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
Can Video Doorbells Be Used in Apartments?
It is at the discretion of your building manager as to whether you can use a video doorbell for your apartment. There usually are two concerns that arise when it comes to video doorbell usage in a rented property: installation concerns and privacy concerns. Issues with Video Doorbells Installation Concerns Many video doorbell systems require…
Types of Fire Alarm Systems
How Does a Fire Alarm Work? Thermal detectors- these detect fire through a heat-sensitive element Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – detect fire in its early stages, while it is smoldering and producing smoke or senses a build-up of certain chemicals in the air Flame detectors – line-of-sight devices that use infrared or ultraviolet light to…
Addressable vs. Conventional Fire Alarms
When determining what type of fire alarm systems are best for your business, it boils down to your choice between a conventional and addressable alarm system. The combination of smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors work together with your control panel to keep your business safe. Additionally, you will need to determine what kind of automatic…
Smart Home Technology for Aging Adults
Alzheimer’s Awareness Around 75% of seniors want to stay in their homes as they age, according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), even if they need day-to-day assistance or have ongoing health issues like early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.8 million Americans are living with the disease, and by…
Which Businesses are Burglarized Most?
The idea of business theft and burglary is not a pleasant one; however, the likelihood of your business being burglarized is rather high. In fact, approximately 37% of small business owners were impacted by burglary or theft over the past year. Retail businesses in particular are highly targeted as thieves are seeking the opportunity to either use or resell stolen items. Everything from simple shoplifting to employee theft can contribute to overall business…
Ins and Outs of Contract vs No Contract Security Systems
Many people see signing a long-term contract with a reputable alarm company as a stressful experience. In truth, contracts are in place to benefit both the alarm company and the homeowner. Developing a relationship and signing a long-term commitment to a security company allows you to get to know a team and benefit from the peace of mind that…
What Is CCTV Footage?
CCTV stands for closed-circuit television, in which video cameras transmit a signal to a specific, limited set of monitors. Wired and wireless cameras in a CCTV system are usually used for surveillance and security purposes. The footage can help prevent crime, aid in the capture of a suspect if an offense occurs, or serve as…
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…
FAQs About Fire Alarm Inspections
There’s a lot of information about fire alarm inspections out there, so how do you know where to begin? We spoke to our team to find the most frequently asked questions about fire alarm inspections. What is a Fire Alarm Inspection? Fire alarm systems are life safety systems that require a fully functional and visual check…
What are BDA Systems?
As technology continues to evolve and building codes grow more stringent, bi-directional amplifier (BDA) systems are no longer just a luxury—they’re a critical component in ensuring your building’s safety and compliance. Whether you’re a property owner, facilities manager, or contractor, understanding BDA systems is essential, and choosing the right partner for installation makes all the difference….