Design and Submittal Documents
Chapter 7 of NFPA 72 establishes the documentation requirements that must be met throughout the lifecycle of a fire alarm system. Before installation begins, design documents must be prepared and submitted to the authority having jurisdiction for review. These documents typically include floor plans showing device locations, riser diagrams, equipment specifications, battery calculations, voltage drop calculations, and a sequence of operations narrative describing how the system responds to various input signals.
Shop Drawings
Shop drawings provide the detailed information needed for installation. They must include the location and type of every device, appliance, and control unit; conduit routing and wire types; circuit identification; and mounting heights. These drawings must correspond to the system’s design intent and are often prepared by the fire alarm contractor or system designer. Accuracy in shop drawings is critical to passing inspection and achieving code compliance.
Record of Completion
One of the most important documents required by NFPA 72 is the Record of Completion. This form must be completed after installation and successful testing of the system. It documents the system’s components, circuits, and performance characteristics and must be signed by the system installer, the system designer or design authority, and the property owner or representative. The Record of Completion serves as the baseline reference for all future inspections, tests, and modifications.
Ongoing Documentation
Chapter 7 also addresses documentation that must be maintained throughout the life of the system. This includes inspection and testing records, records of system impairments, and documentation of any modifications or repairs. When a system is taken out of service or impaired, proper notification procedures and documentation are required. Maintaining comprehensive records ensures continuity of service and provides a clear history for the AHJ during inspections.
