Fire alarm pull stations are found in almost every building, but we don’t often think about them. However, they play a huge role in keeping us safe from fires. You see, these simple devices trigger an alarm manually during a fire. 

Even though their design hasn’t changed much in the last 50 years, they’re still crucial for safety. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what they do and why they’re important. Whether you’re managing a building or just want to know more, understanding pull stations helps. 

What Is a Fire Alarm Pull Station?

A fire alarm pull station is a simple yet important part of a building’s fire safety system. It’s usually placed on the wall, so it’s easy to spot. A pull station is usually in a red box with a handle marked with instructions.  There are two main types of pull stations: single-pull and double-pull. Both serve the same purpose: to manually activate the building’s fire alarm system during an emergency.

While modern fire detection devices like hard-wired smoke detectors automatically trigger alarms when they detect a fire, they aren’t foolproof. Sometimes, they might not detect a fire quickly enough, especially if it starts small or far from sensors. This is where the fire alarm pull station comes in. You can pull the handle to sound the alarm if you’re in a building and notice a fire before the automated system does. 

Fire alarm pull stations are crucial because they serve as a backup warning. They can warn everyone to evacuate sooner even if the automatic devices fail or a fire isn’t detected early enough. The early warning can save lives and reduce property damage.

So, next time you’re in a building, take a moment to notice the fire alarm pull stations. They may seem simple, but they are vital in keeping everyone safe. Whether it’s providing an early alert or acting as a backup system, fire alarm pull stations are an essential part of fire safety.

How Do Fire Alarm Pull Stations Work? 

Using a fire alarm pull station sets off a series of actions. First, the alarm system goes off. Then, it produces loud sounds and/or flashing lights around the building, so they evacuate immediately. At the same time, the fire alarm panel receives an alert, which notifies the monitoring person. If the system is set up for it, the fire department will also get an alert.

There are two main types of pull stations: single-action and dual-action. A single-action station requires you to pull the handle to trigger the alarm. Meanwhile, a dual-action station requires an extra step, like breaking a glass panel or lifting a cover. This prevents people from accidentally activating the fire alarm system.

The pull station has to be reset after everything. This usually requires a key or special tool that puts the handle back in its ready position. Once done, the pull station can be used again.

Why Do You Need a Fire Alarm Pull Station? 

Fire alarms may look basic, but they are crucial in keeping you safe. Here are the top reasons why every building needs a fire alarm pull station: 

Manually Activating the Fire Alarm System

Automatic devices sometimes don’t catch fire early. Even though this rarely happens, having a fire alarm pull station ensures everyone is warned. For instance, someone who sees smoke in a hallway before a detector senses it can immediately pull the handle to activate the alarm. This quick response gives everyone more time to evacuate.

Serves as a Backup

Fire alarm pull stations also act as a backup for when automatic systems fail. Manually activating the alarm system can alert everyone. For example, workers in a warehouse with high ceilings can pull the handle when the smoke goes past the detectors. 

Helps People With Hearing Problems

Fire alarm pull stations are especially helpful for people with hearing problems. Flashing lights and other visual cues make sure they’re also warned, regardless of their ability to hear the alarm. For instance, a teacher in a school for students with hearing problems can pull the handle so everyone sees the warning. 

Quick and Easy to Use

Fire alarm pull stations are also quick and easy to use. In particular, people don’t need special training to activate them. Simply pulling the handle sets off the alarm, making it accessible to everyone in the building. For example, a guest in a hotel spots a fire. They can easily find a pull station, use it, and warn everyone in the building. 

Types of Fire Alarm Pull Stations

There are two main types of fire alarm pull stations. Understanding how each one works lets you decide which one works best: 

Single-Action Pull Station

Single-action pull stations are the simplest type. They are mounted on the wall without any cover or extra features. All you have to do is pull the handle down to activate the alarm. It’s a simple process that doesn’t require extra steps, making it quick and easy to use in an emergency. 

You’ll often see single-action pull stations in office buildings, hotels, or schools. Accessibility is important in these places, especially for guests, students, and employees.

Dual-Action Pull Station

Dual-action pull stations prevent people from accidentally activating the alarm. As the term suggests, it requires two steps to set off the alarm. The handle is usually inside a glass box, so you need to break the glass to get to the handle. Some dual-action pull stations also require you to lift a cover before pulling the handle. This extra step helps keep the alarm from being triggered by mistake.

You’ll often find dual-action pull stations in warehouses or factories, where there are many risks and hazards associated with fires. False alarms should be prevented in these places, but the pull station should be accessible; hence, the dual-action pull stations. 

Fire Alarm Pull Station Requirements

Fire alarm pull stations are crucial to people’s safety. But you can’t just install them anywhere. There are guidelines you need to follow to make sure they work. Here’s what you need to know:

Required Height 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a fire alarm pull station should be between 42 inches (1.07 meters) and 48 inches (1.22 meters) from the floor. This height range makes the fire alarm pull stations accessible to most people. Measure from the floor to the part you pull, not the middle of the device.

Placement Near Exits

The same guide from the NFPA says that pull stations must be within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of each exit door on every floor where required. Doing this makes them easy to find during an emergency. 

Mounting the Back Box

You have to mount the back box before installing the pull station. Check the make and model of the pull station because the installation height is based on the part you pull, not the middle. You should also account for the flooring thickness when measuring if you're installing the back box before the floor is done.

Tolerances 

The NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code allows a tolerance of one inch (plus or minus 1⁄2 inch) for the height of fire alarm pull stations. This means the handle can be as high as 48.5 inches.

How to Test a Fire Alarm Pull Station

Testing a fire alarm pull station keeps the whole alarm system in top shape. Whether you're doing routine maintenance or a quick test, you should follow the right steps. Here’s how to test a fire alarm pull station: 

1. Deactivate the System

Make sure to deactivate the whole fire alarm system before testing the pull station. Doing this prevents false alarms and disturbing people during testing. As an alternative, you can inform everyone that you’re testing the pull station to prevent them from panicking. 

2. Pull the Handle

Next, pull the handle on the fire alarm pull station. Doing this activates the system and simulates an emergency. 

3. Monitor the Alarm Panel

At the same time, someone needs to watch the alarm panel to see if it shows the pull station was activated. Doing this confirms the system is working as expected.

4. Reset the Pull Station

Reset the pull station after testing it. Doing this puts the system back to normal operation.

5. Inspect the Pull Station

Inspect the pull station as a precaution. Make sure every part is intact, including the cover and handle. Do this at least once every six months. Plus, fire alarm pull stations should be tested annually. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific procedures and test other parts of the fire alarm system as well. 

How to Reset a Fire Alarm Pull Station

Resetting a fire alarm pull station lets you use it again. Whether you're dealing with a basic or key-operated model, resetting everything correctly is crucial. Here’s how to reset a fire alarm pull station: 

1. Open the Pull Station

Turn the small screw at the top of the pull station. Doing this will open the cover and give you access to what’s inside.

2. Reset the Switch

Next, flip the toggle switch to its normal position. The correct position is usually printed on the metal just below the switch. Make sure you reset the toggle before doing anything else.

3. Close the Cover

Push the cover back into place after resetting the toggle. Don’t force it to close before resetting the toggle switch because this can damage the station. 

4. Use the Key (If Applicable)

Some models require keys to reset the pull stations. If yours does, insert the key, turn it, and open the station. Deactivate the trigger inside. Then, close the station and return the key to its original position.

5. Check the Control Panel

Go to the fire alarm panel after resetting the pull station. Then, reset the whole system to clear the alert. Remember, some pull stations require different keys and procedures, so always check the manufacturer’s manual.

How to Activate a Fire Alarm Pull Station

Knowing how to use a fire alarm pull station makes a huge difference to everyone’s safety. Here’s how to activate a fire alarm pull station: 

1. Go to the Pull Station

Fire alarm pull stations are usually in red boxes marked with “FIRE” near exits or stairwells. When you see a fire, immediately go to the pull station and follow the steps below. 

2. Lift the Cover (If Applicable)

Some pull stations have a cover. If your pull station has one, lift the cover first. Other models, especially single-action stations, don’t have covers. If yours doesn’t, skip this step and proceed to the next. 

3. Pull the Handle

Simply pull the handle to activate the alarm. If you're using a dual-action pull station, you must break or open the cover before pulling the handle.

4. Evacuate

Evacuate the building after activating the alarm. Follow the proper evacuation routes and the RACE acronym if possible. Try to help others, especially those who can’t evacuate by themselves (e.g., kids and the elderly). Stay away from the building once you’re outside, and don’t go back in for any reason. 

5. Contact the Authorities

Call the fire department as soon as possible. While some fire alarm systems can notify emergency responders when activated, it’s worth calling the authorities. 

Where to Place Fire Alarm Pull Stations

Everyone should easily spot fire alarm pull stations during an emergency. Here’s where you should place fire alarm pull stations: 

Near Exits

The NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code states that pull stations be placed within 60 inches of every exit. Doing this ensures that people can find a pull station when leaving a building.

Throughout the Building

A fire alarm pull station should be in an area where no one has to travel more than 200 feet to reach one. This rule makes sure that someone doesn’t have to walk far, regardless of where they are. Given this, larger buildings should have more pull stations than smaller ones. 

Near Large Doors 

Fire alarm pull stations should be installed near large doors that are 40 feet wide. The stations must be on both sides of the door. This ensures that people can quickly reach a pull station regardless of which side they’re on.

Conclusion

Fire alarm pull stations are essential to keeping everyone safe during a fire emergency. They let people activate the alarm quickly, giving everyone enough time to evacuate. But remember, they’re just one piece of the safety puzzle. 

You also need other fire prevention tools like fire blankets, fire sprays, and fire protection gloves to completely protect yourself and others. So, take a moment to know where the pull stations and fire prevention tools are so you know where to go when a fire occurs. Stay prepared, hero!