The Training Never Stops At NTC.
Check back often to learn more about upcoming NTC training opportunities and the latest news and updates affecting the fire protection and low-voltage industry.
5 Reasons Why You Need the NTC Brown Book (Fire Alarm Systems Handbook)
The 2025 NTC Brown Book (Fire Alarm Systems Handbook) is NTC's largest publication. At 682 pages, the 2025 NTC Brown Book is a hefty book loaded with a wealth of information about fire alarm systems. The 2025 NTC Brown Book is a necessary reference for every fire...
NFPA 72 Visible Notification Requirements in Special Applications
NFPA 72 specifies visible notification requirements in Chapter 18, which determine strobe intensity based on the room size and the location of the strobe(s). The Code provides separate tables for wall-mount and ceiling-mount strobes. However, the tables are all based...
Smoke Alarms and Smoke Detectors in Sleeping Areas
The IBC (International Building Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) require smoke alarms in sleeping areas for specific occupancy classifications. Smoke alarms receive primary power from the building's electrical wiring, typically at 120 VAC. Since most states...
What is the NTC Orange Book?
The NTC Orange Book, Fire Alarm Code Handbook, is a quick reference guide to codes concerned with fire alarm requirements. The Orange Book, originally called "Chuck Notes" after the original author, Charles Aulner, has evolved over the years. The Orange Book began as...
Training as a Punishment
The call came in, and I was not surprised. The complaint was one I had heard several times before. "The system is not working right". The communicator was incorrectly installed. As an Installation Manager, I had one technician who continuously failed to properly...
Visible Notification Spacing
Visible notification design uses prescriptive design. The location and placement of visible notification appliances are entirely dictated by NFPA 72, Chapter 18. While the code permits performance-based design options to be used with visible notification, most...
What Happens in Vegas…
The annual NTC Conference wrapped up in Las Vegas. After all the excitement, the clamoring of attendees, vendors and staff, there was a moment, just one moment of quiet in the lobby of the South Point Hotel and Casino. Sure there was the clacking of the slot machines,...
Passive Infrared (PIR)
Passive infrared detectors are the most common form of motion detection used in modern security systems. The technology has evolved and become more reliable, but it still operates on the same basic principles. PIRs passively view an area and detect changes between the...
Documenting Your NICET Work Experience
The NICET experience application is a component of NICET's process for evaluating a candidate for NICET Certification. Passing the exam is only part of the requirement. Your experience must also be documented. A common misconception about NICET’s work experience...
Ceiling Mount Audible Spacing
Ceiling Mount Audible Notification Appliance Spacing Ceiling-mount audible notification appliances are generally spaced using the 2X Ceiling Height rule of thumb. This rule spaces ceiling-mount audible notification appliances twice the height of the ceiling surface. ...