Fire codes do not change randomly. Most local code updates begin at the national level with revisions from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), before states and municipalities adopt them. When these newer NFPA editions take effect, businesses often feel the impact during inspections, permit reviews, or system upgrades.
Understanding what has changed and how those changes apply to your business is one of the best ways to avoid surprises during an inspection. Read on to learn about fire code updates that affect businesses in Southern California and San Diego County in 2026.
Key Changes to NFPA 72
NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, establishes the minimum requirements for the design, installation, monitoring, and maintenance of fire alarm and emergency communication systems. Updates to NFPA 72 directly influence how officials inspect and approve fire alarm systems in commercial buildings.
Protection Against Cyberattacks
Recent editions of NFPA 72 place increased attention on cybersecurity risks affecting fire alarm and signaling systems. As systems become more connected through networks, IP-based communication, and remote monitoring, they are more vulnerable to unauthorized access or disruption. Updated guidance encourages safeguards that protect system integrity and ensure no one can alter, delay, or disable alarm signals through cyber means.
If your business uses network-connected fire alarm systems, you may need closer coordination between IT teams and fire protection providers. Cyber protection is becoming part of overall system reliability rather than a separate concern.
Updates to Evacuation and Notification Systems
Another NFPA 72 fire code update that affects businesses is the refinement of requirements for evacuation and occupant notification, particularly where you use emergency communication systems. Updates focus on clarity, intelligibility, and consistency of messages delivered during emergencies. The goal is to ensure occupants clearly understand when and how to evacuate or take protective action.
Facilities with large or complex layouts may need to review whether existing notification methods still meet current expectations. During inspections, authorities may look beyond simple alarm activation and evaluate how effectively you can communicate information.
Classes of Leak and Fire Detectors
Recent revisions also provide clearer distinctions between different classes of fire and leak detection devices. This includes guidance on how detectors are categorized, applied, and tested based on the type of hazard they detect. These updates aim to improve detection accuracy, reduce false alarms, and ensure appropriate coverage.
Ultimately, this change may mean that detector selection and placement matter more than ever. Using the wrong class of detectors for a specific environment may result in compliance issues during inspections.
Survivability and Performance of Fire Alarm Pathways
The updates also place greater emphasis on the survivability of fire alarm circuits and communication pathways. The code clarifies expectations for how wiring, pathways, and network components must continue to operate during a fire or related emergency conditions. These changes aim to reduce the risk of system failure due to physical damage, heat, or loss of communication.
This can affect installations and upgrades of fire alarm systems, especially in larger buildings or facilities with networked systems. Inspectors may evaluate whether pathways meet the appropriate survivability level based on building size and use.
Key Changes to NFPA 10
NFPA 10, the standard for portable fire extinguishers, outlines requirements for selecting, installing, inspecting, and maintaining fire extinguishers in commercial buildings. Updated editions of NFPA 10 directly affect what inspectors look for during routine fire code inspections.
Hazard-Based Fire Extinguisher Selection
Recent updates to NFPA 10 place greater emphasis on matching fire extinguishers to the specific hazards in each area of a building. Rather than relying on a single extinguisher type, the standard stresses the need to evaluate risks such as combustible materials, flammable liquids, or cooking equipment.
Inspectors may identify locations where extinguisher types do not match the hazards present. Addressing these issues often involves upgrading or repositioning equipment rather than adding more extinguishers.
Updated Mounting, Visibility, and Accessibility Guidance
NFPA 10 continues to clarify requirements for extinguisher mounting height, visibility, and accessibility. These updates ensure that people can quickly locate extinguishers and use them safely during an emergency. Obstructions, improper mounting, or poor visibility remain common inspection findings.
Your business may feel the effects of this change if you have extinguishers blocked by furniture, equipment, or stored materials. Even temporary obstructions can lead to violations during inspections. Maintaining clear access and proper mounting helps support both compliance and employee safety.
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Documentation
Recent revisions to NFPA 10 reinforce expectations for inspection frequency and documentation accuracy. You must properly record monthly visual inspections, annual maintenance, and periodic internal examinations. Inspectors rely heavily on this documentation to verify compliance.
Incomplete or missing records can result in citations even when extinguishers appear compliant. Keeping service tags up to date and documentation readily available is essential. Regular professional service helps ensure equipment readiness and record accuracy.
Key Changes to NFPA 1
NFPA serves as a comprehensive framework for fire safety requirements. It consolidates guidance from multiple NFPA standards into a single code that local jurisdictions commonly adopt. For businesses, NFPA 1 often guides inspections and plan review practices.
Increased Focus on Existing Conditions and Life Safety Features
The NFPA 1 revisions affect the evaluation of existing buildings following certain changes. Although businesses may have previously obtained approval for some life safety features, NFPA 1 clarifies that specific triggers—such as changes in occupancy, renovations, or increased occupant load—may require those features to be reevaluated. The intent is to ensure that existing conditions do not compromise occupant safety as buildings evolve over time.
This means officials may review aspects such as exit capacity, exit signage, emergency lighting, and fire alarm coverage more closely during inspections or permit applications. Inspectors may determine that previously acceptable conditions no longer meet current safety expectations. Understanding these requirements helps businesses plan improvements more effectively and avoid being surprised by required upgrades during inspections.
Being aware of fire code changes allows your business to make smarter decisions about safety, budgeting, and compliance. Understanding what inspectors are looking for makes it easier to avoid delays, violations, and unexpected costs.
One company that can help you stay aligned with these updates is Hedrick Fire Protection. Contact us today to find out more about our services, including fire alarm system installations. Our experienced team is ready to update your facility to current code requirements.
