Question:
I'm looking for a Manual Pull Station that is key activated. (Not to be confused with key resetable.) I have a detention center (behavioral treatment) that needs to insure that their patients discontinue setting off the fire alarm. (I don't think an STI cover would slow it down.) They want to go with a key to insure that only the staff initiates a fire alarm in the dormitory area. (They also would like to have it keyed to match the keyswitches they use to release mag locks throughout the building.) I know I've seen something like this in the past that was spec'd for a prison, but can't remember the vendor. Can anyone help? Who would make such a critter?

Answer: Have you considered simply installing keylocks in series with the pull stations? Another possibility would be to install proximity sensors next to the stations. Only staff members with prox keys could activate the station. Needless to say, anything you do that will make limit the functionality of a fire alarm station should be approved by the AHJ *and* the leadership of the institution. Give them a letter stating clearly the risks involved in locking fire pull stations. Have them sign a waiver and have the AHJ sign a letter on city stationery approving the work. If something goes wrong you want clear proof that you warned them and they opted for / approved the work as done.