Premises security systems are not just limited to residential burglar alarms and keeping unwanted persons from breaking in. Many premises security systems are in place for loss prevention of merchandise or to keep certain areas of a building off limits to employees or hired contractors with lower levels of access. Some premises security systems might be in place to keep those with severe Alzheimer’s or others incapable of self-preservation from getting out where they might not be able to get the continued supervision they need for their own safety. Premises security is of critical importance in institutional facilities and prisons. Premises security can apply to homes and other buildings such as banks or financial institutions, governmental facilities, hospitals, schools drinking water treatment facilities and the like.

Several codes and standards are used when designing and installing a premises security system.

It is important to know how “standards” and “codes” are often applied. Many inspection authorities adopt specific codes such as the National Electrical Code and they become legislative law, but they generally do not adopt each installation standard. Many standards are used voluntarily to assist in designing a specific system.

NFPA 731 is the Standard for the Installation of Premises Security Systems. NFPA 70 is the National Electrical Code (NEC). Both publications are used in wiring code compliant premises security systems. Other codes such as the Building code, Fire Code and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code are equally as important especially when installing delayed egress and magnetic lock systems on entry or exit doors. NFPA 730 is simply a guide to be used that provides criteria for the selection of a security program to reduce vulnerabilities but really doesn’t address the actual system installation methods.

NFPA codes and standards are laid out in a similar fashion. There are chapters, parts within chapters, and sections within chapters or parts. As well, there are informational notes and annexes that provide extra explanatory material. The beginning of each standard has a scope which specifies what the standard applies to.