NFPA 731 is the Standard for the Installation of Premises Security Systems. NFPA standards are often used by designers and installers to design, layout and install a specific type of system.

Each NFPA Standard has a specific scope and purpose. It is critical to understand the scope and purpose of an NFPA publication in order to know if the publication even applies to the system being installed.

Below is a sample of NFPA 731. For the complete section, see the actual NFPA 731 text at NFPA.ORG. Once there, click on the free access link to the latest edition of NFPA 731.

1.1 Scope. This standard covers the application, location, installation, performance, testing, and maintenance of premises security systems and their components.

1.2 Purpose.

1.2.1 The purpose of this standard is to define the means of signal initiation, transmission, notification, and annunciation; the levels of performance; and the reliability of premises security systems.

1.2.2 This standard defines the features associated with these systems and also provides information necessary to modify or upgrade an existing system to meet the requirements of a particular application.

1.2.3 This standard establishes minimum required levels of performance, extent of redundancy, and quality of installation but does not establish the only methods by which these requirements are to be achieved.

1.3 Application.

1.3.1 Premises Security Systems. Premises security systems shall include one or more of the following system types:

(1) Intrusion detection systems

(2) Access control systems

(3) Video surveillance systems

(4) Asset protection systems

(5) Environmental detection systems

(6) Holdup and duress systems

(7) Integrated systems

1.3.4 The requirements of NFPA 731 shall apply where expressly specified in an agreement or where required by an authority having jurisdiction.