Pi

ctured: A grouped opening of doors at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in

Saint Paul, Minnesota; an alarm box is required on each side of the
grouping. Source: Wikimedia
NFPA provides straightforward
installation guidelines
NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code establishes installation
criteria for “initiating devices,” a term that covers everything from
waterflow detectors to manual fire alarm boxes. First and foremost, only
qualified installers should make changes to fire alarm systems.

From the 2016 edition of NFPA 72

10.5.2.1 Fire alarm systems and emergency communications systems installation

personnel shall be qualified or shall be supervised by persons who are qualified in
the installation, inspection, and testing of the systems.

10.5.2.2 State or local licensure regulations shall be followed to determine qualified

personnel.
10.5.2.3 Personnel shall provide documentation of their qualification by one or
more of the following:

(1) Registration, licensing, or certification by a state or local authority

(2) Certification by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction

(3) Manufacturer’s certification for the specific type and brand of system provided

Further guidelines ensure the visibility, accessibility, and proper function

of alarm activation devices.

From the 2016 edition of NFPA 72

17.14 Manually Actuated Alarm-Initiating Devices.

17.14.1 Manually actuated alarm-initiating devices for initiating signals other than

for fire alarm shall be permitted if the devices are differentiated from manual fire
alarm boxes by a color other than red and labeling.

17.14.2 Combination manual fire alarm boxes and guard’s signaling stations shall
be permitted.

17.14.3 Manually actuated alarm-initiating devices shall be securely mounted.

17.14.4 Manually actuated alarm-initiating devices shall be mounted on a
background of contrasting color.

17.14.5 The operable part of a manually actuated alarm initiating device shall be

not less than 42 in. (1.07 m) and not more than 48 in. (1.22 m) from the finished
floor.

Two terms are introduced later in this section:

Single-action boxes require only one action to operate (i.e.,


a single pull on a lever)
 Double or dual-action boxes require two actions – lift and
pull.
The 2016 edition of NFPA 72 continues:
17.14.6 Manually actuated alarm-initiating devices shall be permitted to be single
action or double action.

17.14.7* Listed protective covers shall be permitted to be installed over single- or

double-action manually actuated alarm initiating devices.

17.14.8 Manual fire alarm boxes shall comply with 17.14.8.1 through 17.14.8.6.

17.14.8.1 Manual fire alarm boxes shall be used only for fire alarm initiating
purposes.

17.14.8.2 Manual fire alarm boxes shall be installed so that they are conspicuous,
unobstructed, and accessible.

17.14.8.3* Unless installed in an environment that precludes the use of red paint or

red plastic, manual fire alarm boxes shall be red in color.

What features should I look for?

Listings are an indicator of a fire alarm pull station’s quality. A listing or
approval from experts in product testing, such as UL, ensures that
manufacturers have taken certain precautions against damage. A pull
station meeting UL 38, the company’s Standard for Manual Signaling
Boxes for Fire Alarm Systems, has been examined, tested, and confirmed
to resist problems caused by impact, use, corrosion, weather, and other
factors.

If the box features a metal body, it should be treated or coated with

corrosion-resistant material. In most cases, a single-action pull station
works, but a dual-action pull model – those that require two gestures to
activate – may be best in areas where the alarm may be unintentionally
activated by impact (or by a prankster). All boxes should feature a handle
that cannot be reset, except by authorized personnel, when pulled.
Single-action pull stations from Viking Group (manufactured by Potter
Electric Signal Company) exceed these standards. They’re made with
corrosion-resistant cast-iron bodies that mount to a standard single
gangbox – boxes sized for a single light switch or a pair of electrical
sockets. These stations include a terminal block, allowing for wires to
connect to alarms with no splicing required.

Viking’s boxes meet the standards of UL 38 and have listings or

approvals from UL, CSFM, FM, and the New York City Department of
Buildings. Locking handles prevent premature termination of the fire
alarm’s signal and hex-keyed entry and a die-cast body restrict access to
authorized personnel.

Viking pull stations are ready for pre-orders at QRFS. To place yours, call
us at 888.361.6662.