NFPA Codes and Standards Changes Part 2

Fire Safety Consultants January 17, 2024 December 21, 2023

In Part I of this series, we focused on the changes to codes and standards related to building fire safety mandated by the International Fire Code (ICC). In Part II, we will discuss the changes to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards and the revised terminology.

Commercial properties and buildings must adhere to the codes and regulations put in place by the ICC to maintain the safety of building employees and occupants. There were important changes made to NFPA and ICC codes in 2021 that relate to the equipment used by emergency responders.
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NFPA Codes and Standards Changes

Terminology Revisions

The terminology used in these codes and standards has been revised so they can work in harmony more effectively with other standards and codes like UL 2524, the system’s new product standard.

NFPA 1225, which defines the standard for the installation of emergency communication systems, has removed the word “radio” to allow for additional advancements like cellular technology. This is an important change because, more and more frequently, public safety agencies are choosing not to use land mobile radio and opting for FirstNet broadband for data transmission and voice communication.

This change will ensure the Bi-Directional Amplifier System (BDA) equipment that is used will provide the effective and safe performance that is required by the code and manufacturer. Product standards lay the foundation for the construction reliability and performance of each product, as well as the marketing requirements. This is very important in the fire and life safety industry when dealing with BDA and fire safety systems.

Coverage for Emergency Communications

Section 5.10.4.1 of the code was revised so critical areas require 99% coverage, which correlates with the IFC critical area coverage requirements in the 2016 and 2019 editions. This revision was made because of the importance and need for emergency responders to be able to manage emergency operations through extensive critical area coverage.

NFPA 1225 will be the new standard number in the next edition of 1221.

Active Radio Frequency (RF) devices will have circuitry integrated into their design that will detect and control oscillation. Oscillation happens when an antenna that is located inside of a building has too much gain and forces the RF signal to the donor antenna located on the exterior of the building. A loud, high-pitched noise occurs when the speakers and mic are too close to one another, disabling communication between emergency responders.

510.4.2.5 Subsection Eight

A new subsection called “Oscillation of Active RF Emitting Devices” was added that requires a fire alarm system to produce and monitor an audible signal if oscillation occurs at an onsite location that is consistently attended.

The revision for the 2021 code includes both Class A and Class B systems to ensure they are tested for the near-far effect. The donor antenna must be properly aligned on the outside of the building, whether it is mounted on a movable sled or permanently affixed to the building itself. This is important for the effective operation of the in-building public safety communication system.

The fire code official must approve the public safety donor antenna and any repositioning of the antenna if it is on a movable sled, as stated in the 2021 code.

HRSS is an industry leader in commercial fire and life safety systems. Our services range from the custom design, installation, maintenance, repair, and 24/7/365 monitoring of your building’s fire alarm system. We offer high-quality, UL-listed commercial fire alarm system equipment and knowledgeable fire and life safety system design with complete code compliance. Contact us with any questions about how to ensure your commercial fire alarm system remains compliant with the new revisions to the NFPA codes and standards.

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Reasonable Bids and High Quality Work

Every time High Rise Security Systems provides a bid it is reasonable and the work is high quality. Every person on the High Rise team is great to work with, in fact, they always make us feel like we are the only customer. The first time we worked with High Rise was during a crisis over the holidays. Everything was ordered, scheduled and fixed during the emergency time frame. They continue to serve as a trusted supplier for our Hospitality Management Group.

- Cindy H, Smashotels, VP of Operations

High Rise Security Systems

2016-06-22T17:27:09+00:00

Every time High Rise Security Systems provides a bid it is reasonable and the work is high quality. Every person on the High Rise team is great to work with, in fact, they always make us feel like we are the only customer. The first time we worked with High Rise was during a crisis over the holidays. Everything was ordered, scheduled and fixed during the emergency time frame. They continue to serve as a trusted supplier for our Hospitality Management Group. - Cindy H, Smashotels, VP of Operations

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/reasonable-bids-high-quality-work/

Always Responsive & Fair Pricing

I've known Arnold at High Rise for 10-15 years. He and his team are always responsive and provide fair pricing. I am in charge of purchasing for 4 buyers and 350-400 field people and consequently rely on trusted subcontractors such as High Rise Security Systems. Arnold is not only a good guy and enjoyable to work with, he is a high quality minority certified supplier which is important to our company. We look forward to continuing to work with HRSS.

Dan P., Continental Electrical Construction Company

High Rise Security Systems

2016-06-22T17:42:47+00:00

I've known Arnold at High Rise for 10-15 years. He and his team are always responsive and provide fair pricing. I am in charge of purchasing for 4 buyers and 350-400 field people and consequently rely on trusted subcontractors such as High Rise Security Systems. Arnold is not only a good guy and enjoyable to work with, he is a high quality minority certified supplier which is important to our company. We look forward to continuing to work with HRSS. Dan P., Continental Electrical Construction Company

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/always-responsive-fair-pricing/

Trusted Notifier Partner

I've worked with High Rise Security Systems for many years. They are a trusted Notifier partner that pays close attention to detail. Being in the trades for over 25 years and using many different companies, I'd definitely recommend Arnold's team at High Rise Security for all your fire and security or Life Safety system needs.

Steve M. at Peak Electric, Inc.

High Rise Security Systems

2016-06-22T17:45:20+00:00

I've worked with High Rise Security Systems for many years. They are a trusted Notifier partner that pays close attention to detail. Being in the trades for over 25 years and using many different companies, I'd definitely recommend Arnold's team at High Rise Security for all your fire and security or Life Safety system needs. Steve M. at Peak Electric, Inc.

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Thanks for making this project a success

On behalf of Executive Construction Inc. we would like to thank you and your team for all of their efforts in making the Zurich North America Headquarters project at 1229 Zurich Way a huge success. Zurich had their final move in last weekend and are now 100% occupied. You had a great crew out here with Chris S. as your lead technician. He did a great with all aspects of the fire alarm system. He was a great help with getting our occupancy with the village and was always available to help solves problems and answer questions. We at ECI believe it takes a team to accomplish success and we appreciate, respect and include your team in the success of this project.

Thanks again and we are all looking forward in doing more work in High Rise.

Lee R. ECI Senior Superintendent

Karl S. ECI Senior Superintendent

Nick U. ECI Superintendent

Dan E. ECI Senior Superintendent

High Rise Security Systems

2016-11-11T14:06:54+00:00

On behalf of Executive Construction Inc. we would like to thank you and your team for all of their efforts in making the Zurich North America Headquarters project at 1229 Zurich Way a huge success. Zurich had their final move in last weekend and are now 100% occupied. You had a great crew out here with Chris S. as your lead technician. He did a great with all aspects of the fire alarm system. He was a great help with getting our occupancy with the village and was always available to help solves problems and answer questions. We at ECI believe it takes a team to accomplish success and we appreciate, respect and include your team in the success of this project. Thanks again and we are all looking forward in doing more work in High Rise. Lee R. ECI Senior Superintendent Karl S. ECI Senior Superintendent Nick U. ECI Superintendent Dan E. ECI Senior Superintendent

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/thanks-making-project-success/

You guys did an outstanding job!

The Addison project you were a sub of my sub GIM, but it was the first time I have worked with High Rise. I was very pleased with the support from both your office staff and field staff.

You guys did an outstanding job! Upon internal closeout I’ll be sure to reiterate that to our estimating. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Dave R
Senior Project Manager

High Rise Security Systems

2017-01-09T14:53:11+00:00

The Addison project you were a sub of my sub GIM, but it was the first time I have worked with High Rise. I was very pleased with the support from both your office staff and field staff. You guys did an outstanding job! Upon internal closeout I’ll be sure to reiterate that to our estimating. I look forward to working with you in the future. Dave R Senior Project Manager

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/guys-outstanding-job/

Battaglia Industries

Thank you for sending your team out today, everything went excellent. It is a “night & day” difference working with your team compared to some of our other subs.

-Sean R., Project Manager at Battaglia Industries

High Rise Security Systems

2020-09-28T12:28:31+00:00

Thank you for sending your team out today, everything went excellent. It is a “night & day” difference working with your team compared to some of our other subs. -Sean R., Project Manager at Battaglia Industries

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/battaglia-industries/

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