirement: A qualified person must be physically present onsite for any system reset or programming modification.

  • Session Management: Remote access sessions for testing or diagnostics must have a termination mechanism from the FACU and automatically end after one hour of inactivity.

  • Firmware/Software Updates: For firmware or software updates, or programming changes, an onsite technician is required to test the system in accordance with Chapter 14.

  • Radio Pathways: New Class A (redundant) and Class B (non-redundant) radio pathways have been added, with consistent requirements for power, end-to-end communication, and fault restoration times.

Notification Appliances and Initiating Devices

Significant updates have been made to Chapter 18 regarding notification appliances, particularly concerning multi-purpose use and low-frequency sounders.

  • Multi-Purpose Appliances: Existing notification appliances marked "FIRE" can now be field-modified for multi-purpose use (e.g., fire and CO detection). This can be done by following manufacturer instructions or by installing an adjacent permanent sign indicating its multi-purpose function.

  • 520Hz Sounders: New annex guidelines provide assistance for the placement of 520Hz sounders in sleeping areas, including common spaces with sleeping furniture, "Murphy" beds, doctor/staff sleeping rooms in medical facilities, and nap rooms. There's also a strong indication that all audible notification appliances may eventually be required to be listed for 520Hz.

  • CO Detectors: Chapter 17 clarifies that CO detectors installed in duct systems cannot be used as substitutes for open-air CO detectors, pending further research on their activation thresholds.

Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM)

Chapter 14 of NFPA 72 sees notable changes to ITM procedures, emphasizing clearer documentation and battery management.

  • Observation Section: A new section allows inspectors to document observations for system improvements or enhancements that are not considered impairments or deficiencies, without requiring immediate action from the building owner.

  • Color-Coded Tagging Program (Annex I): While not mandatory, Annex I introduces a suggested color-coded tagging program:Yellow Tag: Used for systems with one or more noted deficiencies.Red Tag: Used when any part of the system is inoperable or impaired.

  • Battery Requirements:Installers must now label system batteries with a replacement date not exceeding four years from the installation date.Effective January 1, 2024, all rechargeable secondary power supply batteries must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.The standby battery calculation now requires a 1.25 correction factor for battery aging, replacing the previous 20% safety margin.

  • Abandoned Equipment: All abandoned system devices, appliances, and equipment must be marked "not in service" until removed.

UL Standards for Control Units

Chapter 24 clarifies the appropriate UL standards for control units based on their intended use:

  • UL 2572 (Mass Notification Systems): To be used when a control unit is solely for mass notification purposes.

  • UL 864 (Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems): To be used when the control unit is for fire detection and notification.

  • Combination Systems: Both standards apply to combination systems. Designers must select the correct control unit type for the specific application.

Sources

  • NFPA 72 Changes: Remote Access & UL Usage, Security Sales & Integration.

  • Initiating Devices & Notification Appliances, Security Sales & Integration.

  • 5 Things You Need to Know About the 2022 Edition of NFPA, Johnson Controls.

  • The Real Changes to NFPA 72, Security Info Watch.

  • NFPA 72 2022 Edition Brings Changes to Inspection, Testing & Maintenance, Security Sales & Integration.

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