This section lists the difrerent codes for the Fire Protection industry and a brief explanation of their purpose.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

The National Fire Protection Association was organized in 1896. Its purpose is to promote the science and improve the methods of fire protection and prevention, electrical safety, and other related safety goals; to obtain and circulate information on these subjects; and to secure the cooperation of its members and the public in establishing proper safeguards against loss of life and property.
Out of this, a set of codes were created and adopted thoughout Canada and the United States. Some Canadian provences have created thier own provincial codes ( example being the Ontario Fire Code and Ontario building code) which reference specific NFPA codes. Once a code or document is referenced by another, it become part of that code. Two examples of this is are:

NFPA-13 Installation of Sprinkler Systems (referenced by the OBC)

NFPA-13A Inspection,Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems (referenced by the OFC)

Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

Underwriters Laboratories is the US version of ULC. All Fire Alarm Systems and devices must carry the UL lable (ULC in Canada) to meet the requirements of the OBC and OFC.

Underwriters Laboratory of Canada (ULC)

UNDERWRITERS' LABORATORIES OF CANADA (ULC) is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1920 by letters patent issued by the Canadian government. It maintains and operates laboratories and a certification service for the examination, testing and classification of devices, constructions, materials and systems to determine their relation to life, fire and property hazards. Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada also develops and publishes, standards, classifications and specifications for products having a bearing on fire, accident, or property hazards. Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada as a Certification Organization and a Standards Writing Organization under the National Standards System of Canada. National Standards of Canada developed by Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada conform to the criteria and procedures established by the Standards Council of Canada. Such standards are prepared using the consensus principle by individuals who provide a balanced representation of interests relevant to the subject area on a national basis.

Ontario Fire Code (OFC)

The Ontario Fire Code is a set of codes, rules and standards created for the province of Ontario. It is based on the National Fire Code (NFPA) and tailored to meet the needs of the provence. The OFC still references many NFPA codes, making them part of the regulations.

Ontario Building Code (OBC)

The Ontario Building Code is a regulation made under the Building Code Act. It is based, in large measure, on the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). The Code is essentially a set of minimum provisions respecting the safety of buildings with reference to public health, fire protection and structural sufficiency. Its primary purpose is the promotion of public safety through the application of appropriate uniform building standards.

Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA)

The Canadian Fire Alarm Association is a not-for-profit volunteer organization which has been in operation since 1973. The CFAA provides representation on various Codes and Standards Committees (ULC, OFC, OBC), and in the development and re-writing of various standards.The CFAA also created the CFAA Fire Alarm Technology Program and Fire Alarm System Technician Registration Program. The acceptance of the CFAA Fire Alarm Technician Program is documented in Provincial Fire Codes and CAN/ULC-S536.