Technical interpretations

NFPA members and public sector officials may request a Technical Document Interpretation.

Members and public sector officials may request a Technical Document Interpretation by phone, e-mail, fax, or mail. Your request must include the following information:

Your full name and company
NFPA membership number
Mailing address
E-mail address (if applicable)
NFPA document, edition date, and technical question
Phone: +1 800 344-3555

E-mail: We've made it easier for you to send your requests via e-mail. Use the following format:

NFPAdocumentnumber@nfpa.org to email your requests.

Examples: If you have a question regarding NFPA 101, send your request to nfpa101@nfpa.org
Questions on NFPA 13 would go to nfpa13@nfpa.org
Questions on NFPA 610 would go to nfpa610@nfpa.org

Fax: +1 617 770-0700

Mail: NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy MA 02169-7471

Responses to requests for interpretation are provided by NFPA staff on an informal basis. This allows a timely response that in almost all cases adequately addresses the need for information. A request for an interpretation may, however, be processed on a more formal basis if so desired. This involves balloting the responsible NFPA technical committee, and requires an extended processing time and may not result in an answer if consensus cannot be established. This is referred to as a "Formal Interpretation", and it is used in only limited cases. Refer to Section 6 of the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects.


Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant