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.
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 |
Code Requirements
Who It Affects
- Electrical contractors and low-voltage installers
- Engineers and system designers for electrical and communication systems
- Building owners, developers, and facility managers
- Manufacturers of electrical equipment and life safety devices
- Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) who enforce electrical codes
- Inspectors responsible for electrical system compliance
Current Code Versions
WNFPA 70-2023 (NEC 2023 Edition)
Effective January 2023, the 2023 NEC is the most recent edition of the code. Adoption timelines vary by state and municipality, but most jurisdictions across the U.S. enforce either the 2020 or 2023 editions.
Key Updated Include
- Expanded requirements for energy storage systems (ESS) and renewable energy integration.
- Revised provisions for emergency and standby power systems to ensure reliability in critical facilities.
- Updated requirements for communication raceways, cabling, and survivability to align with NFPA 72 and IBC.
- Enhanced rules for grounding, bonding, and surge protection of critical life safety and emergency communication circuits.
- New articles addressing hazards from emerging technologies, including microgrids and power-over-ethernet (PoE) systems.
- Clarifications on selective coordination for overcurrent protection in emergency systems.
Additional Information
The NEC is adopted at the state and local level and is often cross-referenced by other model codes such as the IBC, NFPA 72, and NFPA 101. Compliance with NEC requirements ensures that emergency communication systems — including those in elevators and areas of refuge — have safe, reliable power supplies and properly protected circuits. Non-compliance can result in failed inspections, project delays, financial penalties, or unsafe building operations. AVIRE products that integrate with NEC-compliant power and communication systems support customers in meeting both safety and code requirements.
