NFPA Official Definitions. Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Chapter 3 of NFPA 731 and Article 100 of NFPA 70 (NEC) contain official definitions used in both publications. It is important to understand the difference between the “Authority Having Jurisdiction” (term defined in both publications) and “Premises Security System Provider” mentioned in Chapter 3 of NFPA 731.
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.
The Premises Security System Provider is a firm that provides all or some of the services required for the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of premises security systems.
Since the wiring methods and equipment installation related to a security system fall under the requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC), the AHJ will usually be the city inspector. When the inspector arrives, code compliance is the main objective. The inspector reviews the proper installation and protection of wiring, separation of power and signal circuits, product certification (listing) by organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the like.
The Premises Security System Provider can be any number of persons involved with the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of the security system but will most likely not be the city inspector.
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.
3.2.2 Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). 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.
3.3.19 Premises Security System Provider. A firm that provides all or some of the services required for the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of premises security systems.
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
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). 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.