Chapter 3 of NFPA 731, and Article 100 of NFPA 70 (NEC) both contain definitions used in each publication.

The definitions in Chapter 3 of NFPA 731 are broken down into two categories as follows:

• NFPA Official Definitions which may also be found in other NFPA publications such as the NEC^® (NFPA 70)
• General Definitions which are specific only to NFPA 731

 One of the NFPA Official Definitions used in both publications is the word “approved” which means acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

The authority having jurisdiction or AHJ is an organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.

According to Annex A in the back of NFPA 731, The NFPA does not approve, inspect, or certify installations, procedures, equipment, or materials; nor does it approve or evaluate any of the specific testing laboratories.

In order to determine the acceptability of installations, procedures, equipment, or materials, the AHJ may base their acceptance criteria on compliance with NFPA or other appropriate standards. In the absence of such standards, the AHJ may require evidence of proper installation, procedure, or use. The AHJ may also refer to the listings or labeling practices of a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (such as UL) who determines compliance with appropriate standards for the current production of listed items.

Below is a sample of NFPA 731. See the actual NFPA 731 text at NFPA.ORG. for complete code sections. Once there, click on their link to free access to the latest edition of NFPA 731.

3.2.1 Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

Below is a sample of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for complete code sections. Once there, click on their link to free access to the latest edition of NFPA 70.

Article 100 Definitions

Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.