Recognizing the improved reliability and added safety of electronically monitored fire extinguishers, the National Fire Protection Association has amended NFPA 10, Portable Fire Extinguishers, and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, to allow electronic monitoring in lieu of mandatory physical 30-day inspections. The amended codes will go into effect in September 2006 following ratification by the NFPA Standards Council.

According to the NFPA, electronically monitored fire extinguishers allowed under their codes must include the ability to assess proper location, access without obstruction and pressurization. In addition, the system must provide record-keeping in the form of an electronic event log at the control panel

Specific changes to the NFPA codes include the addition of a definition of electronic monitoring in Chapter 3 and specific details in Chapter 7, “Inspection, Maintenance and Recharging of Portable Fire Extinguishers,” of NFPA 10. Chapter 7 Section 2.1.1, “Frequency,” newly states, “Fire extinguishers shall be inspected when initially placed in service and thereafter at a minimum of 30 day intervals or electronically monitored.”

NFPA 72 included the addition of electronic monitoring definitions to chapters 3, 5 and 6.

These NFPA amendments follow similar measures taken by the International Code Council that allowed electronic monitoring of fire extinguishers in lieu of 30-day physical inspections at the start of 2005.

For some buildings, which have hundreds and often thousands of extinguishers on-site, physical inspections can be costly, time-consuming efforts. Proponents say electronic monitoring reduces these expenses and improves safety.