Manual Call Point Installation & Maintenance also known as a manual call point (MCP), is a vital safety device that allows a person to manually activate the fire alarm system during an emergency. When operated, the MCP sends an immediate signal to the fire alarm control panel, triggering alarms throughout the building and initiating evacuation procedures.
Manual call points typically feature a break glass element or a push button mechanism:
- Break glass MCP: Requires pressing and fracturing the glass to activate.
- Push button MCP: Allows activation by pressing a button, often resettable for convenience.
Both types serve the same essential purpose—providing fast, direct activation of the fire alarm system by building occupants.
Installation and Location of Fire Alarm Call Points
Where Should Manual Call Points Be Installed?
Correct placement of MCPs is essential for maximizing safety and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations. Key installation guidelines include:
- At least one MCP on each floor of a building.
- A maximum distance of 30 metres between call points.
- Positioned along all escape routes, corridors, and near fire exits.
- Installed in high-risk areas such as kitchens, workshops, loading bays, and plant rooms.
- Clearly visible, unobstructed, and installed at an accessible height—typically around 1.4 metres above floor level.
Call points must be easily identifiable so that building occupants can quickly activate them during an emergency.
Fire Alarm System Integration
How Manual Call Points Work Within the Alarm System
MCPs are core components of a fire alarm system. When triggered:
- The MCP sends a signal to the fire alarm control panel.
- The system activates alarm sounders, visual indicators, and programmed emergency outputs.
- Occupants are alerted to evacuate.
Manual call points work in conjunction with smoke detectors, heat detectors, and sounders. Proper integration ensures that both automatic and manual activation methods provide seamless protection.
Maintenance and Testing of Manual Call Points
Routine inspection and testing are essential to ensure that MCPs remain fully functional when needed.
1. Weekly Testing
Fire safety procedures generally require testing at least one MCP per week, rotating through all devices on a schedule.
2. Visual Inspections
Regular checks to ensure call points are:
- Not damaged
- Not obstructed
- Clearly visible
- Correctly labelled
3. Functional Testing
Periodic testing with a Manual Call Point Test Key or manual activation ensures proper communication with the control panel.
4. Annual Professional Maintenance
A qualified technician should perform:
- Electrical integrity checks
- System integration testing
- Reset verification
- Fault diagnostics
Regular maintenance prevents system failures and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
Selecting the Right Manual Call Point
Choosing the appropriate MCP depends on the building type, hazards, and environmental conditions.
Factors to Consider
1. Type of Building
- Residential buildings may require aesthetically subtle units.
- Construction sites may need robust, weather-resistant MCPs.
2. Environment
- Outdoor or marine areas: Weatherproof, corrosion-resistant call points.
- Hazardous zones: Explosion-protected MCPs.
- Harsh or dusty conditions: Rugged enclosures and sealed mechanisms.
3. Regulatory Requirements
Ensure compliance with local fire codes, national standards, and performance requirements appropriate for the site.
Manual Call Points for Marine Environments
Marine environments require MCPs built for extreme conditions and compliant with maritime approval standards. Key considerations include:
- Resistance to saltwater, humidity, corrosion, and vibration
- Reliability in confined vessel spaces
- Compatibility with onboard fire alarm systems
- Approvals confirming the device will not interfere with navigational equipment
These call points play a crucial role in early fire detection on vessels and marine installations.
Manual Call Points for Hazardous Areas
Hazardous areas contain potentially explosive atmospheres caused by flammable gases or dust. MCPs used here must follow strict protective design principles:
1. Intrinsically Safe (IS)
Designed so electrical energy is always below ignition levels, preventing sparks or heat that could ignite an explosive atmosphere.
2. Flameproof (Ex d)
Electronics are enclosed in a strong, sealed housing. If an explosion occurs inside the device, the enclosure prevents it from spreading to the surrounding environment.
Both types must be appropriately certified before installation.
Best Practices for Fire Alarm Protection and Maintenance
To keep your fire alarm system effective:
- Conduct regular testing of MCPs and the entire alarm network.
- Install MCPs correctly in accordance with fire safety regulations.
- Repair issues promptly and ensure fast reporting of faults.
- Educate building occupants on MCP locations and correct usage.
- Use protective covers to shield MCPs from dust, weather, and accidental activation.
Proper installation and maintenance ensure that manual call points remain reliable and ready to function during emergencies.
