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| Manual Fire Alarm Box Fail |
For fire alarm systems using automatic fire detection or waterflow detection devices to initiate the fire alarm system in accordance with Chapters 11through 43, not less than one manual fire alarm box shall be provided to initiate a fire alarm signal. The manual fire alarm box shall be located where required by the authority having jurisdiction.
3.3.8.2 Combination Fire Alarm and Guard's Tour Box.
A manually operated box for separately transmitting a fire alarm signal and a distinctive guard patrol tour supervisory signal. (SIG-IDS)
3.3.8.3 Manual Fire Alarm Box.
A manually operated device used to initiate a fire alarm signal. (SIG-IDS)
3.3.8.4 Master Box.
A publicly accessible alarm box that can also be operated by one or more remote initiating devices or an auxiliary alarm system used to send an alarm to the communications center. (SIG-PRS)
3.3.8.5 Publicly Accessible Alarm Box.
An enclosure, accessible to the public, housing a manually operated transmitter used to send an alarm to the communications center. (SIG-PRS)
NFPA 101:9.6.2 gives us more guidance as to the types, locations, and spacing of these manual fire alarm boxes.
9.6.2.1
Where required by other sections of this Code, actuation of the complete fire alarm system shall be initiated by, but shall not be limited to, any or all of the following means:
(1)Manual fire alarm initiation
(2)Automatic detection
(3)Extinguishing system operation
9.6.2.2
Manual fire alarm boxes shall be used only for fire-protective signaling purposes. Combination fire alarm and guard’s tour stations shall be acceptable.
9.6.2.3
A manual fire alarm box shall be provided as follows, unless modified by another section of this Code:
(1)For new alarm system installations, the manual fire alarm box shall be located within 5 ft (1.5 m) of exit doorways.
(2)For existing alarm system installations, the manual fire alarm box either shall be provided in the natural exit access path near each required exit or within 5 ft (1.5 m) of exit doorways.
9.6.2.4
Manual fire alarm boxes shall be mounted on both sides of grouped openings over 40 ft (12.2 m) in width, and within 5 ft (1.5 m) of each side of the opening.
9.6.2.5*
Additional manual fire alarm boxes shall be located so that, on any given floor in any part of the building, no horizontal distance on that floor exceeding 200 ft (60 m) shall need to be traversed to reach a manual fire alarm box.
9.6.2.6*
For fire alarm systems using automatic fire detection or waterflow detection devices to initiate the fire alarm system in accordance with Chapters 11through 43, not less than one manual fire alarm box shall be provided to initiate a fire alarm signal. The manual fire alarm box shall be located where required by the authority having jurisdiction.
9.6.2.7*
Each manual fire alarm box on a system shall be accessible, unobstructed, and visible.
