In North Carolina, commercial fire alarm systems must comply with the 2018 North Carolina Fire Prevention Code, which includes specific guidelines from the 2015 International Fire Code (IFC) with local amendments. These systems must be inspected and tested regularly to ensure functionality. The National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 72 standards outline the requirements for installation, inspection, and maintenance of fire alarms. Annual servicing is mandatory, and systems must be maintained by certified professionals to remain compliant. Regular inspections should cover control units, smoke detectors, batteries, pull stations, and other key components.