Eaton BiWire Manual Call Point, Glass Disc, Red EF201BWCP

Overview

A call point is the box on the wall that lets a person start the fire alarm when they see a fire, without waiting for a detector. Breaking the glass is the signal.

Eaton sells this one as part of its Ultra call point line for BiWire systems. It is a small part with one job, so the details that matter are the system type, the glass and the place it goes.

How it works

• BiWire: As a rule, a two wire system carries power and signals for its devices on the same pair of wires, which reduces cabling. The panel must be built for it.
• Non-resettable glass: Once the glass has been broken it usually needs replacing before the unit goes back into service, so keep a spare on site if the maintenance plan calls for it.

Where to use it

Call points usually sit on exit routes and at final exits, where people pass on their way out. The positions come from the system design, so take them from whoever holds the fire strategy.

The IP21 rating means protection from large solid objects and vertically dripping water only. Damp or exposed positions need more than that.

Where knocks are likely, a hinged cover is one common way to cut accidental operation. Check the fit before ordering one.

Installing it

• Fixing: this is a surface unit for a wall, with the cable coming in from behind. Plan the cable route to meet the rear entry.
• Commissioning: As a rule, test every call point at the panel after fitting. Design, commissioning and certification are competent-person work.

Planning your system

In most installations, the number of manual call points follows the system category and layout. This guide to commercial fire alarm systems explains how categories drive the device count.

Confirm the panel is a BiWire one before ordering.

Standards and ratings explained

EN54 Pt11 is the part of the EN54 series covering manual call points. Check the approvals you need against the unit's documentation before specifying it.