What is the term for a manual fire alarm station that requires two steps to activate the alarm?

The term for a manual fire alarm station that requires two steps to activate the alarm is a double-action pull station. This type of station is specifically designed to prevent accidental activation by requiring the user to take two distinct actions to sound the alarm. Typically, this involves a mechanism where the user must first lift a cover or pull a lever before pulling the handle to activate the alarm. This two-step process enhances safety and minimizes the chances of false alarms, which can be a significant concern in environments where alarm systems are frequently checked or tested.

In contrast, other terms such as duplex alarm station or tamper-resistant alarm box do not specifically imply the requirement for a two-step activation process. A duplex alarm station may refer to a system that utilizes two separate circuits, while a tamper-resistant alarm box emphasizes security features that prevent unauthorized access. Similarly, a two-stage activation switch does not directly correlate with the manual aspect of fire alarm activation, which is central to the definition of a double-action pull station. Thus, the terminology of double-action pull station is directly aligned with the requirement for two distinct actions to activate the fire alarm.