The Code Authority® Newsletter

March 2026

Explore this month’s articles on updated product safety requirements and trends from UL Solutions experts.
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Developed by industry specialists with an unbiased stance on the requirements needed to enable a safer built environment, The Code Authority® (TCA) newsletter provides relevant updates from UL Solutions on topics of interest to authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), inspectors, code officials, tradespeople, educators and industry professionals across the fire, electrical, security and building sectors. 

Enjoy the articles below and join in the conversation with the TCA community on LinkedIn, YouTube and Spotify.

Unconditioned Spaces and the Application of UL 539 Heat Alarms

Extreme temperatures and humidity can quietly compromise traditional smoke alarms. Learn how UL 539 and ULC 589 establish rigorous performance requirements that make heat alarms the safer choice for unconditioned spaces.

A ceiling mount residential heat detector rests on cherry cabinet ready for installation. This detector will be wired to a home security system.

Special Purpose Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters

The 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code® (NEC®) introduces several important updates related to special purpose groundfault circuit interrupters (SPGFCIs), including new classifications and expanded permitted uses. These changes reflect the increasing need for protection in higher voltage and specialized electrical applications.

USB charging ports electrical with Self Test GFI central toggle, designed for residential use, showcases metal terminals on either side

From International Firestop Council

Closing the Gap: The Critical Role of Bottom-of-Wall Joint Protection

A static bottom of wall joint system seals the gap between a fire rated wall and the floor to prevent fire, smoke, and hot gases from spreading, providing continuity of the fire separations and allowing the wall/floor interface to maintain its required fire resistance rating. UL Solutions certifies these “BWS” systems to UL 2079, the Standard for Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems, and recent IFC testing underscores their importance.

Fire flames, isolated on black background

Welcome to Pete Jackson!

Pete Jackson brings decades of expertise in electrical inspection, code development and industry leadership to his new role as lead regulatory engineer in UL Solutions Codes and Regulatory Services (CARS) team.

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Bruce E. Johnson

Bruce Johnson

Bruce is the managing editor of The Code Authority® newsletter and brings his passion for fire and life safety, along with over 30 years of experience, to his role as regulatory services manager at UL Solutions. 

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The Code Authority® (TCA) newsletter is developed by industry specialists who have an unbiased stance on the requirements needed to enable a safer built environment. For further information or questions, please contact UL Solutions.