Manual fire alarm boxes, or manual pull stations as they are more commonly known, have been part of fire alarm systems for a long time. They are not as commonly used now as in the past due to nuisance alarm concerns. Exceptions in the codes allow deleting them under certain conditions.

NFPA 72 provides answers

The language in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, can give the impression that pull stations are required in many locations. Remember that NFPA 72 does not require any pull stations except the single one located at the fire alarm panel when a system is monitored or if it contains automatic detection devices or a sprinkler system. The requirements come from the building, fire and life safety codes.

In the International Building or International Fire codes, you will find the requirements for most fire alarm devices in Section 907. You will also see exceptions for almost all occupancy classifications when you have a fully sprinklered building. However, keep in mind only the pull stations can be eliminated, not the entire fire alarm system. You still need to install any other equipment that may be required, such as horns and strobes, duct smoke detectors, elevator heat or smoke detectors, etc.

Here is the typical exception you will find: “Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.”

It goes on to say, “Not fewer than one manual fire alarm box shall be provided in an approved location to initiate a fire alarm signal for fire alarm systems employing automatic fire detectors or waterflow detection devices. Where other sections of this code allow elimination of fire alarm boxes due to sprinklers, a single fire alarm box shall be installed.”

This pull station is not eliminated by the exception. There are similar exceptions in NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, although they are worded differently because NFPA has a different format.

The codes all refer to NFPA 72 for installation and testing requirements. This information can be found in paragraph 17.15 (2022 edition). It explains how close pull stations must be to an exit, maximum and minimum mounting heights to the operable part, and maximum travel distances on a floor to reach a pull station. When installing a pull station, it is always best to install the electrical box at 48 inches to the top of the box, so regardless of the type of pull station, you will always be within mounting limits.

Pull stations must be installed so the operable part is between 42 inches and 48 inches above the finished floor. Pull stations are the only fire alarm devices with a required red color. Manual pull stations can be either single- or double-action and can still use a pull station cover when permitted by the fire official. Covers with a built-in sounder must be approved by the fire official. The concern is that there have been cases when someone lifted the cover, heard the sounder and never actually activated the pull station. Installing a cover over a double-action pull station will still meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Obviously, a pull station must be mounted so it is secure, conspicuous and unobstructed. When installed near an exit, it should be on the knob side of the door for easier access. Additional manual fire alarm boxes shall be provided so the travel distance to the nearest manual fire alarm box doesn’t exceed 200 feet (61 m), measured horizontally on the same floor.

Section 23.8.5.1.2 has the requirements for the single pull station. 

“Where connected to a supervising station, fire alarm systems employing automatic fire detectors or waterflow detection devices shall include a manual fire alarm box to initiate a signal to the supervising station.”

A.23.8.5.1.2 provides some very useful language: “The manual means required by 23.8.5.1.2 is intended to provide a backup means to manually actuate the fire alarm system when the automatic fire detection system or waterflow devices are out of service due to maintenance and follow-up testing, or where human discovery of the fire precedes automatic sprinkler system or automatic detection system activation. The manual means is only intended for use by the system technician or the building owner and should be located by the sprinkler riser or fire alarm control unit. During maintenance and follow-up testing, the manual fire alarm box required by 23.8.5.1.2 should be connected to a separate circuit that is not placed ‘on test’ when the detection or sprinkler system is placed ‘on test.’ Aside from those instances where maintenance is needed, the manual fire alarm box required by this section is still subject to the periodic testing requirements outlined in Chapter 14.”

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