Manual Call Points

Manual call points let anyone raise the fire alarm by hand. We stock addressable, conventional, two-wire and wireless fire alarm call points in resettable and break glass styles for indoor, outdoor and hazardous areas, plus covers, keys and spares – all genuine, brand new and factory sealed.

Fire alarm call points

A fire alarm call point is the red manual device fitted at exits and on escape routes so that anyone who discovers a fire can raise the alarm straight away, before an automatic detector has responded. Fire alarm call points connect to the fire alarm panel like any other device, so choose one that matches the panel: addressable models such as the Apollo SA5900-908APO and Kidde KE-DM3010R, conventional models such as the Hochiki CCP-E, or wireless models such as the EMS FireCell call point. Keep spare call point keys and test keys on site for weekly testing.

Resettable vs break glass call points

A break glass call point has a frangible glass element that breaks when pressed and must be replaced before the unit can be reset. A resettable call point has an element that is displaced rather than broken and is reset with the manufacturer's key, so no spare glass is needed. BS 5839-1 notes that kitchens and food areas may need a non-glass element to avoid contamination. Compare the C-TEC KAC BF370R glass and BF370MR resettable versions, plus spare BF371 glass.

Indoor, outdoor and IP-rated call points

• Indoor – addressable models such as the Apollo intelligent manual call point SA5900-908APO and Hochiki HCP-E(SCI); conventional models such as the Apollo SC2900-001APO and Hochiki CCP-E; and the two-wire Apollo AlarmSense call point.
• Outdoor and weatherproof – IP-rated models for external walls and wet areas: Apollo Discovery Outdoor, Hochiki HCP-W(SCI), Hochiki CCP-W, STI WRP2, Kidde KE-DM3010R-IP, and IP67 models from Notifier and Nittan.
• Hazardous and marine – intrinsically safe versions such as the Apollo 55100-940APO, a flameproof Exd call point and marine-approved models. Areas with explosive atmospheres need suitably certified equipment.
• Wireless – EMS FireCell, Hochiki Ekho and Zerio Plus, including the IP65 EDA-C5040.
• Coloured call points – green, yellow, blue, white and orange for door release, extinguishant, smoke vent and other non-fire functions, such as the colours in the Apollo XP95 call point range.
• Covers and keys – hinged covers, STI Call Point Stoppers, Apollo and Hochiki reset keys and back boxes.

How to choose a manual call point

• Match the system: addressable call points must use the panel's protocol (e.g. an Apollo XP95 call point (the red SA5900-908APO intelligent manual call point) for XP95/Discovery loops, Hochiki ESP, C-TEC CAST). Isolating (SCI) versions protect the loop from short circuits.
• Siting: BS 5839-1 recommends call points at storey exits and exits to open air, with no more than 45 m to travel to the nearest one (25 m in some higher-risk situations).
• Protection: BS 5839-1 recommends a protective hinged cover on all call points to reduce false alarms. Call points are covered by EN 54-11.

Shop call points by brand

JEM Systems UK is an authorised distributor of Apollo, C-TEC, Kidde and STI. Shop Apollo manual call points, Hochiki manual call points, C-TEC, STI, Kidde, Notifier, Fike, Zeta, Nittan and EMS, alongside compatible fire alarm panels and sounders and beacons.

Manual call point FAQs

What is the difference between addressable and conventional call points?

An addressable call point reports its own address to the panel, so the exact location is shown. A conventional call point switches its zone into alarm, so the panel shows only the zone.

How high should a fire alarm call point be?

BS 5839-1 recommends 1.4 m from finished floor level to the centre of the element. A lower height is acceptable where a wheelchair user is likely to raise the alarm first.

How do you test a fire alarm call point?

Insert the test key to operate it without breaking the element, check the panel shows the correct zone and the sounders operate, then reset. Test a different call point each week and record it in the log book.

How do you reset a manual call point?

Resettable call points are reset with the manufacturer's key; break glass units need new glass. Then reset the fire alarm panel.

How far apart should manual call points be?

BS 5839-1 recommends that nobody should need to travel more than 45 m to reach a call point, reduced to 25 m where people with limited mobility are likely to use them or where there is a higher risk of fast fire development. Your fire risk assessment and system design decide the final positions.

What is the difference between EN 54-11 Type A and Type B call points?

EN 54-11 covers manual call points. A Type A call point is single action: breaking the element or pressing it raises the alarm. A Type B call point is double action, needing two separate actions, such as lifting a flap and then pressing. Check which type your specification requires.

How do I replace the glass in a break glass call point?

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to open the unit, remove the broken glass, fit a replacement of the correct type, close the unit and test it with the test key before resetting the panel. Spares are listed in call point covers, keys and glass. A resettable element avoids this step.

What colour is a fire alarm call point?

Fire alarm call points are red. Call points in other colours are used for other functions, for example green for emergency door release, yellow for extinguishant release and orange for smoke vent control, such as the call points used with AOV control panels. Red should only be used to raise a fire alarm.

Browse by type: weatherproof call points, call point covers, keys and glass and call point keys and test keys.

Related guides: BS 5839-1 fire alarm categories and weekly call point testing guide.

For types, siting and colours in more detail, read our manual call points guide.