Finding applicable codes for security work can be a costly task, with printed books and pdf downloads costing hundreds or thousands. However, a number of widely referenced codes are avavailable free online if you know the right places to search.

This post provides link to a number of free code resources common to security including:

• NFPA 70
• NFPA 72
• NFPA 80
• NFPA 101
• International Building Codes (IBC)
• ADA

NFPA online, free

The NFPA provides the standards used as code basis for multiple aspects of security integration, including the National Electrical Code, authoritative Life-Safety guidelines for access control, and multiple related standards for Fire Alarms, Firewalls, and Fire Doors.

The National Fire Protection Association is providing free online access to various NFPA codes and standards. The service, which is available to NFPA members and non-members, allows both PC and Mac users to access these documents electronically. National Fire Codes Subscription Service ONLINE - New or Renew. Get 24/7 online access to all 300+ codes and standards and all NFPA Handbooks, with the National Fire Codes Subscription Service. Download PDFs of codes you need on your devices, email content to colleagues and clients, and more! NFPA 1, Fire Code, advances fire and life safety for the public and first responders as well as property protection by providing a comprehensive, integrated approach to fire code regulation and hazard management. It addresses all the bases with extracts from and references to more than 130 NFPA® codes and standards including such industry.

The NFPA provides free online reference access to all ther latest versions of all standards after free registration is completed. The most relevant NFPA standards used in security include:

NFPA 70: NEC, The National Electrical Code

In most of North America, the most comprehensive guide is NFPA 70, most commonly called the 'NEC' or National Electrical Code. While the scope of the codes mainly apply to high-voltage electrical work of more than 100 Volts, security work and devices like PoE or small gauge cabled hardware using less voltage are also given prime attention. We examine NEC in detail in our Low Voltage Codes and Video Surveillance note, but the source code can be accessed here:

• NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (registration required)

NFPA 101: Life Safety

One of the most important guidelines of electronic access is NFPA 101, the foundation behind how to install access and still preserve safe egress. We examine those elements closely in our Codes Behind Access Control post, but free access is available here:

• NFPA 101: Life Safety Code (registration required)

NFPA 80: Fire Door Modifications

Because fire doors have important functions to prevent the spread of fire and to withstand direct flames for some time, modifying them for electronic access use is limited. In most cases, NFPA 80 describes the extent and size of cutouts or holes allowed in a fire door, or the acceptable behavior of that hardware given the location of the door. The link below offers direct access to the section:

Nfpa Fire Code Free Download For Windows 7

• NFPA 80: Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives (registration required)

International Building Code

Taking central importance in legal building design, and retrofit systems like access, IBC is often cited by local jurisdictions as the authority on how to construct systems safely. As we cover in Building Occupancy Codes and Access Control Tutorial and our Codes Behind Access Control notes, the actual version that is adopted can vary by year, with verbiage and citations change between them. Below are the most common versions cited today:

• International Building Code 2015 [link no longer available]
• International Building Code 2012 [link no longer available]
• International Building Code 2009 [link no longer available]

Accessibility Codes

Finally, codes that govern how to implement access controls, intercoms, and even workstation design can be found in the Americans with Disabilities Act, that we cover in Disability Laws, ADA and Access Control note. The most recent versions of those guidelines and mandates can be accessed here:

Fair Use Copyright Applies Here

In general, free online code resources are read-only and users are not able to download, notate, or print copies for offline circulation. If users want this, then standards and codes are available for purchase, often at prices ranging from ~$100 for a single standard to upwards of $5000 for a full set of comprehensive codes. For example, NFPA explains:

'These online documents are 'read-only' - they cannot be downloaded or printed, because NFPA relies on the revenues from individuals who purchase copies of these documents to fund our mission. But these 'read only' documents are available to anyone who wants to familiarize themselves with a code or check a requirement.'

Nfpa Fire Code Online

Under terms of 'Fair Use', citation and republishing of excerpts for public commentary or criticism is allowed, but wholesale republishing of the codes or standards can only be done under conditions given by the authoring agency.

Nfpa 72 National Fire Alarm Code

[Note: This guide was originally written in 2016, but substantially updated in 2018.]