Re: NFPA 730 & 731 Pass

[securitymission@xxxxxxxxxx]

Bob,

What you have said is mostly true, but I can assure you, where I live
at the county level a plans examination for a simple burglar alarm is
required under certain conditions.  Yes, they say they look at wiring
issues, installation of same.  They do use NEC, for sure, and they
never say they are looking at placement of detectors, type of sensors,
etc., only to make sure the wiring is installed to code.

In most instances, at this time they only require that you fill out a
green card with the permit fee attached when doing a simple burglar
alarm system, especially in retrofit situations.  They do come out and
inspect your work, however.  But, when there's an architect, EE, and
blueprints involved, which also means fire, they will often require the
burglar alarm, CCTV, etc. be included on the print.  I'm sure you've
run into this as well.  Residential is not an issue and may never be in
the foreseeable future, but that does not mean it could not change in
the distant future.

I believe that when these building departments are armed with a
code/standard document like NFPA 731, they will move the burglar alarm
installation process to the plans examination level.  The plans
examiner must have a national code to follow, and this document, for
good or bad, will give them that, don't you think?

Al