Potter Fire Alarm Systems - Manual (Page 23)

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Fire Alarm Training • 8700055 • Rev F • 4/10
Manual Alarm Stations
The building code sets the requirements for where pull stations are required, how to install them and the stipulations for installing.
A minimum of one manual station or pull station is required to be installed anytime a fire alarm or monitored sprinkler system is
installed. The pull station must be installed where indicated by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. In addition, the pull station must
be designed and installed to meet the American’s with Disabilities Act where applicable.
Pull stations must be installed according to NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm Code. The building codes will indicate the exact
requirements for the location of pull stations within a building. The operable part of the pull station must be mounted between
3.5 feet and 4.5 feet from the floor. In addition, the device must be securely mounted to prevent damage and false activation. The
pull station must be conspicuously located and contrasted so they are easy to locate. Pull stations should be located within 5 feet
of each egress on each floor. In addition, there should not be more than 200 feet of travel distance between pull stations when
required throughout a building.
MAXIMUM OF 5’
OPERABLE PART
3 1/2’ TO 4’ FROM
FLOOR
DWG# 55-10
Manual pull stations are the only fire alarm devices required to be red in color. These devices are only to be used as a manual
fire alarm initiation device or suppression system activation device. These devices are required to be marked with the word
“FIRE” to indicate the purpose of the manual station. Other manual stations are available for ancillary building functions such as
emergency notification, egress stations in access control systems, nurse calls as well as many other specialized applications. These
applications cannot use a standard fire alarm pull station. Most manual station manufactures can provide the specialized devices
for the specific applications.
In addition to only using fire alarm pull stations for fire alarm systems, the manual station need to be listed with the area being
installed. If a pull station is installed in an outdoor or wet environment, the device must be tested and listed for that application. In
addition, special hazard manual stations are manufactured for intrinsically safe environments.
Pull stations are available in a number of configurations that prevent accidental operation. Most pull stations are the single action
type in which a single pull down activates the device. These types are very prone to malicious and accidental activation. Most
pull stations are available in a dual action model that requires two actions to activate, usually a push then pull or a lift and pull.
These types are less susceptible to accidental activation. Break glass stations or covers are other options that are also available to
eliminate the malicious and accidental alarms. The covers offer a large number of options including horns and seals. In addition,
the weatherproof covers allow a regular pull stations to be installed in areas that ordinarily would not be suitable. If a pull station
is installed outdoors, it must be listed for outdoor operation and temperature limits.