How far from an exit doorway should a manual pull station be located?

The correct distance for a manual pull station from an exit doorway is five feet. This standard is established to ensure that individuals can easily access the pull station without putting themselves in harm's way while trying to activate the fire alarm system. The five-foot distance strikes a balance, allowing for quick access while reducing the chances of interference with door operations and ensuring that the station is visible and reachable when exiting the building.

When pull stations are placed too close to the exit—like three feet—there can be potential issues with the door’s operation or crowding during an emergency. Conversely, positioning them farther away, such as ten or fifteen feet, could cause unnecessary delays in alerting the fire response system, especially in urgent situations where every second counts.