What is a Manual Pull Station?
A manual pull station is a wall-mounted fire safety device that triggers an alarm in the event of an emergency. Pull stations are commonly found in many public buildings across the United States and Canada. Most people have seen them, and some have possibly even pulled one before, whether for a real emergency or a prank (which is punishable by law in most states). Technically referred to as a manually actuated alarm-initiated device, a manual pull station serves a vital role in public safety and remains a key element in the future of fire protection.
How do manual pull stations work?
Manual pull stations are a failsafe feature required by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) to protect citizens in the case that a person discovers a fire before an automatic fire alarm, such as a smoke detector or heat sensor, can. NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®, dictates all requirements related to manual pull stations and other fire alarm system elements. Two different types of pull stations are used today: single-action and dual-action.
Single-action pull stations are activated by pulling down a lever on the alarm. In contrast, dual-action pull stations require additional action, such as lifting or breaking a glass panel over the alarm. The premise behind both types is the same: pulling down the handle will complete the circuit and trigger the alarm. Once a manual pull station is triggered, a special tool is required to deactivate and silence the device, which is why pulling one is never considered a funny joke.
Do I need manual pull stations?
The answer to that question lies in the type of building. Manual pull stations are required in all commercial buildings and any multi-family or multistory buildings, such as apartment or condominium complexes. They are not required for single-family homes. The NFPA states that fire safety should not depend only on a single alerting method, so manual pull stations are required in addition to automatic alerting systems. Specifically, NFPA mandates one manual pull station per automatic alarm per building.
So how many do you need? The size of your building dictates that answer. NFPA’s fire code states that the travel distance to the nearest manual pull station from any point in the building can be no more than 200 feet on any given floor, and they must be within five feet of each individual exit. For example, any group of doors more than 40 feet apart must have a manual pull station on each side of the grouping. The pull stations must be easily seen, unobstructed, and accessible to everyone the building serves.
Do manual pull stations need to be inspected and tested?
When a manual pull station is first installed, the building owner or a designated representative must perform a visual inspection. These visual checks must also be performed every six months following installation. Manual pull stations must also be tested annually to ensure they work correctly. These tests and any other associated services performed on the pull stations must be completed by trained professionals, and these tests are typically rolled into more comprehensive annual inspections and testing that are conducted across the entire fire safety system.
If you have questions regarding the need for manual pull stations or the functionality of your current pull stations, our expert service techs at FSS Technologies are ready to guide you through the process. We offer full-service consultations, installations, and inspections for all alarm system brands, ensuring you get the help you need every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.
Explore Our Other Blogs
8 Home Security Tips
With more than 45 years of experience in the home and business security industry, here are our top eight tips for discouraging intruders and burglars from targeting your home. 1. Create the illusion that someone is at your house. If you are going to be gone for an extended time, leave a light or TV…
What is the Lifespan of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors?
As with pretty much everything, your smoke alarm eventually expires. Sensors can become less sensitive over time, making them less adept at doing their job: detecting smoke, carbon monoxide, or potential fires. Replacing the equipment in your fire safety system is important both at home and in your business. We have developed a quick guide…
Who Are the Best Security Companies in Indiana?
Finding the right company to install and monitor the security in your home (or business) is an important choice. You need to know and trust the people who will be responsible for keeping you safe. In Indiana, we know that there are many teams ready and capable of protecting your home and business. To help…
How is a Fire Sprinkler System Designed?
While fire sprinkler systems seem the same at first glance, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for all commercial properties. Depending on a structure’s needs and circumstances, fire sprinkler systems use different combinations of various components. The ideal design should accommodate the unique features of each industry, layout, and operation. Whether you’re looking to install a fire…
How Commercial Security Monitoring Benefits Your Business During Quarantine
Instating work from home policies to protect your employees and help to stop the potential spread of COVID-19 is one step that organizations are taking to keep their company safe. But, with all your employees at home, how can you protect the other assets that make up your business? Regardless of the type of company…
Reasons to Choose a Local Security Company
Whether you’re considering investing in a home or commercial security system or switching providers, you may be weighing local and national companies. Which companies can you trust? Is there a difference in service between your options? Does a larger company necessarily mean better service? There are pros and cons to both sizes of company, but…
How to Prepare for a Fire Inspection
Updated May 2023 Most people learn how to react to fire alarms from a young age. The sharp, jarring noise of the sirens instantly notifies everyone within earshot of a possible emergency and the need to evacuate. These fire safety alarm systems are mandated worldwide and need regular inspections and maintenance to promote safety. As…
Security Cameras Are Not Created Equal
The Difference in Security Cameras Cameras are one of the most critical components in your security arsenal, and not all security cameras are the same. Why you ask? Consider these differences: Various types and sizes of cameras Indoor vs. outdoor cameras Cameras that are easy to camouflage Cameras that provide high-quality video footage Wired cameras vs. wireless…
Can I Install a Security System with Monitoring in my Apartment?
The most recent FBI data estimates that there are over 1.2 million burglaries a year, resulting in around $3.4 billion in property loss. Although property crime as a whole has been on the decline, the rise in popularity of video doorbells and more comprehensive and integrated home security systems shows that Americans are no less…
Cons of DIY Home Security Systems
When considering getting a home security system, some people might assume they can set up a fully functioning system themselves. The reality is that DIY systems come with some significant drawbacks. Here are some of the things to consider before you decide to take on this project yourself. Not Professionally Installed The importance of having…