Who is responsible for installing smoke and heat alarms in occupancies as per NFPA 72 29.1.2?

The correct answer relates to the responsibilities outlined in NFPA 72, which is the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. According to this code, the responsibility for the installation of smoke and heat alarms typically falls on the local building departments. This is because local building departments enforce building codes and regulations, ensuring that all safety systems, including fire alarms, are correctly installed in compliance with the applicable standards.

These inspections and regulations are put in place to protect both the occupants of the building and the integrity of the structure. Local building officials are trained to ensure that all installations meet necessary safety standards, which directly impacts the effectiveness of such life-safety devices.

While other entities like building owners, local fire departments, or electrical contractors play important roles in the overall fire safety strategy, the local building department holds the accountability for ensuring that the installation adheres to the codes reflected in NFPA 72. This centralized oversight helps in maintaining uniform safety practices across different occupancies and installations.