Manual Call Point
Features & Operation of a Manual Call Point
The external housing for a manual call point may be made from plastic or metal to suit a variety of environments including (indoor, outdoor and explosive environments).
In its basic form a manual call point comprises a switch, mounted within an enclosure, protected from accidental or malicious activation by a protective frangible (glass) or non-frangible (plastic) cover.
Operation of a Break Glass Manual Call Point
Operation of a Pull Station
After activation, the pull station transmits an alarm signal to the fire detection and alarm system.
Break Glass Manual Call Point
In preparing this definition, we have drawn from various sources including Legislation, Codes, Standards and industry information, research and knowledge. Like the English language, these definitions may subtly change from time to time. As such these definitions are provided solely on the basis that users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the definition and and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.
Features
Multi-purpose Alarm Call Point – Break Glass Units
Federal Signal’s multi-purpose, manual Break Glass Call Points are compatible with a wide range of flameproof and hazardous location applications. These break glass unit models feature a UV stable, heat, impact, and corrosion resistant, anti-static (Glass Reinforced Polyester) housing. Call Points are ideal for both onshore and offshore applications for activating emergency equipment, audible and visual signals or control panel notification, or fire alarm activation.
Our Break Glass Call Point models offer an optional dual color unique LED indicator. The dual color LED indicator displays green when the unit is in “Normal” or standby mode, and changes to red when the unit is in “Alarm” mode.Break Glass Manual Call Point
An optional clear poly carbonate lift flap converts any single-step call point device into a two-step device to prevent accidental activation. Lift flaps are also available with four label options with instructions on how to activate the device. Additionally, the integrated tool reset key can be removed to provide a secure tamper resistant option. A variety of modular end of line resistors, series resistors and supervisory diodes are available for up to two modules per model. Modules are easily replaceable and are field installed.
Each Break Glass Call Point unit comes standard with eight field-installable face plate labels: FIRE, VAC, BIO HAZARD, GAS, EMERGENCY, SHUTDOWN, LOCK DOWN, and evacuation logo. For harsher environments, four optional stainless steel face plate labels are also available: FIRE, VAC, BIO HAZARD, and GAS ALARM. If the application requires a custom face plate label, the face plate’s labeling surface will accept end-user supplied U-Line #S-19297 weather-resistant labels for laser printers.
What is a fire alarm call point & what does it do?
A fire alarm call point (also referred to as a red manual call point or a -glass call point) is essentially a small box, mounted on a wall which contains a button or a lever that allows you to manually trigger the fire alarm in a building.
They are an essential part of any building’s fire detection system, as they can:
Depending on the model of the call point you may or may not have to break a glass to reach the button that activates the fire alarm. Some of the latest designs have been adapted to use depress able plastic instead of glass to reduce the possibility of injury to the user and to discourage any acts of vandalism.
If you happen to uncover a fire at work, sounding the fire alarm using a manual call point is the fastest way to get your colleagues’ attention and prompt them to get to safety. If the fire isn’t big enough to have triggered the automatic fire detection system, your proactive actions could help put the flames under control before the fire has had the chance to spread.
Once the manual call point has been used, it has to be reset manually, using a safety key to revert it back to its original state.
Where should fire call points be located?
Every fire alarm system has multiple manual call points, so if you pay attention, you will spot them in all public buildings – from shared accommodation to office buildings, construction sites, cinemas and theaters, shopping centers, school and healthcare facilities.
Usually, they are located along the escape routes, near the fire exits, so that you can trigger the alarm without slowing down the evacuation process or putting yourself in unnecessary danger. According to the relevant regulatory requirements (BS 5839), call points should be placed:
Another interesting fact about manual call points is that they should always be installed on the floor side of an exit door leading to a staircase so that when the alarm is triggered, the alarm system can correctly identify which floor the fire has occurred on.
What color are the fire alarm call points?
Depending on the fire safety system installed in your building, the manual call points can be set up to have a number of additional functions, such as unlocking or releasing doors, triggering the smoke management system and even turning off the air conditioning system. In any case, if you notice a fire, you should always use the manual call points without hesitation – better safe than sorry!
Break Glass Manual Call Point
Manual call points should be tested as part of your weekly fire alarm test procedure. Realistically, not all fire alarm call points can be tested each week. Usually, the testing is done via a rotation plan where a different call point is tested each week to ensure that the entire system works as it should. If there are 12 points on the premises, for example, you shouldn’t retest the first call point before the 13th week of testing, as all 12 points should be tested before you repeat the process.Break Glass Manual Call Point
In addition to that, it’s part of the fire marshal’s responsibilities to perform a daily visual inspection of all elements of the fire safety system, including the manual call points. If the call point signage has worn off or if there are any visible signs of damage, then this should be raised with the building’s management team and rectified as quickly as possible.
Last but not least, the entire fire alarm system has to undergo a full safety inspection by a qualified fire safety engineer at least every 6 months. This is when all manual call points will be checked thoroughly by a professional as part of their regular maintenance.
Need a fire alarm system along with manual call points installed? Here at Evaluator Alarms, we specialist in traditional and wireless fire alarm installation for all building projects, from residential buildings to offices and large construction sites.
Break Glass Manual Call Point
A manual fire call point allows anyone to trigger the fire detection system in a building by pressing a button or pulling a lever.
When should a manual call point be activated?
If you notice a fire in a building before the fire alarm system has been activated you should trigger the alarm manually by using the nearest red manual call point.
How do fire alarm call points work?
When you activate the manual call point, it sends a signal to the fire system’s control panel, notifying it that there is a fire in the area closest to the call point. As a minimum, this will sound the fire alarm throughout the building. It should also start the fire emergency protocols, including calling the fire brigade.
How many fire call points do I need?
As a general rule, you must have a call point within 30 metres of any location within a building and there should be at least one on each storey. High-risk areas may need additional call points installed.
The Addressable Break Glass Manual Call Points are designed to provide a manual alarm interface to Morley IAS’s fire alarm control panel. Installation efficiency, compliance with the latest standards are at the heart of the call point range