Manual Call Points vs. Pull Stations — What They Are and How to Use Them
Manual fire alarm activation devices are a critical part of any fire safety system. Whether you’re in Dublin or Dallas, these devices allow occupants to trigger the alarm manually when a fire is spotted — even before automatic detectors respond.
In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between manual call points and pull stations, how they work, and how to use them correctly in real-world settings.
What Is a Manual Call Point?
Commonly used across Europe, Asia, and Australia, a manual call point (MCP) is a small wall-mounted device that allows users to activate the fire alarm system manually. It typically involves pressing a button or pushing a plate — sometimes behind a breakable glass cover — to trigger the alarm.
Key features:
- Usually red and mounted near exits or along escape routes
- May require breaking glass or pressing a plastic element
- Often reset using a safety key after activation
- Integrated into addressable or conventional fire alarm systems
Best used in:
- Offices
- Schools
- Apartment buildings
- Public facilities
What Is a Pull Station?
In the U.S. and Canada, the equivalent device is called a pull station. It’s designed with a lever or handle that must be pulled down to activate the alarm.
Key features:
- Typically red with clear “PULL” instructions
- Available in single-action or dual-action formats
- Mounted at accessible height near exits and corridors
- Triggers the fire alarm system immediately upon activation
Best used in:
- Commercial buildings
- Hospitals
- Hotels
- Warehouses and factories
How to Use These Devices
Whether it’s a call point or pull station, the principle is the same: manual activation of the fire alarm system.
Steps to use:
- Spot a fire or smoke before automatic detectors respond
- Locate the nearest manual device — usually near an exit
- Activate:
- For MCPs: Press the button or push the plate (break glass if required)
- For pull stations: Pull down the lever or handle
- Evacuate the building immediately
- Notify emergency services if not automatically done by the system
Important: These devices should only be used in genuine emergencies or during supervised testing.
Placement Guidelines
Manual activation devices should be:
- Located along escape routes
- Positioned at a height accessible to all users
- Installed near exits and stairwells
- Clearly visible and unobstructed
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Final Thoughts
Manual call points and pull stations may look different depending on where you are in the world, but their purpose is universal: to give people the power to act quickly in a fire emergency. Understanding how they work — and how to use them — is a simple but vital step toward safer buildings.