Code Requirements

Meeting code requirements isn’t optional – it’s essential.

National and regional codes exist to ensure the safety, accessibility, and reliability of critical communication systems during emergencies. Whether it’s enabling life-saving communication in an elevator cab, ensuring public safety in a stairwell, or replacing legacy phone lines with compliant cellular gateways, adherence to code protects both people and property. At AVIRE, we design every solution with code compliance at the forefront. Our products are engineered and tested to meet or exceed applicable regulations. We actively track code updates and make product enhancements to ensure you stay compliant.

See all the codes

Compare codes at a glance

Code Standard	Life Safety	Elevator Safety	Public Safety	Cellular Communications
ADA
ASME A17.1
CSA B44
E911
FCC
IBC/ICC
NFPA 70 (NEC)
NFPA 72
NFPA 101
NFPA 1221/1225
U.S. Pool Phone Laws
UL
UL 2524
UL 2525

ADA

ASME 17.1

CSA B44

E911

FCC

IBC/ICC

NFPA 70 (NEC)

NFPA 72

NFPA 101

NFPA 1221/1225

U.S. Pool Phone Laws

UL

UL 2524

UL 2525

NFPA 1221/1225

Code Requirements

Standard for Emergency Services Communications

NFPA 1221 and NFPA 1225 are companion codes from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that govern emergency services communication infrastructure and in-building emergency responder communication systems.

NFPA 1221 (Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems) historically addressed requirements for public safety answering points (PSAPs), dispatch centers, and the communications infrastructure that connects 911 callers to emergency responders. It ensured the reliability and redundancy of telephone systems, radio networks, and supporting equipment.

NFPA 1225 (Standard for Emergency Services Communications) was introduced in 2022 to consolidate and modernize requirements from NFPA 1221 and NFPA 1061. NFPA 1225 now provides comprehensive guidance for in-building emergency responder communication coverage, public safety radio systems, and supporting infrastructure, while NFPA 1221 continues to apply to certain legacy systems until phased out.

Together, these standards ensure reliable communication between occupants, dispatch centers, and first responders during an emergency.

Who It Affects

Public safety agencies and 911 dispatch centers
Building owners and facility managers responsible for emergency communication coverage
Architects and engineers specifying fire and life safety systems
Electrical contractors and low-voltage installers
System integrators of distributed antenna systems (DAS) and bi-directional amplifier (BDA) solutions
AHJs, fire marshals, and code officials overseeing public safety communications

Current Code Versions

NFPA 1221-2019 (final edition before consolidation)
NFPA 1225-2022 (current standard, superseding NFPA 1221 for many applications)

NFPA 1225 consolidates and updates prior requirements, and is being increasingly adopted by jurisdictions as the governing standard for emergency responder communication systems (ERCES).

Key updates include:

Consolidation of NFPA 1221 and NFPA 1061 into NFPA 1225 for a single, modernized standard.
Mandatory in-building coverage testing for public safety radio signals, including acceptance testing and ongoing annual inspections.
Requirements for distributed antenna systems (DAS) and bi-directional amplifiers (BDA) to ensure reliable radio coverage inside buildings.
Minimum signal strength and coverage thresholds defined for both inbound and outbound radio communications.
Backup power and system survivability requirements for ERCES installations, including pathway survivability and battery capacity.
Enhanced documentation, testing, and maintenance provisions to ensure systems remain effective throughout building lifecycle.

Additional Information

NFPA 1221 and NFPA 1225 are increasingly critical as emergency responders rely on radio communication inside large or high-rise buildings, tunnels, and other challenging environments. Many jurisdictions now require compliance with NFPA 1225 for new construction and major renovations. Enforcement is typically handled by fire marshals and AHJs, often in coordination with the FCC and local public safety agencies. Non-compliance may result in failed inspections, certificate of occupancy delays, or enforcement actions.

AVIRE solutions — such as public safety DAS components and reliable in-building communication devices — support compliance with NFPA 1225 by ensuring uninterrupted emergency responder communications and meeting mandated coverage requirements.