2013 California Standards for Accessible Design Pocket Guide

[F] 907.4.2.2 Height.  The height of the manual fire alarm boxes shall be a minimum of 42 inches (1067 mm) and a maximum of 48 inches (1219 mm) measured vertically, from the floor level to the activating handle or lever of the box. Manual fire alarm boxes shall also comply with Section 11B-309.4.

Exception: [DSA-AC]  In existing buildings there is no requirement to retroactively relocate existing manual fire alarm boxes to a minimum of 42 inches (1067 mm) and a maximum of 48 inches (1219 mm) from the floor level to the highest point of the activated handle or lever of the box. Manual fire alarm boxes shall also comply with 11B-309.4.

Advisory 907.4.2.2 Height.  CBC Section 11B-309.4 requires controls and operating mechanisms to be operable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist (must be operable by persons with limited manual dexterity). The maximum effort to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 pounds-force. ◼