LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND

BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 4 - Notification Appliances
72:4-1.3 Requires these devices to be listed.
72:4-2.2 Appliances intended for special environments shall
not exceed their listing (outdoors vs. indoors, high
humidity, etc).
72:4-2.3 Where subject to mechanical damage, a
notification device shall be protected. A mechanical guard
used to protect a notification device shall be listed for use
with the device being used.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 4 - Notification Appliances
72:4-3.1.2 An average sound level greater than 105 dBA
shall require the use of a visible signal appliance.
72:4-3.1.2 The total sound pressure level produced by the
ambient sound pressure and signaling appliance shall not
exceed 120 dBA.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 4 - Notification Appliances
72:4-3.2.1 Audible signal appliances intended for
operation in the public mode shall have a sound level of
not less than 75 dBA at 10 ft. or more than 120 dBA at the
minimum hearing distance from the audible appliance.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 4 - Notification Appliances
72:4-3.4 Sleeping Areas
Sleeping areas audible appliances shall have a minimum 15 dBA
above the average ambient sound level or 5dBA above the
maximum sound level having a duration of at least 60 seconds or a
sound level of at least 70 dBA, whichever is greater, measured at
the pillow level in the occupied area.

72:4-4.1 Visual Notification

UL 1638 vs. UL1971

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 4 - Notification Appliances
72:4-4.4 Wall-mounted visual appliances shall be

mounted such that the entire lens is not less than

80 in. (2.03 m) and not greater than 96 in. (2.43
m) above the finished floor.
Table 4-4.4.1.1(a) Wall-mounted appliances
Table 4-4.4.1.1(b) Ceiling-mounted appliances

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 4 - Notification Appliances
72:4-4.4.1. Spacing
in a Room
More than two visual
devices that can be
seen shall be
synchronized.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 4 - Notification Appliances

Correct Spacing

Incorrect Spacing

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 4 - Notification Appliances
72:4-4.4.2. Spacing in Corridors

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 4 - Notification Appliances
72:4-4.4.3 Sleeping Areas
Visual device shall be located within 16 ft. of the pillow.

Templates!

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 4 - Notification Appliances
Interpretive Memorandum 2000-6
Common Use Areas:
a. File Rooms
b. Copy Rooms
c. Lounges/kitchenettes/cafeteria
d. Conference Rooms
e. Exterior balconies/patios if you are required to re-enter the building to exit

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 5 - Supervising Station Fire Alarm
Systems
72:5-2 Central Station Service
a) Full Service - provides all of the elements of a central station with its own
facilities and personnel.
b) Monitor Only - provides the signal monitoring, retransmission, and
associated record keeping. Owner must contract out a listed Fire alarm service
- local company or a Full Service company to provide runner and
maintenance service.
c) Fire alarm service - local company - provides runner and maintenance
service. Owner must contract out a Full Service or a Monitor Only
company to perform the monitoring.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 5 - Supervising Station Fire Alarm
Systems
72:5-2 Central Station Service
The fire alarm system shall be certificated by a third party
verification. (UL)
The monitoring station is also inspected by the third party.
Upon receipt of an alarm signal, the central station shall
Immediately retransmit the alarm to the public fire alarm service
communication center.
Dispatch a runner to the protected premises to arrive within 1 hour to reset
equipment.
Notify subscriber.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 5 - Supervising Station Fire Alarm
Systems
72:5-3 Proprietary Supervising Station Service
Monitoring facility is provided by the owner.
The protected property can be contiguous or noncontiguous.
The monitoring facility shall be located in a fire-resistive, detached building or
suitable cutoff room.
Upon receipt of an alarm signal, the proprietary supervising station shall:
Immediately retransmit the alarm to the public fire alarm service communication
center.
Dispatch a runner to the protected premises to arrive within 1 hour.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 5 - Supervising Station Fire Alarm
Systems
72:5-3 Proprietary Supervising Station Service
Upon receipt of a supervisory or trouble signal, the proprietary
supervising station shall:
Immediately communicate with the designated person to ascertain the reason for the
signal.
Dispatch a runner to the protected premises to arrive within 1 hour.
Where required, notify the fire department.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 5 - Supervising Station Fire Alarm
Systems
72:5-4 Remote Station Service
Can be a privately owned facility.
Requires a minimum of two operators
Upon receipt of an alarm supervisory or trouble signal, the remote
station shall:
Contact the fire service communication center.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 6 - Public Fire Alarm Reporting
System
72:6 Auxiliary Signaling System
Protected premises fire alarm system is tied into public fire alarm
reporting system.
Alarm signal is transmitted to the fire service communication
center.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 7 - Inspection, Testing and
Maintenance

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code

Chapter 8 - Fire Warning Equipment for
Dwelling Units
72:8-1.1 This chapter contains minimum requirements for the
selection, installation, operation, and maintenance of fire
warning equipment for use family living units. (i.e. single
station smoke detectors placed in the sleeping rooms within the
single family living unit)

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

Tips for Fire Alarm Shop Drawing

Submittal Success
1) Get all of the necessary background information on the
building (i.e. architectural review, date constructed, appeal
issues, order of correction, etc).
2) Shop drawings should reflect the same architectural design
that was reviewed and accepted by the AHJ.
3) Shop drawings are legible, every room is identified and
drawn to a recognized scale.
4) Provide a legend that identifies every fire alarm device.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

Tips for Fire Alarm Shop Drawing

Submittal Success
5) Every visual device is identified with a candela rating.
6) Provide a reflective ceiling plan that identifies ceiling
heights, light fixtures, hvac supply diffusers with smoke
detection system layout.
7) Identify the correct fire alarm signaling system type in
accordance with NFPA 72 and provide the appropriate battery
calculations for secondary power supply. (i.e. beware of using
the term central station).
8) Provide a Sequence of Operation.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

Tips for Fire Alarm Shop Drawing

Submittal Success

9) Provide manufacturers cutsheets on all devices and proof of

listing from a recognized independent testing lab.
10) Make sure that all correspondence to SFMO is from the
design professional.
11) Shop drawing review stamp.
12) If you have a code question - call us!

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

Fire Alarm Exemption Request Forms

Required Fire Alarm Systems
Minor work to a system (i.e. ten or less devices)
Allowed to replace only existing non-functioning fire alarm
control panel, provided the signaling system is not changed.
Submission of fire alarm panels for the installation of a
supervised automatic sprinkler system or for elevator
recall system, where the building does not have a typical fire
alarm system for occupant notification.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

Fire Alarm Exemption Request Forms

Non Required Fire Alarm Systems
Systems not mandated by the Code.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

http://www.dps.state.la.us/sfm

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

Educational Occupancy Fire Alarm Exercise

Single story building.
Building is protected by a supervised automatic sprinkler system.
A fire barrier subdivides the building and with fire rated doors utilizing
hold-open devices.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

Educational Occupancy Fire Alarm Exercise

14.3.4 Detection, Alarm, and Communications Systems.
14.3.4.1 General.
Educational occupancies shall be provided with a fire alarm system in accordance
with Section 9.6.
Exception: This requirement shall not apply to buildings with an area not
exceeding 1000 ft2 (93 m2) that contains a single classroom and is located not
less than 50 ft (15.2 m) from another building.

14.3.4.2 Initiation.
14.3.4.2.1 Initiation of the required fire alarm system, other than as permitted by

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

14.3.4.3 Notification.
14.3.4.3.1 Occupant Notification.
14.3.4.3.1.1 Occupant notification shall be accomplished automatically in accordance
with 9.6.3. Positive alarm sequence shall be permitted in accordance with 9.6.3.4.
14.3.4.3.1.2 Where acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, the fire alarm
system shall be permitted to be used for other emergency signaling or for class changes,
provided that the fire alarm is distinctive in signal and overrides all other use.
14.3.4.3.1.3 In order to prevent students from being returned to a building that is
burning, the recall signal shall be separate and distinct from any other signals. Such
signal shall be permitted to be given by use of distinctively colored flags or banners. If

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

Daycare Occupancy Fire Alarm Exercise

Two story building.
Building is protected by a supervised automatic sprinkler system.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

Daycare Occupancy Fire Alarm Exercise

16.3.4 Detection, Alarm, and Communications Systems.
16.3.4.1 General.
Day-care occupancies, other than day-care occupancies housed in one
room, shall be provided with a fire alarm system in accordance with
Section 9.6.
16.3.4.2 Initiation.
Initiation of the required fire alarm system shall be by manual means and

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY

Daycare Occupancy Fire Alarm Exercise

16.3.4.4 Emergency Forces Notification.
Fire department notification shall be accomplished in accordance with
9.6.4.
16.3.4.5 Detection.
A smoke detection system in accordance with Section 9.6 shall be
installed in day-care occupancies, other than those housed in one room.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND
BUILDING SAFETY