How to Use a Manual Call Point or Pull Station — For Non-Technical Staff

You spot smoke. Or maybe you see flames. The fire alarm hasn’t gone off yet — but you know it should. That’s when manual activation devices come into play. Whether it’s a manual call point (used in Europe and many other regions) or a pull station (used in the U.S. and Canada), these devices let you trigger the alarm instantly.

This guide is for regular users — no jargon, no technical training required. Just clear steps to help you act quickly and safely.

What Is a Manual Call Point or Pull Station?

Both devices do the same thing: they let you manually activate the fire alarm system.

  • Manual Call Point (MCP): Common in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Usually a red box with a plastic plate you press or push in. Some older models require breaking glass, but most modern ones use a safe, resettable plastic cover.

  • Pull Station: Common in the U.S. and Canada. A red box with a lever you pull down. Some are single-action (just pull), others are dual-action (lift a cover, then pull).

When Should You Use It?

Use a manual call point or pull station when:

  • You see smoke or fire and the alarm hasn’t activated
  • You need to alert others before automatic detectors respond
  • You want to trigger evacuation quickly and safely

Never use it as a joke or test unless authorized — false alarms can cause panic and waste emergency resources.

How to Use It — Step by Step

For Manual Call Points:

  1. Locate the red box near an exit or along the escape route
  2. Push the plate in firmly (no need to break anything)
  3. The alarm will sound immediately
  4. Leave the building and go to the assembly point

For Pull Stations:

  1. Locate the red box near an exit
  2. Pull the lever down (or lift the cover first, then pull — depending on the model)
  3. The alarm will activate
  4. Evacuate the building calmly

What Happens Next?

Once activated:

  • The fire alarm system alerts everyone in the building
  • The control panel shows the location of the activation
  • Emergency services may be notified automatically
  • Staff will begin evacuation procedures

The device will stay activated until reset by a trained person using a special key or tool.

Learn How to Operate Fire Alarm Systems with Confidence

If you’ve ever felt unsure around fire alarm panels or want to know what those flashing messages mean, our How to Operate a Fire Alarm module is designed for everyday users. No technical background needed — just practical knowledge you can use.

Want to Understand Fire Alarms from the Ground Up?

Our Fire Alarms Courses is perfect for anyone curious about how fire alarm systems work, how to test them, and how to troubleshoot faults — no prior experience required.

Final Thoughts

Manual call points and pull stations are simple but powerful tools. Knowing how to use them — and when — can make all the difference in an emergency. You don’t need to be a technician to help keep your building safe. You just need to know what to do.