Where Should Fire Alarm Pull Stations Be Located?
While they generally go unnoticed until a moment of need, a fire alarm pull station is an integral part of a business or large residential building’s fire alarm system.
What Is a Fire Alarm Pull Station?
As opposed to a smoke detector or sensor, human intervention activates pull station alarms and is the catalyst for setting off a fire alarm. These stations are utilized when someone identifies fire or smoke in a building, but the alarm has yet to go off. This is an important element of any fire safety system because it provides a manual way for occupants to trigger an alarm if the smoke or heat detectors malfunction.
This requirement is also part of the NFPA 101, which is regulated by your local authority having jurisdiction.
Single or Dual-Action
There are two common types of pull stations, which include single-action and dual-action. A single action 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 the glass around the handle before someone can access it.
While a single action pull station is more straightforward, you introduce the 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 Do I Put a Pull Station?
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 NFPA 72 standards. 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, keeping it accessible to those who use wheelchairs.
Additionally, a fire alarm pull station needs to be red and in a location that is completely unobstructed from obstacles. This way, anyone can access the pull station in an emergency.
How Do I Get Started?
Business and building owners can get started with fire alarm pull station installation as they arrange their fire system installation. Working with an expert team, such as our team at FSS Technologies, allows you to leave the details and the legal requirements for your building to us.
If you have any questions or want to set up a consultation, contact us today!
Explore Our Other Blogs
Where Should Security Cameras be Installed in a Business?
When you walk into a gas station, it’s safe to assume that everything is being monitored. Businesses seek to maintain the safety of their employees, customers, and property at all times, and a commercial security system is the most common way to do so. Commercial security systems include many pieces, including video security components. CCTV cameras are…
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…
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…
What are the Components of a Security System?
Security systems can vary widely in size and scale: from simple home alarms and small business surveillance systems to commercial-grade intrusion and detection systems. One system could even be comprised of enterprise-level networks that stretch across multiple locations. Understanding the essential components of a security system is the best way to start your search for…
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,…
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 evidence in court….
Will Renter’s Insurance Give a Discount if You Have a Security System?
Home invasions or burglaries are a threat to any household, regardless of where they are located. One of the biggest deterrents for burglars is a home security system that could record evidence of their actions or could notify the authorities at the time of a break-in. This is a huge motivator for homeowners when deciding…
What are the NFPA Standards for Commercial Fire Protection?
What is NFPA? The National Fire Protection Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1896. Working with more than 9,000 volunteer members, the NFPA works to create fair, balanced standards for the health and safety of the general public. The NFPA’s goal is to eliminate death, injury, and property loss caused by fire; therefore, they have developed more than 300 codes and standards for fire…
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…
The Safest Neighborhoods in Detroit
*This article was updated September 2021. Low-Crime Neighborhoods of Detroit SafeWise released its rankings of Michigan’s 20 Safest Cities of 2021. On the 2021 list, 9 of the 20 cities are considered suburbs of Detroit. They include: Gross Ile Township #3 Oakland Township #4 Huntington Woods #9 South Lyon #13 Addison Township #16 Highland Township #17…