HomeMy WebLinkAbout407.003 - Manual Pull Box Protective CoversEffective Date: March 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 4/16/2025 Section 407.003
Next Revision (1) Date: 4/16/2028 Page 1 of 2
Fresno City Fire Department
400 Prevention Manual
SECTION 407.003 MANUAL PULL BOX PROTECTIVE COVERS
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the Fresno Fire Department’s (FFD or
Department) requirements related to the permissible use and approval criteria for the
installation of protective covers on manual pull boxes within the City of Fresno and
contract service areas.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to all manual pull boxes installed as a component of a fire alarm
system within the City of Fresno (COF) and contract service areas and includes both
required and voluntary systems.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
Based upon the need for uniformity in application across the Department’s diverse
service delivery area, the Department has determined that the installation of manual
pull box protective covers shall be in accordance with the following requirements:
1. The installation of manual pull box protective covers in any occupancy is
generally permitted when the building is equipped throughout with an approved,
automatic fire sprinkler system.
2. As noted in the CFC, protective covers with local alarm signals may only be
installed when approved by the Fire Marshal (or designee). Such approval will
only be granted after the Department has received an application for a building
fire alarm permit and other required supporting documentation.
3. Any approval for the installation of manual pull box protective covers will be
conditioned upon the requirement that the site’s emergency preparedness
documents include documented training for all staff members on the use of
manual pull box protective covers.
4. The required training must also include training on the manual activation of the
building fire alarm system that is present in the building.
5. The frequency of the required training noted above must be of such duration
and frequency as determined by the CFC, or where not prescribed by the CFC,
by the Fire Marshal (or designee).
Effective Date: March 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 4/16/2025 Section 407.003
Next Revision (1) Date: 4/16/2028 Page 2 of 2
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
Prior to the installation of any manual pull box protective cover, the permit applicant,
building owner, or installing contractor must first obtain a building fire alarm permit
from FFD.
INFORMATION
The California Fire Code (CFC) specifically permits the use of manual pull box
protective covers where their installation has been approved by the fire code official.
In the past, concerns were raised regarding the permissible use of manual pull box
protective covers with audible warning devices (i.e., Stopper II, etc.) which are U.L.
listed, but not California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) approved. The CSFM’s objection
to the devices was centered around the audible warning signal emitted by the
protective cover. It was believed that the audible warning emitted from the cover may
lead occupants to believe that they had activated the building fire alarm system, when
in fact, they had only lifted the protective cover of the manual pull box.
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
California Fire Code (CFC), currently adopted edition.