Potter Fire Alarm Systems - Manual (Page 13)

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Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10
The Difference Between Codes and Standards
The terms code and standard are often used interchangeably, however each has a very different meaning. Codes are the written
rules and regulations that are adopted as law by an Authority Having Jurisdiction for enforcement. These codes are the minimums
that must be complied with to provide a reasonable degree of life, health and fire safety. The codes are written based on the
standards. Generally, consensus committees produce standards that set the minimum level of how to install a certain type of
protection. Standards are focused on one particular system or building component and give guidance on the proper installation,
maintenance and testing.
Code:
Codes specify circumstances WHEN and WHERE a given type of protection is required. Codes are MINIMUM requirements,
they can and are encouraged to be exceeded.
Examples of Codes:
NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code
IBC International Building Codes
Standard:
Standards detail HOW the protection required by the code is to be achieved.
Examples of Standards:
NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
NFPA 14 Standard for the Installation of Standpipes and Hose Systems
NFPA 20 Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection
NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code (This is actually a standard even though it is called a code)
NFPA 72 will explain how a fire alarm system is supposed to be installed. It does not determine what type of equipment such as
smoke detectors, pull stations, horns, strobes, etc. should be used. That is determined by the adopted building code.
The terms “Shall” and “Should” are often used.
“Shall” Indicates a mandatory requirement.
“Should” Indicates a recommendation.
Determining Fire Alarm Requirements
The building code or ordinance that is enforced in the particular area usually determines the fire alarm requirements. Most codes
will determine the fire alarm & sprinkler requirements based on the occupancy classification of the building.
If NFPA 101 Life Safety Code is the adopted Code being enforced:
Each Occupancy Class will give direction to the extent of the fire alarm system and will refer the authority to Section 9.6 Fire
Detection, Alarm and Communications Systems for exact installation requirements. In addition, the Occupancy Class will define
the exact level of protection and with refer the authority to Section 9.7 Automatic Sprinklers and Other Extinguishing Equipment
for the exact installation requirements.
Section 9.6.1.1
The “General” Provision
Specifies the conditions under which a fire alarm is required in that particular occupancy.
Section 9.6.2
The “Signal Initiation” Provision
Specifies the three means for initiating an alarm: Manual, Automatic and Extinguishing System Operation and the provisions for the
activation and location of the initiating devices. It is typical in many occupancy chapters that the “Initiation” provisions call for “Manual
means in accordance with 9.6.2”. When referred to Section 9.6, only the applicable portions of chapter 9 apply for that occupancy.
Section 9.6.3
The “Occupant Notification” Provision
Specifies “Occupant Notification shall be provided to alert occupants of a fire or other emergency” and how those signaling
requirements are to be met. The building code may refer to the requirements for the use of door holders, smoke and fire dampers.
It may require voice evacuation, visible signals, audible signals and may permit or prohibit the use of “Pre-Signal” features. All of
the notification and automatic functions fall under the notification portion.