Purpose Statement: To be the principal source of technical, training and educational information essential for the specification and manufacture of reliable life safety products, their installation, performance, maintenance and inspection.
The Signaling Protection and Communication Section develops technical standards and guidelines for its products.
Scope
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Signaling Protection and Communication Section
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- Audible and visual signals including bells, horns, speakers and strobes for use in fire alarm systems.
- Automatic detectors for fire protection and other life safety hazards including heat, smoke, flame, gas, biohazard detectors, etc.
- Smoke Alarms, CO Alarms and combination Alarms
- Life safety protective signaling systems include:
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- Fire Detection and Notification
- Mass Notification
- First Responder Interface
- Elevator Monitor Status
- BAS and Smoke Control Interface
- Suppression, Supervisory and other Special Hazard System Monitoring
- Supervisory Signaling Station Notification
- Electronic Security
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- Access Control
- CCTV
- Intrusion
- Combination Systems
- Two Voting Classifications have been authorized but are not yet organized
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- Paging Systems, Devices or Accessories Voting Classification paging systems, devices or accessories including those of the audible and visual type
- Manual and Automatic Operated Contact Devices Voting Classification manual and automatic operated contact devices of the type principally used as accessories for, or components of products falling within the scope of the Signaling, Protection, and Communications Section
- Health Care Communication and Emergency Call Systems Group
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- Nurse Call Systems
- Doctor Paging Systems
- Room Monitoring Systems
- Other Healthcare Communications Methods
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- Patient Monitoring
- Patient Access Control
Click here for detailed product scope information.
Technical Activities
Standards play a vital part in the design, production, and distribution of products destined for both national and international commerce. Sound technical standards benefit the user, as well as the manufacturer, by improving safety, bringing about economies in product, eliminating misunderstandings between manufacturer and purchaser, and assisting the purchaser in selecting and obtaining the proper product for his particular need.
NEMA devotes much of its time, effort, and resources to voluntary standardization activities. NEMA standards are offered and recommended to become American National Standards under the procedures of the American National Standards Institute, usually under the canvass method. This decision rests with the particular subdivision or subdivisions concerned. NEMA standards are also often submitted for consideration as IEC standards components or references. It is the intent of the association to continue its support of these, and many more, activities as the best method to continue providing sound and safe electrical products for the use of all.
Research Committee
Purpose: Directs Association and Industry-wide research projects in collaboration with other industry associations and groups
Issac Papier, Chair
issac.papier@systemsensor.com
Andrew Berezowski, Vice Chair
agb@honeywell.com
Standards and Building Codes Committee
Purpose: Develops industry positions on UL, NFPA, ICC and other standards and codes.
Scott Edwards, Chair
scotte@gentex.com
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Marketing and Promotion
The Section guides the development of industry-wide marketing and promotion of new technology for the purpose of increasing industry and consumer awareness. Sponsoring press releases, magazine articles and brochures, the Section works to increase awareness of the value of signaling, protection and communication products
Communications Committee
Purpose: Develops marketing, promotion and awareness projects for the industry through other associations such as Society of Fire Prevention Engineers, Residential Fire Safety Institute, National Fire Protection Association, etc.
Bob Boyer, Chair
bob.boyer@edwards.spx.com
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Government Affairs
Through NEMA, the section develops industry positions on legislative and regulatory initiatives that may affect member products, markets, and customers. NEMA's work has resulted in contributions to public policy development and in promoting competitiveness, technological progress, and public safety. On the Government Affairs homepage members can search for and e-mail federal representatives to convey opinions regarding energy policy or other issues related to the electroindustry.
NEMA Government Affairs provides specific services to its members and information in the areas of Environment, Health & Safety; Energy; and International Trade & Commerce.
The association follows state and federal issues which impact fire alarms and detectors by monitoring consumer product safety commission activities, monitor state and federal regulatory issues, and environmental issues.
Government Affairs Committee
Purpose: Monitors and provides direction for federal and state issues impacting smoke, fire and carbon monoxide alarm and detector products.
Jeff Brooks, Chair
jebrooks@tycoint.com
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Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Group
This group monitors local, state and federal regulations governing smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detection devices and tracks changes/additions to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards and the International Code Council (ICC) building codes.
Check out NEMA’s Recommended Policies: and . A of the model legislation is also available.
NEMA also has published a brochure advocating the use of smoke and carbon monoxide detection devices in homes: Is Your Home's Fire Safety up to Date? (
440k)
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Group
Debbie Hanson, Chair
DHanson@firstalert.com
Richard Roberts, Vice Chair
Richard.Roberts@systemsensor.com
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Healthcare Communications and Emergency Call Systems Group
http://www.nema.org/prod/elec/sig/healthcare/
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Market Economics
Through NEMA, member companies are able to develop and implement tailored, industry-specific market and statistical programs that benefit participating companies. Reports may include:
- Product orders and sales
- Market forecasting
- Shipments by trading areas
- Channels of distribution
- Financial and operating ratios
- Wages and benefits
- Foreign trade
The association also conducts economic analyses on the impact of legislation and regulations on member products, and monitors and reports on key industry market indicators. All programs comply with NEMA statistical confidentiality policies. For more information, please see Business & Economy.
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Membership
Membership in NEMA is open to any firm actively engaged in the manufacture in North America of a product within the NEMA scope and for sale in the open market. Membership of foreign firms is subject to product section policies and NEMA Board of Governors approval.
NEMA operates on a fee-for-service basis. Each product section establishes its projects and activities and approves an annual operating budget. Visit Joining NEMA for more information on membership.
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