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
5G Security Concerns & the 3G Sunset
Consumers are using the internet on the go more than ever. By 2022, it is projected that consumers will utilize nearly 11GB of data per month, primarily due to video consumption. To create a more robust and long-term solution, technology infrastructure is working towards the next generation of mobile networks: 5G. With this network upgrade…
7 NFPA Codes Every Business Should Know
Business owners have an enormous responsibility to ensure their employees and customers are protected from fire hazards. Companies in industries like manufacturing and property management each face unique challenges in preventing fires and meeting code requirements. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one of the world’s leading experts in fire and life safety, has published…
Should My Business Have a Panic Button?
What Exactly is a Panic Button? As the name implies, a panic button is a button or switch that an individual activates when there is an emergency that needs immediate attention. Panic buttons are often hidden from plain sight so they can be activated subtly or in secret by the correct individuals. How Does a…
The Top 5 Reasons Why Your Smoke Alarm Is Beeping
Do you hear a faint chirping noise coming from the back hallway or the basement? Don’t ignore it. It might be your smoke detector. Smoke detectors are designed to chirp or beep when they need servicing. Common Reasons for Smoke Alarm to Beep When the battery in your smoke alarm is starting to get weak,…
Why Are Fire Hydrants Different Colors?
The eye-catching colors of a fire hydrant are hard to miss, whether you’re walking through a city or driving around a neighborhood. What many don’t realize, however, is that these colors are integral in helping emergency responders identify and assess their available resources when preparing to fight a fire. Fire hydrant colors are distinct to…
Holiday Safety Tips for Homes and Businesses
With the holiday season right around the corner, burglars are on the lookout for unguarded homes or businesses to prey on. Unlike the Grinch, holiday robbers don’t often have a heart that grows three sizes, making it more important than ever to protect your valuables and your loved ones. Our security experts have come up…
DIY Security Systems
DIY home security systems have been on the market for years, offering homeowners the ability to order and install a simple-to-use system for their property. A DIY system often boasts cheap and easy security solutions for a home but are not the right fit for all homes. Cost-Benefits As with almost everything in life, cheaper isn’t…
Choosing a Safe Neighborhood in Chicago
There are a lot of great places to live in Chicago. From the historic vibe of Printers Row to the ultra-stylish River North, there are neighborhoods to fit every personality. But are they safe? It turns out, many of them are. According to Niche.com—which ranks neighborhoods based on crime, schools, cost of living, etc.—the short commuting…
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…
Holiday Security Tips
It’s a beautiful time of the year, but the holidays come with some inherent risks that you should prepare for amidst all the gift buying, cooking, and decorating. Here are some of our top holiday safety tips to keep your home and loved ones safe over the season. Theft and Burglary Prevention Do not put…