In a fire alarm system, which initiating device allows occupants to manually initiate the fire signaling system?

• A. Door Contact
• B. Smoke Detector
• C. Heat Detector
• D. Pull Stations

Answer: (D)

Manual initiation of a fire alarm is done by devices that occupants can operate directly to trigger the system. The device used for this purpose is the pull station, which is located at exits and clearly marked. When someone pulls it, a signal is sent to the fire alarm control panel to start alarm notification and evacuation procedures. This contrasts with automatic initiating devices like smoke detectors and heat detectors, which trigger the system on sensing smoke or high temperature without human action. A door contact monitors whether a door is open or closed and isn’t intended as a manual trigger for the fire signaling system. Therefore, the item that allows occupants to manually initiate the fire signaling system is the pull station.