MCP Testing

MCP Testing

Manual Call Point is a device for the manual initiation of an alarm.

Manual fire alarm activation is typically achieved through the use of a pull station (term used in USA & Canada) or call point (term used in Europe, Australia, and Asia), which then sounds the evacuation alarm for the relevant building or zone. Manual fire alarm activation requires human intervention.

Manual Call Points (MCPs) are referred to or referenced by different names in various regions worldwide like Break Glass Units (BGs), Pull Stations, Push Buttons, Alarm Points, etc.

When should a Manual Call Point be used? In the event of a fire in a building; or if there is no automatic detection activated by the installed heat & smoke detection or any other detectors; or if you discover the fire personally and if there is an emergency condition – you need to activate the Manual Call Point to trigger the Fire Detection And Alarm System (FDAS) in the building so that the system initiates the necessary notification devices and sends signals to many other third party systems (Voice Evacuation, Emergency Lighting, Smoke Control, Lifts, etc.) in the building.

How to Activate a Manual Call Point? There are different types of manual call points.

1. Break Glass Unit – Break the glass, and then the signal will be sent to the system

2. Pull Station – Pull the lever, and then the signal will be sent to the system

3. Break Glass with Double Action cover – Lift the cover and break the Glass

4. Pull Station with double action cover – Lift the cover and pull the lever

5. Push Button type – Push the button, and the signal will be sent to the system

There are many different types; most often, when installed for FDAS, they are installed in red housing or casing for easy identification; however, in some jurisdictions, these can be other colours for architectural aesthetical purposes. It is always important to check with the authority having jurisdiction and to ensure the MCPs are readily recognisable, easily identified and signed as per the local guidelines and regulations.

Before starting the job, take the proper work permit and inform to all the respective departments. Also, do force the respective logics or interlocks if any (like fire suppression systems activation etc).

§  Remove all the screws and remove the glass cap from MCP.

§  After removing the glass cap from MCP,  the switch inside it activates so alarm appears on Fire alarm panel and the hooter is activated.

§  Acknowledge the alarm or silence the hooter on the fire alarm panel.

§  Note down the alarm tag and descriptions from the HMI or workstation. The alarm details must match with the MCP tag number and installed location.

§  Confirm the MCP activation status from the respective graphics page. You have to visually identify the color change signals of the respective MCP on the graphics.

§  Check the + 36 Volts DC Supply on Monitor Module between terminal 1 and 2. (This is the circuit module inside the MCP).

§  Check all the wire connections on Monitor Module, the push button contact if it found loose then tighten them fully.

§  Ensure resistor leads are completely tightened on to the terminals of the circuit in MCP.

§  Clean the MCP dust by brush and cotton cloth.

§  Fix the glass cap of MCP and fix all screws. It should be fully tightened. If it is loose alarm reappears.

§  Reset the alarm signal from the Fire Alarm Panel.

§  Now MCP is working now in Normal condition.

§  Repeat the above procedure for all the remaining MCP’s.

§  Normalize the forced interlocks or logics if any.

§  Close the work permit.

Note: The mentioned voltages, terminals, circuit module names may change as per the vendor or model of the Manual Call Point.

As per UAE Fire and Life Safety Code:-
🔥 The manual call points shall be used only for fire alarm initiation. In addition, all manual call points within an occupancy shall be of similar design.
🔥 Distribution of the manual call points should be such that the travel distance should not be more than 61m to reach the nearest manual call point.
🔥 These figures are to be reduced to 25m and 16m in limited mobility areas and where processes of the area result in a likelihood of rapid-fire development.
🔥 A Manual Call Point shall be installed within 1.5 m from the exit door opening.
🔥 The manual call points shall be installed generally at the height of 1.2 m, above floor level, and in plain, accessible, well-lit, and free-hindrances places.

If you would like to discuss further with us on MCPs and FDAS, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our technical experts.