Insights topic · 1 article
Fire Alarm
When a fire alarm system is required, how an NFPA 72 design is laid out, and how to file with the FDNY and pass acceptance testing.
The building code decides when a fire alarm system is required, and NFPA 72 sets how it is designed, installed, tested and maintained. In New York City, the FDNY reviews and inspects fire alarm work. The guides below cover when a system is required, design and filing, acceptance testing and what to do when an inspection finds defects.
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What Is an FDNY Letter of Defect and How Is It Cleared?
An FDNY Letter of Defect, now a Notice of Defect, lists the items a fire alarm system failed at inspection. Most are cleared by correcting them and filing the FA-26…
Questions this topic answers
Problems and how to fix them
| Question | Code basis | Last reviewed |
|---|---|---|
| What Is an FDNY Letter of Defect and How Is It Cleared? | NYC Fire Code (2022) and FDNY rules (3 RCNY) on fire alarm plan examination, inspection and certification of corrected defects; Local Law 195 of 2018; NFPA 72 (2019 as adopted by NYC) | Oct 2026 |
From the project portfolio
Sprinkler and fire alarm modifications for a Class A office fit-out
- 2 full floors
- Exposed ceilings
- DOB and FDNY filings
Result: Approved without objections, and the client moved in on its original date.
Read the project story High-Rise · Manhattan, NYSmoke control and voice evacuation review for a residential high-rise
- 42 stories
- Stair pressurization
- Voice evacuation
Result: Smoke control acceptance passed on the first attempt.
Read the project story Warehouse & Distribution · Meadowlands, NJFire alarm design for a last-mile delivery facility
- 24/7 operation
- Indoor van charging
- Addressable alarm
Result: Zero nuisance alarms in the first six months of operation.
Read the project storyOther topics
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- Life Safety and Egress1 article
- Inspection and Testing2 articles
- Approvals by Jurisdiction62 articles
- Code Strategy2 articles
- Working with a Fire Protection Engineer1 article
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