As more jurisdictions across the U.S. adopt the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) or later, a significant shift is occurring in how fire and life safety systems are tested and commissioned. One of the most impactful changes is the requirement for NFPA 4 Integrated System Testing, which is now mandatory for both new construction and renovation projects in:
- High-rise buildings
- Buildings with smoke control systems
If you’re a building owner, facilities manager, contractor, architect, or engineer, this change could affect your next project’s schedule, budget, and turnover timeline unless you plan for it early.
What Is NFPA 4?
NFPA 4’s primary purpose is to ensure proper integration of a building’s fire and life safety systems. While traditional commissioning tests systems individually, NFPA 4 fills the gaps by requiring end-to-end verification across systems to ensure appropriate handshakes are executed.
What does this mean in practice?
This means that all the systems that activate based on a signal from the fire alarm system minimally need to be tested when impacted by a project. Some examples include:
- Closure of smoke dampers and fire/smoke dampers upon activation of their associated duct detector
- Firefighter elevator recall
- Release of security locking on egress doors
Does this apply to new buildings or work in existing buildings as well?
The requirements apply to new buildings and renovation projects in high-rise buildings or buildings with smoke control systems. Applying NFPA 4 to renovation projects puts stress on the accuracy of existing building information and requires internal testing and maintenance of existing systems. To properly plan and execute integrated testing, project teams must gather:
- Existing fire alarm matrix and sequence of operations
- Up-to-date test reports for all systems integrated with the fire alarm
- Design documentation associated with any modifications to the existing fire alarm sequence of operations planned by the renovation project.
Jurisdictions Are Starting to Enforce New Procedural Requirements
Many jurisdictions, including Boston, now require Integrated System Test Plans at the time of permit application for qualifying projects. Without the proper documentation and planning, you risk:
- Delays in permitting
- Delays in occupancy
- Costly rework or redesign
Code Red Consultants has been performing integrated fire protection system testing for over a decade. If you need assistance in planning and navigating these new requirements, please get in touch with us. We’ll post additional blogs soon focusing on the NFPA 4 requirements that are essential for designers, owners, developers, tenants, property managers, and contractors to understand. Stay tuned!