Which statement about NFPA 72 monitoring in buildings with both a sprinkler system and a fire alarm system is true?

Which statement about NFPA 72 monitoring in buildings with both a sprinkler system and a fire alarm system is true?

• A. The fire alarm system must monitor the sprinkler system.
• B. The sprinkler system must monitor the fire alarm system.
• C. The fire alarm system must monitor the lighting circuits.
• D. The fire alarm system must monitor the security system.

Answer: (A)

NFPA 72 requires the fire alarm system to supervise the sprinkler system. This means the fire alarm control panel must receive signals from sprinkler-related devices such as waterflow switches and valve status (including tamper and position) so that any sprinkler activity or fault is immediately reported as an alarm event. Having the fire alarm system monitor the sprinkler system provides centralized, reliable notification to occupants and responders when a sprinkler head releases water or when there’s a fault in the sprinkler piping or valves. The sprinkler system itself does not monitor the fire alarm system, and monitoring lighting circuits or security systems is not the mandated relationship for sprinkler signaling under NFPA 72.

NFPA 72 requires the fire alarm system to supervise the sprinkler system. This means the fire alarm control panel must receive signals from sprinkler-related devices such as waterflow switches and valve status (including tamper and position) so that any sprinkler activity or fault is immediately reported as an alarm event. Having the fire alarm system monitor the sprinkler system provides centralized, reliable notification to occupants and responders when a sprinkler head releases water or when there’s a fault in the sprinkler piping or valves. The sprinkler system itself does not monitor the fire alarm system, and monitoring lighting circuits or security systems is not the mandated relationship for sprinkler signaling under NFPA 72.