Kerova

Checker · Fire alarm · BS 5839-1

Manual call point distance checker

Choose whether you have the walking distance or the straight-line distance to the nearest manual call point, and enter it. Enter the mounting height as well to check that. Nobody should have to go further than the limit to raise the alarm.

Your figures

The distance you have is the
m
m

To the centre of the break glass.

Result

Enter a distance to see the result.

Working

walking distance ≤ 45 m; straight-line distance ≤ 30 m

  • Walking distance: no more than 45 m along the route someone would take.
  • Straight-line distance: no more than 30 m. Use this at design stage, when the layout is not yet known.
  • Mounting height: 1.4 m to the centre of the break glass, with a tolerance of 200 mm above and 300 mm below. That is 1.1 m to 1.6 m.

Source: BS 5839-1:2025 clause 19.5 (distance) and 19.8 (mounting height), as set out in the FIA guide to the 2025 edition and by the IET. Older guides show 25 m and 16 m for buildings where people move slowly. The 2025 edition removed them.

Call points should also be by exits and close to any specific hazard. Check the standard for where else they are needed.

For guidance only. Always check against the current edition of the standard and the manufacturer's data.

Built by the engineer behind Kerova, certificate software for fire and security firms.