Fire PDF Pro Blog

Insights, code updates, and technical guides for NYC fire alarm contractors, expediters, and design professionals.

Compliance · 2026 Regulations

Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Compliance in NYC: 2026 Regulations & Testing Requirements

July 27, 2026 12 min read

UL 9540A testing, NFPA 855 standards, peer review requirements, FDNY approval timeline, and cost breakdown. Essential for contractors handling lithium battery and energy storage installations.

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Compliance · DOB/FDNY

Energy Storage System (ESS) Fire Code Compliance: NYC 2026 Requirements for Contractors

July 27, 2026 14 min read

DOB vs. FDNY jurisdiction, 1 kWh threshold, flood requirements, indoor ESS checklist, peer review process, documentation requirements, and realistic approval timeline (6-9 months).

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Property Intelligence · How-To

How to Find an FDNY Letter of Approval for Any NYC Property

July 7, 2026 6 min read

Asked to produce the LOA for a fire alarm system? Where approvals live, how to pull the BIN and DOB job history every records search needs, and what to do when it turns out no approval exists.
Property Intelligence · Field Guide

The 5-Minute Property Check Before Quoting a Fire Alarm Job in NYC

July 7, 2026 7 min read

Seven lookups before you say a number: BIN, occupancy, construction, landmark status, DOB job history, elevators, and flood zone — and what each one changes in your quote.
NYC DOB · BB 2026-009

BB 2026-009: UPS as Emergency Power for Fire Alarm Systems and ARCS — When No Special Permission Is Needed

May 30, 2026 8 min read

NYC Buildings Bulletin 2026-009 allows a UPS to power fire alarm and ARCS systems without special permission — when no stationary generator is installed. Full breakdown of battery standards, room requirements, and monitoring conditions.

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BB 2024-001: Repair, Alteration, or Full System Replacement? The Exact Line for Fire Alarm Work in Existing NYC Buildings

May 28, 2026 9 min read

NYC Buildings Bulletin 2024-001 defines exactly when fire alarm work is a Repair, an Alteration, or a full System Replacement. Here's the complete breakdown with real field examples for NYC contractors and expediters.

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BCNYS 2025 Section 917.2: Mass Notification Risk Analysis Is Now Mandatory for Group E Occupancies

January 15, 2026 5 min read

The 2025 BCNYS now mandates a Mass Notification Risk Analysis (per NFPA 72) for Group E occupancies with 500+ occupants. Learn what this means for your FDNY filings and design documents.

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Code Watch · FDNY 2025

ARCS 2.0: What FDNY's Proposed High-Rise Radio Overhaul Means for Your Plan Filings

May 28, 2026 7 min read

FDNY formally proposed ARCS 2.0 before the NYC Council in March 2025. Here's the full current filing process and what changes when ARCS 2.0 reaches code.

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FCNYS 2025 · ERCES

2025 ERCES Requirements: In-Building Emergency Responder Communications Systems Are Now Mandatory

February 5, 2026 6 min read

New FCNYS/EBCNYS requirements mandate approved ERCES in new buildings and Level 3 Alterations across New York State. Here's what contractors and expediters need to know before filing.

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BCNYS 2025 · § 3006.3

Elevator Hoistway Smoke Protective Curtains Are Now an Explicit Requirement

January 29, 2026 5 min read

BCNYS 2025 Section 3006.3 Item 5 now explicitly requires smoke protective curtain assemblies at elevator hoistways. See how this affects new construction and Level 2 Alterations.

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BCNYS 2025 · § 903.2.9

Automatic Sprinklers Are Now Required in EV Bus Storage and Repair Garages

January 22, 2026 5 min read

The 2025 BCNYS mandates automatic sprinklers in bus garages housing lithium-ion EVs. Learn the thresholds, addition triggers, and how the "fire wall" rule changes your project scope.

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BCNYS 2025 · § 917.2

Mass Notification Risk Analysis Is Now Mandatory for Group E Occupancies

January 15, 2026 5 min read

New BCNYS Section 917.2 requires a formal NFPA 72 Risk Analysis for Group E occupancies with 500+ occupants. Missing this summary is a guaranteed FDNY or DOB objection.

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