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Fire & Life Safety Standards

NFPA codes and standards governing fire protection systems, life safety, and hazardous materials. NFPA standards are copyrighted — the links below go to NFPA's free read-only access for each current code.

NFPA standards are copyrighted, but NFPA provides free read-only access to the full text of every current code at nfpa.org — each link below goes directly to it. For enforceable local requirements, confirm the edition adopted by your jurisdiction (shown in the state pages under Code Library).

NFPA Codes & Standards

Published elsewhere. These links leave BuildSpec and open on the publisher’s own site — the host for each is shown on the right.

NFPA 101 — Life Safety CodeNational Fire Protection Association · 2024nfpa.org ↗

Minimum building design, construction, operation, and maintenance requirements to protect occupants from fire, smoke, and toxic fumes. Free read-only access at nfpa.org. Topics: Egress, Occupancy chapters, Life safety.

Cited in 2 sections across 2 state DOT spec books on BuildSpec →

NFPA 13 — Installation of Sprinkler SystemsNational Fire Protection Association · 2025nfpa.org ↗

Minimum requirements for the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems. Free read-only access at nfpa.org. Topics: Sprinklers, Hydraulic design, Hazard classification.

NFPA 72 — National Fire Alarm and Signaling CodeNational Fire Protection Association · 2025nfpa.org ↗

Application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm and signaling systems. Free read-only access at nfpa.org. Topics: Fire alarm, Detection, Notification.

NFPA 1 — Fire CodeNational Fire Protection Association · 2024nfpa.org ↗

Comprehensive fire prevention code addressing general fire safety, emergency planning, building services, and fire department access. Adopted statewide in many jurisdictions. Topics: Fire prevention, Emergency planning, FD access.

NFPA 70 — National Electrical Code (NEC)National Fire Protection Association · 2023nfpa.org ↗

The electrical installation code adopted in all 50 states: wiring methods, overcurrent protection, grounding and bonding, and equipment requirements for every occupancy. Topics: Wiring methods, Grounding, Overcurrent protection.

Cited in 145 sections across 40 state DOT spec books on BuildSpec →

NFPA 20 — Stationary Fire PumpsNational Fire Protection Association · 2025nfpa.org ↗

Selection and installation of fire pumps, drivers, and controllers supplying water-based fire protection systems. Topics: Fire pumps, Controllers, Water supply.

NFPA 25 — ITM of Water-Based SystemsNational Fire Protection Association · 2023nfpa.org ↗

Inspection, testing, and maintenance frequencies for sprinklers, standpipes, fire pumps, and water storage tanks after installation. Topics: Inspection, Testing, Maintenance.

NFPA 30 — Flammable & Combustible LiquidsNational Fire Protection Association · 2024nfpa.org ↗

Storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids including tank design, container storage, and process areas. Topics: Tank storage, Container storage, Process areas.

NFPA 80 — Fire Doors & Opening ProtectivesNational Fire Protection Association · 2025nfpa.org ↗

Installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire door assemblies, fire windows, and other opening protectives in rated walls. Topics: Fire doors, Annual inspection, Rated openings.

NFPA 110 — Emergency & Standby PowerNational Fire Protection Association · 2025nfpa.org ↗

Performance requirements for emergency and standby power systems: generator sets, transfer switches, fuel supplies, and acceptance testing. Topics: Generators, Transfer switches, Acceptance testing.

International Fire Code (IFC)International Code Council · 2024codes.iccsafe.org ↗

The ICC fire code companion to the IBC — fire protection systems, hazardous materials, and maintenance of fire and life safety features in new and existing buildings. Free read-only access on ICC Digital Codes. Topics: Fire protection systems, Hazmat, Existing buildings.