A manual call point (MCP), commonly known as a break glass unit, is a critical device in a fire alarm system. It allows occupants to manually trigger a fire alarm when they detect a fire or emergency before automatic detectors activate. Manual call points play a vital role in ensuring quick response and safe evacuation in commercial, industrial, and public buildings.
What Is a Manual Call Point?
MCPs are wall-mounted devices that allow individuals to trigger the fire alarm system manually. By simply pressing or breaking the glass, anyone can activate the alarm and initiate an immediate evacuation—no need to wait for heat or smoke detectors. This immediate alert helps occupants evacuate and enables emergency teams to respond faster.
There are two main types of MCPs: break glass and push button. The break glass type requires breaking the glass to activate the alarm, while the push button type involves simply pressing a button.
How a Manual Call Point Works
Manual call points operate through a simple mechanism. When someone presses the button or breaks the glass, an internal switch closes the circuit. This action sends an alarm signal to the control panel. The system then activates sirens, strobes, and other warning devices. Some MCPs also transmit alerts to monitoring centers or building management systems.
Why Manual Call Points Matter in Fire Safety
Automatic detectors are essential, but they aren’t always fast enough. Fires don’t always start near a detector, and delays in detection can cost lives. MCPs allow quick human intervention, speeding up response times and improving evacuation efficiency.
Whether it’s a school, office, shopping mall, hospital, or warehouse, someone on-site may notice signs of fire before sensors do. Manual activation can be the difference between minor damage and major disaster.
Installation and Placement
The location of MCPs is critical for ensuring their effectiveness. It is essential to place them in easily accessible and visible locations, preferably near exits and fire escape routes. This allows individuals to quickly activate the alarm and evacuate the building during an emergency.
According to fire safety regulations, there should be at least one manual call point on each floor of a building. In larger buildings, you need multiple MCPs. Place each call point no more than 30 metres apart.
People typically position manual call points along escape routes and near fire exits in public buildings and construction sites. They should place them in high-risk areas, such as kitchens, and along all escape routes from a building or worksite.
What colour are the fire alarm call points?
Manual call points can have more than one function. They come in three colours: white, green and red. The different colours indicate the function of each individual call point:
- Red manual call points: Those fire alarm call points activate the fire alarm, alert the fire services, and even trigger the sprinkler or smoke control systems.
- Green manual call points: Those sit next to an exit and allow people to manually open a door during an emergency evacuation.
- White manual call points: Since those don’t indicate a single function, there should be additional signage telling you what this particular call point does. However, there’s one thing white manual call points can’t be used for and that’s to call the fire services
Best practices for fire alarm protection and maintenance
To ensure the safety of everyone in your building, it is essential to follow best practices for fire alarm protection and maintenance. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Regular testing: Regularly test manual call points and the entire fire alarm system to ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Proper installation: Ensure that MCPs are installed correctly and in compliance with regulations.
- Timely repairs: A qualified technician should immediately address and repair any issues or damages.
- Educate occupants: Educate building occupants on the location and proper use of manual call points during fire drills and safety training sessions.
Regular maintenance of fire alarm call points is crucial. Use a manual call point Test Key to ensure they are functioning correctly. Call point covers play a vital role in preserving the integrity of manual call point fire alarms, shielding them from weather damage and wear and tear.
Conclusion
Manual call points are a fundamental element of any fire alarm system. By allowing occupants to quickly raise an alarm, they significantly reduce response time and help protect lives and property. Proper installation, compliance with standards, and regular maintenance ensure that manual call points remain reliable in emergency situations.
