Book excerpt: The most current guide to fire protection systems is here! Design of Special Hazards and Fire Alarm Systems, 2E is an essential resource for inspecting, designing, installing, using, and understanding a wide variety of simple and complex special hazard and fire alarm systems. Updated to reflect eight of the most current NFPA standards for optimum code-compliant performance, including the 2007 Edition of NFPA 72, the book also uses real-world applications and covers the latest technologies so readers can easily transfer the information they learn to their daily work experiences. Ideal for architects, engineers, layout technicians, fire service personnel, plumbers, mechanical contractors, and sprinkler firms, it is a valuable reference tool for anyone who interacts with these important and intricate systems.