This month, I am writing my final installment in the six-part series on the changes to the 2025 edition of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. This time, I will be covering Chapters 14 and 29.
Chapter 14 – Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
What I feel is one of the most important additions to the 2025 edition is found in 14.1.6. This paragraph makes it clear that inspection, testing and maintenance personnel are not required to verify the adequacy of the design of previously approved systems.
This task, if requested by a building owner, is to be performed by a qualified professional engineer.
As I discussed, for Chapter 17, Initiating Devices, thermal image detectors were added to the standard. Paragraph 14.4.3.4 adds requirements that these devices, if installed, are to be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s published instructions.
Within Section 14.4.10 (In-Building Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems), there are two new requirements. The first is that any supervisory signal that may be caused by a system is to be tested. The second is that all ancillary functions are to be tested so as to verify that they will not impair the operation of the fire alarm system.
In my coverage of Chapter 18, Notification Appliances, I mentioned the addition of Remote Audible Mode Operation (RAMO). Paragraph 14.4.13 details the requirements for the annual testing of this method of notification.
What’s New with the 2025 Edition of NFPA 72?
Chapter 29 – Single- and Multiple-Station Alarms and Household Signaling Systems
As I have referenced, fuel gas detectors are now addressed through NFPA 715, Standard for the Installation of Fuel Gases Detection and Warning Equipment. Paragraph 29.1.2 states that, when these systems are installed within a residential occupancy, NFPA 715 is to be followed.
There are products within the market that are designed to listen for the sound that either a smoke alarm or a carbon monoxide alarm produces and then trip an alarm input within a Fire Alarm Control Unit. 29.4.2 states that this must be from a device that is Listed for that purpose.
Within Section 29.10, Equipment Performance, Paragraph 29.10.3.3 requires that, if either a carbon monoxide alarm or a carbon monoxide detector is installed within an unconditioned room, the device must be Listed for that environment.
Earlier, I mentioned devices that are designed to activate when the sound from either a smoke alarm or a carbon monoxide alarm is detected. Within the section on supervising stations, Paragraph 29.10.9.1.1.1 states that a device that employs this technology shall not have the signal transmitted directly to a supervising station. The intent is that these devices are only for local use.
That completes my review of new items within the 2025 edition of NFPA 72. This was not a complete list, but it did cover the most important items.
Depending on the state or states within which you operate, you might either be using this edition at this time or soon be using it. In other jurisdictions, it still might be a few years.
The work for the 2028 edition has already started. There is a new chair of the Correlating Committee: Raymond Grill, P.E. The former chair, Merton Bunker, P.E., termed out after three cycles as the chair. Both of these gentlemen have years of experience in the promulgation of NFPA 72.
