This is the second part of my series on the significant changes that have been made in the 2025 edition of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. In this article, I will cover Chapters 7, Documentation, and Chapter 10, Fundamentals.
NFPA 72 Chapter 7 – Documentation
7.3.4.7
Design documentation for restricted audible mode operation (RAMO) notification, including the definition of the protected space, sound pressure levels, and staff requirements, shall comply with 18.4.8.
Restricted Audible Mode Operation Notification or RAMO is a new concept that is being introduced in NFPA 72 in the 2025 edition.
I will provide a full explanation of RAMO in my next article, which will cover Chapter 18, Notification Appliances. RAMO is the allowance to provide alternate means of notification in occupancies that may have individuals who are sensitive to either bright lights or sound. Part of the requirements for RAMO is detailed drawings.
7.5.6.6.2
The revised version of the original documents shall serve as a supplement to the original, unaltered completion documents.
This new paragraph requires that the original documentation of the system not be altered. The revised documents shall be a supplement to the originals.
I have found it to be very difficult at times when working on a system that has been altered due to one or more tenant improvements in which the original system drawings can no longer be found. Knowing how the system was originally designed would be very helpful.
7.6.7 Network Connectable Equipment Maintenance Plan.
7.6.7.1 Electronic Access Credentials.
7.6.7.1.1
Maintenance plans for network connectable equipment shall identify all accounts, personnel, and organizations with electronic access credentials that could be used by a cybersecurity threat actor.
7.6.7.1.2
Personnel or organizations with electronic access credentials shall be reviewed annually to maintain least privilege access or to eliminate access where it is no longer required.
7.6.7.2 Access Logs.
7.6.7.2.1
The owner shall maintain access logs for network connectable equipment that supports remote access.
7.6.7.2.2
The owner shall review access logs at least annually and compare them to the access credentials used in the maintenance records to ensure previous access has been approved.
As I will cover in a subsequent article, cybersecurity is now a concern with fire alarm systems. While there may still be local systems, or systems that are only connected to the outside world via a communicator, with the rise of smart buildings, systems are becoming more interconnected.
One aspect of protection is knowing when a system was accessed and by whom. An annual review of who has access is to be conducted. Does the technician who installed the system still require access? Is there a field service technician who has left the employ of the service provider, or perhaps transferred to another branch? Access to systems should be limited as much as possible.
7.7.2.4
Record documentation shall not be stored in any control unit enclosure.
The days of cramming as much paperwork as possible into a panel enclosure are over. For a number of past editions of 72, there has been a requirement for a document enclosure. This is where documents are to go.
Chapter 10 – Fundamentals
10.10.4 Audible Characteristics.
This section was revised so as to meet the requirements of the NFPA Manual of Style. Each type of audible signal that an alarm system may produce is covered within individual paragraphs.
10.21 Impairments.
10.21.1
The system owner or the owner’s designated representative shall be notified within 8 hours when a system or part thereof is impaired.
10.21.2
Impairments to systems shall include out-of-service events.
There are two changes within this section. The first is that, in addition to the AHJ being notified within eight hours of an impairment, the system owner or their designated representative shall also be notified. In past editions, this was not a requirement.
The second change is that impairments now include out-of-service events, such as the system being taken off-line for testing or alterations. This becomes a factor if these events go beyond eight hours, at which time it would be required for both the AHJ and system owner to be notified.
In my next installment, I will be covering the changes made to Chapter 17, Initiating Devices and Chapter 18, Notification Appliances.
