What is the role of NFPA 72® in fire safety?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72® is primarily concerned with fire alarm systems. Its purpose is to provide comprehensive guidelines and standards related to the installation, performance, and maintenance of fire alarm systems, ensuring they function correctly to protect life and property in the event of a fire. This includes specifying how systems should be installed, what types of equipment to use, and how they should be monitored and maintained over time.

This emphasis on fire alarm systems distinguishes NFPA 72® from guidelines that might regulate other aspects of fire safety, such as extinguishers, drills, or fire pumps, which are covered by different codes and standards. Fire extinguishers fall under NFPA 10, fire drill procedures are often linked to NFPA 101, and fire pumps are regulated under NFPA 20. Therefore, NFPA 72® is specifically focused on ensuring that fire alarm systems are properly designed, installed, and maintained to ensure effective fire protection.