NFSA Participation in the NFPA Codes and Standards Process

The fire sprinkler industry relies heavily on NFPA codes and standards to ensure fire protection systems are installed correctly, and that the performance of these systems will save lives and property. The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) and the activities of the Engineering and Standards Committee (E&S) and Code Development Team (CDT) performs a very active role in the codes and standards revision process with over 80 member and staff representatives on dozens of NFPA technical committees.

An important step in the codes and standards revision process is the Technical Meeting (also known as Tech Session) which is traditionally held in conjunction with NFPA’s Annual Conference. This year marks the return of the in-person voting and debate session. NFSA encourages all members, who are eligible to vote at NFPA to participate at the Technical Meeting on June 8 and 9, 2022. For registration, Report of the NFPA motions committee, agenda, and the pre-Tech Session debate, go here.

NFSA positions and voting guidance on CAMs

The NFSA position on the CAMs below was established recently by the NFSA Engineering and Standards (E&S) Committee. For CAMs not specifically listed, the NFSA has no position and remains neutral, however, check this site for other industry positions, such as the Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA).

1. CAM 25-10: Top Myers, Myers Risk Services
   1. Position: For/Support
   2. Reason: This concept does not belong in NFPA 25. Verification of compatible products should occur before installation or application.
2. CAM 25-2: William Koffel, Koffel Associates
   1. Position: Against/Oppose
   2. Reason: Support the technical committee. Verifying compatibility of products on existing CPVC systems does not belong in Chapter 5 and is not the responsibility of the inspector.
3. CAM 25-3: Lennon Peake, Koffel Associates
   1. Position: For/Support
   2. Reason: This specific portion clarifies that sprinkler piping is not to be used to support nonsystem components.
4. CAM 25-17: James Peterkin, TLC Engineering
   1. Position: Against/Oppose
   2. Reason: Support the technical committee. This CAM removes clearance criteria from table but not in other locations in NFPA 25.
5. CAM 25-16: James Peterkin, TLC Engineering
   1. Position: Against/Oppose
   2. Reason: Support the technical committee to keep concealed sprinkler inspection criteria in NFPA 25.
6. CAM 25-15: Dennis Sullivan, Marioff North America
   1. Position: Against/Oppose
   2. Reason: Support the technical committee.
7. CAM 25-18: James Peterkin, TLC Engineering
   1. Position: Against/Oppose
   2. Reason: Support the technical committee.

Other Voting Guides

The Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA) encourages its members to use and follow their guide here: 2022 AFAA Voting Guide

Questions and Guidance

NFSA staff and E&S members will be on-site for the NFPA expo, conference sessions, and Technical Meeting. For updates and questions regarding NFSA positions, refer to this online guide often, visit the NFSA booth #141, or contact NFSA E&S secretary, Roland Asp asp@nfsa.org or NFSA Vice President Jeffrey Hugo hugo@nfsa.org.