Fire Safety – Manual Call Point

Manual Call Point

Manual call point is an initiating device to trigger an automatic emergency support system. These call points are strategically placed throughout buildings. The control panel can be configured to automatically activate specific devices on the support system depending on the location of the emergency. When occupants detect a fire and activate the nearest call point, the system initiates a series of pre-programmed actions.
Functional Brief:
When occupants detect a fire, they can activate the nearest call point, triggering a series of automatic actions:
1. The Control panel displays the call point’s location and zone, accompanied by a voice alarm detailing the emergency location.
2. Speakers in the activated zone, adjacent areas, and maintenance personnel cabins broadcast the emergency location message.
3. The activated area’s escape lighting activates, and access control systems deactivate.
This automated response aids personnel in providing timely support, allowing affected occupants to escape and take necessary actions while minimizing disruption to others.

Important points of as per IS 2189 for Manual Call Point :

If manual call points are located on the landings of an enclosed staircase, such points at each level shall be incorporated within the zone that serves the adjacent accommodation on that level.

4.2.3 Size and Number of Zones (Protected with Manual Call Points)

a) In systems containing only manual call points, location of a fire is usually known to the person operating the call point. As it is often difficult to get information in time to the safety personnel, the restriction on the size and number of zones shall also apply to the systems protected with manual call points only.

b) To prevent misleading indication ofthe position ofthe fire, it is advisable that manual call points be indicated in the control equipment separately from the detectors in zones, which are protected, by both detectors and manual call points. It is strongly recommended that the circuits for the detectors and the call points shall be different in case of conventional detection systems.

4.2.4.3 Each loop should not be divided into more than 8 fire zones. Minimum two isolators are required per zone. It is recommended that a pair offault isolator modules be employed for every 20-30 detectors/manual call points.

6.3.8 Siting of Manual Call Points

Manual call points shall be so located that, to give an alarm, no person in the premises has to travel distance of more than 30 m to reach them. When manual call points are also installed external to the building, the travel distance shall be 45 m.

Where necessary, the travel distance may require to be reduced to less than 30 m, for example, where there is difficulty in free access within the risk or in potentially dangerous risks.

Call points shall be fixed at a height of 1.4 m above the surrounding floor level, at easily accessible, well illuminated and conspicuous positions, which are free of obstructions.

Where the call points are not visible from the front as in the case of a long corridor, they shall be surface mounted or semi-recessed in order to present a side profile area of not less than 750 mm’.

Manual call points shall be housed in dust pre of and moisture proof enclosure properly sealed with rubber lining.

Manual call point shall be located preferably near entry to staircases at various levels.