This self-paced online course explains NEC Articles 725 (Remote Control and Signaling Systems) and 760 (Fire Alarm Systems). These articles are very similar in their arrangement and organization and have very similar requirements. They are not identical, however, and the differences are important to understand.

Upon completion you should be able to:

• Explain similarities and differences between Articles 725 and 760.
• For Article 725 (Remote Control and Signaling Systems):
  • explain the scope of the article.
  • describe markings of listed cables and their significance.
  • outline permitted cable substitutions.
  • define Class 1, 2 and 3 circuits.
  • explain permitted circuit reclassification.
  • explain which parts of other articles apply to Article 725.
  • explain erstand wiring separation and combination requirements.
• For Article 760 (Fire Alarm Systems):
  • explain the scope of the article.
  • explain the difference between power-limited and non-power-limited fir alarm circuits.
  • explain branch circuit requirements.
  • explain which parts of other articles apply to Article 725.
  • explain key similarities to and differences with Article 760.

Who Will Benefit

Anyone whose job involves designing, reviewing, evaluating or installing fire protection systems, including: designers, installers, engineers, electrical contractors, technicians, project managers, fire marshals, and architects.

Course Summary

• This module covers two related articles of the NEC:
  • Article 725, Remote Control and Signaling Systems and
  • Article 760, Fire Alarm Systems
• Both articles share the same listing and marking requirements for permitted cables for plenum, riser or general use, as well as requirements regarding cable substitution, removal of abandoned cables and the applicability of other NEC articles. Articles in Chapter 7 (including both Articles 725 and 760) are permitted to modify requirements in Chapters 1-4 by including rules that provide different requirements.
• Article 725 covers the use, listing and marking of cables for remote control and signaling systems.
• Circuits are designated as Class 1, 2 or 3 based on their power sources. Class 1 circuits are defined primarily by their usage. A Class 2 circuit is intended to be neither a shock nor a fire hazard. A Class 3 circuit is similar to a Class 2 circuit, but levels of voltage and current are permitted to be higher than for Class 2, so other safeguards may be needed for protection from electric shock.
• In some cases, circuits are permitted or required to be reclassified from their original designation.
• Article 725 specifies that only sections of Article 300 that are specifically referenced in Article 725 apply to the Class 1, 2 and 3 circuits and then specifically incorporates several sections of Article 300.
• There are also requirements for separating circuits of different classes or allowing them in the same raceway.