Objective:

Manual call points are crucial devices used to trigger the automatic emergency support system in a building. Strategically placed throughout the facility, these call points enable occupants to initiate emergency responses when a fire is detected. The control panel is configured to activate specific support system devices based on the location of the activated call point, triggering a pre-programmed series of actions to manage the emergency effectively.

Fault Monitoring and Supervision

• Electrical Supervision: Each manual call point will be monitored for faults, including open and short circuits.
• Cable Requirements: Use fire-resistant cables with supervised cores to ensure reliable fault detection and system integrity.

Connectivity Monitoring

• Control Panel Oversight: The control panel continuously monitors the connectivity of each manual call point.
• Alert System: Provides audio-visual warnings if any call point encounters defects or connectivity issues.

Power Backup

• Secondary Battery: The manual call point system will include a backup battery to maintain operation during power outages, ensuring continuous readiness in emergencies.

Note:

If sunlight directly impacts the location of a manual call point, the enclosure should be paintable. Exposure to UV rays from sunlight can cause the color of the enclosure to fade over time. A paintable enclosure allows for periodic repainting to maintain its appearance and effectiveness.

What are the locations Manual call point shall be installed ? 

1. Each floor level
2. Each notification zone
3. Each elevator cab
4. Elevator lobbies
5. Elevator machine room (s)
6. Emergency and standby power room (s)
7. Fire pump room (s)
8. Area(s) of refuge
9. Each floor level inside an enclosed exit stair (s)
10. Other room (s) or area (s) as required by the authority having jurisdiction.

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

1. 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.
2. b) To prevent misleading indication of the position of the 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.

4.2.1 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 of fault isolator modules be employed for every 20-30 detectors/manual call points.

4.3 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.