Which of the following is a valid method for initiating a manual fire alarm?

• A. By a listed manual fire alarm box
• B. By a heat detector
• C. By a smoke detector
• D. By a doorway sensor

Answer: (A)

Initiating a fire alarm manually means someone deliberately triggers the system using an approved device designed for human use. The correct method is a listed manual fire alarm box, such as a pull station, which is placed for quick access near exits. When you activate it, it sends a signal to the fire alarm control panel to sound the alarms and notify responders. Automatic devices like heat detectors and smoke detectors respond to sensed conditions without human action, so they are not manual initiations. A doorway sensor watches door status and is not used to start the alarm.