Kac Manual Call Points

KAC manual call points (often called break-glass units) are the familiar red emergency alarm boxes found on walls in schools, offices, factories, and other buildings. 

They allow anyone to manually trigger a fire alarm. In an emergency, pressing the centre (or breaking the glass cover and pressing the button behind it) sends an immediate signal to the fire alarm panel, causing the alarms to sound and alerting everyone to evacuate. 

KAC invented the first manual break-glass call point, and today their units are among the most widely used products on the market. They are designed to be simple and intuitive; you push or break the front to activate, so that even under stress, anyone can raise the alarm instantly. After activation, the call point can be quickly reset (usually by inserting a supplied key and replacing or resetting the glass) to return it to standby for future use. 

A fireman’s extract keyswitch is a secure, key-operated override (typically yellow or red) for authorised personnel, like firefighters, to manually control a building's smoke ventilation system during emergencies. This allows them to extract smoke or control fans, clearing escape routes. 

The switch locks in normal or override positions, preventing tampering and ensuring only trained personnel can activate critical ventilation for safety and to prevent misuse in larger buildings with automatic smoke vents.

Yes, KAC call points and safety devices exceed UK fire safety requirements and hold all necessary certifications, including EN54 Part 11 and LPCB approval to BS 5839 Part 2. They also carry the CE mark, signifying compliance with European and UK fire safety regulations. Rigorous testing by accredited labs ensures their reliable function in emergencies. 

Choosing KAC devices guarantees compliance and easy integration into any compliant fire alarm system, simplifying adherence to building regulations for new installations.

UK fire safety regulations mandate manual call points in most non-domestic buildings, as per BS 5839-1. These call points (like KAC break-glass units) must be on every floor and along escape routes, within 30 metres of any point. Critically, they are required at all exits to open air, usually by final exit and stairwell doors, facilitating quick alarm activation during evacuation. 

Consequently, KAC call points are commonly found in various buildings like offices and schools. Correct placement, typically 1.4m high at exits and on escape routes, is crucial for immediate fire alert, complying with UK law. Consult fire safety professionals and BS 5839 for accurate positioning.

KAC manual call points are designed for easy maintenance and testing. UK fire safety guidelines require that fire alarm call points be tested weekly as part of your routine fire alarm test schedule. 

In practice, this means activating a different call point each week (using either the actual break-glass function or, more conveniently, a test key) so that over time, all units are confirmed working. KAC provides a simple test/reset key with their call points, allowing you to trigger the alarm without breaking the glass and then quickly reset the unit afterwards. During these tests, verify that the alarm sounds and the fire panel recognises the activation. 

It’s also good practice to do a visual inspection: ensure the call point isn’t obstructed, the indicator LED (if fitted) flashes when activated, and the casing or glass isn’t damaged. After any real activation, if the glass is broken, it must be replaced with a new KAC glass element (or reset the plastic insert if it’s a re-settable type), a straightforward task. 

By following a regular testing routine and replacing any used or damaged parts, you’ll keep your KAC call points and emergency switches in top condition, guaranteeing they will work reliably if there’s ever a fire.