By Fire Alarm Blueprint Trainer Editorial Team · Reviewed by Fire Alarm Blueprint Trainer Review Board — reviewed against NFPA 72 & NFPA 70 principles
Manual Pull Station Placement Basics
A manual pull station only helps if occupants can find and reach it. Here's how placement, height, and spacing work in plain language.
What a manual pull station does
A manual pull station lets an occupant start the fire alarm by hand. It's an initiating device, normally positioned so anyone leaving can activate the alarm as they evacuate.
Where to place them
Pull stations are generally located near each exit and at exit stairway doors, so occupants pass one on the natural path out of the building on every floor.
Mounting height and accessibility
Height matters for accessibility — a pull station must be within a reachable range for all occupants, including those using wheelchairs. Use the range in the adopted code and accessibility standard.
Travel distance and spacing
So occupants never have to walk too far, extra pull stations are added across large floors. Verify the maximum allowed travel distance in your adopted code edition.
This article is educational and non-authoritative. It is not a substitute for the adopted code edition, manufacturer instructions, licensed design, or AHJ approval.
Frequently asked questions
Where should manual pull stations be located?
Pull stations are generally placed near each exit and at exit stairways so occupants pass one on the way out, plus additional stations so no one has to travel too far to reach one.
What height should a pull station be mounted at?
Mounting height must be reachable by all occupants, including people using wheelchairs. Follow the accessibility range in your adopted code and accessibility standard for the exact dimensions.
How far apart do pull stations need to be?
Additional stations are added along large floors so occupants never exceed the maximum travel distance to reach one. Confirm that maximum distance in your adopted code edition.