Where Should Fire Alarm Pull Stations Be Located?
While they generally go unnoticed until a moment of need, fire alarm pull stations are an integral part of a business or large residential building’s commercial fire system.
What is a fire alarm pull station?
As opposed to a smoke detector or sensor, human intervention activates a manual pull station and is the catalyst for setting off a fire alarm. These stations are utilized when someone identifies fire or smoke in a building, and the alarm has yet to go off.
A manual pull station is essential to any fire safety system because it provides a hands-on way for occupants to trigger an alarm if the smoke or heat detectors malfunction. This requirement is also part of NFPA 101, which is one of many NFPA codes and commercial fire safety standards regulated by local authorities having jurisdiction.
What’s the difference between single- and dual-action?
There are two common types of pull stations, which include single action and dual action. A single-action pull station is the simple version, where all one needs to do is pull down on the lever. A dual-action pull station means that someone needs to take two actions to sound the alarm. In some cases, that means opening a box or breaking glass around the handle before someone can access it.
While a single-action pull station is more straightforward, there’s an introduced risk that a child or someone playing a practical joke can easily access the equipment. A dual-action system is more likely to prevent an accidental activation.
Where should I install pull stations?
The location of your fire alarm pull stations will depend on the design and occupancy of your building. While most buildings require at least one pull station, many buildings will need multiple across different floors and areas to meet standards set in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.
Generally, fire alarm pull stations must be located within 200 ft of each other and 60 inches from exits. If your building has long hallways and a lot of exits, you are likely going to need a lot of fire alarm pull stations. A fire alarm pull station also needs to be placed between 42 and 48 inches from the floor with no surrounding obstructions, keeping it accessible to anyone.
How do I get started?
Business and building owners can get started with fire alarm pull station installations as they arrange their overall fire system installation. Working with the team of expert service technicians at FSS Technologies allows you to leave the details and the legal requirements of your building’s fire alarm system to us.
If you have any questions or want to set up a consultation, contact us today!
Explore Our Other Blogs
What are Fire Ratings?
Any business owner would be devastated by a fire, and most turn to fire safety systems for preventative and protective solutions. Still, many are unaware that their building’s materials can directly influence how a fire impacts their building’s structure. In addition to investing in a comprehensive fire safety system, it is critical to consider the…
Why Security Camera Installation Should Be Left to the Professionals
Why You Should Hire a Professional Security Camera Installer If you are not an audiovisual professional, installing quality, capable home security equipment can be a much bigger ordeal than you anticipated. The DIY home security systems advertised on television look easy to set up and install. The truth is that we’ve received many calls from…
How to Conduct a Physical Security Audit
Protecting your livelihood is at the top of every business owner’s mind, but how do you know if your business is truly protected? By performing a physical security audit, you can fully assess any threats that your business might be subject to and take the necessary steps to mitigate those threats. During a physical security audit, each aspect of the business and its security…
Fire Prevention, Protection, and Suppression Systems
Fire safety is a crucial matter that every business should prioritize. Whether it’s caused by arson or an accident, a fire can cause catastrophic damage to a company’s property, inventory, and equipment if the proper protection measures aren’t in place or there are operational issues. In more unfortunate cases, insufficient fire safety standards can put…
Hard-Wired vs Wireless Security Systems
The chicken or the egg. Not asking which came first in this case, just which one you like better. In the world of security systems, which came first between wired and wireless was answered long ago. But the question of which is better remains. Let’s start with a quick overview of how each of these…
Types of Fire Suppression Systems
Fire suppression is one of the most important layers in a commercial building’s life safety plan because it is designed to control a hazard early, often before conditions spread beyond the point where occupants or staff can safely intervene. That matters for more than just damage control—it affects potential interruptions, compliance issues, and emergency performance….
The Cost of Professional Security Monitoring vs. Self-Monitoring
We recently talked about the various codes required for your security and fire protection systems. We also talked about why monitoring is vital as part of a business’s fire safety system—mainly because the code may require it. This blog will address the pros and cons of self-monitoring your business’ entire alarm system versus the cost of professional security monitoring. First, what is the difference between the two? Professional vs. Self…
Tips to Prevent Your Security System from Being Hacked
The Risky Business of Ring’s Vulnerable Security and other DIY security systems can leave your home as a potential target for hackers or thieves. When you are investing in a security system, you are hoping for peace of mind, and you are trusting this technology with your safety and property. Have I Been Hacked? A hacker may…
Fire Safety Procedures for the Workplace
The bad news—a fire breaks out in your workplace. The good news—you are ready because you have done your homework and prepared for the possibility of an emergency. Emergency Action Plan The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires most employers to have an emergency action plan for various scenarios, including fires in the workplace. There are…
What is a Smart Home and How Can Home Automation Solutions Help You?
Home automation solutions are no longer the ideas of science fiction. These intelligent home systems can save you hundreds of dollars through energy conservation, and they can provide state-of-the-art security to protect your home and the loved ones inside of it. What is A Smart Home? A smart home is equipped with lighting, heating, and…