Fire Alarm Record Retention: Staying Compliant with NFPA 72 §14.6
Fire alarm systems are required to be inspected, tested, and maintained on a regular basis — but compliance does not end when testing is complete. NFPA 72 Section 14.6 establishes requirements for record retention, ensuring that system history is documented and available when needed.
For building owners, facility managers, and contractors, proper record retention is a critical part of fire alarm compliance.
What Is NFPA 72 2022 §14.6?
NFPA 72 2022 §10.19 addresses the retention and availability of records related to fire alarm and emergency communication systems. These records demonstrate that required inspections, testing, maintenance, and corrective actions have been performed in accordance with the code.
In short:
If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen.
What Records Must Be Retained?
While exact retention periods may vary by record type and local requirements, NFPA 72 generally requires retention of:
Inspection records
Testing reports
Maintenance and service documentation
Deficiency reports and corrective actions
Records of system impairments and restorations
These records collectively establish a traceable compliance history for the system.
How Records Must Be Stored
NFPA 72 allows records to be maintained in physical or electronic form, provided they are:
Accurate and legible
Protected from loss or damage
Readily accessible for review by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Available during inspections, audits, or investigations
Many inspection failures occur not because of system deficiencies — but because documentation cannot be produced when requested.
Why Record Retention Matters
Proper record retention:
Protects building owners during fire marshal inspections
Reduces liability after system failures or incidents
Supports insurance and risk management reviews
Demonstrates ongoing compliance with NFPA 72
Missing or incomplete records can lead to citations, required re-testing, or delays in occupancy approvals.
How Capitol City Fire Helps
At Capitol City Fire Protection & Life Safety, LLC, we don’t just perform inspections — we help our clients stay compliant long after the inspection is complete.
Our services include:
NFPA 72–compliant inspection documentation
Organized ITM record packages
Deficiency tracking and resolution records
Support for audits and AHJ reviews
Partnership support for other fire alarm contractors needing documentation assistance
Stay Inspection-Ready
Fire alarm compliance depends on both system performance and documentation. Keeping your records current, accurate, and accessible is one of the simplest ways to avoid costly compliance issues.
📞 (225) 242-9215
🌐 www.capitolcityfire.com
Capitol City Fire Protection & Life Safety, LLC
Protecting Louisiana through compliant, documented life-safety systems.