UL 38-2008 pdf download – Manual Signaling Boxes for Fire Alarm Systems.
1 Scope 1 .1 These requirements cover manual signaling boxes for fire alarm systems intended for permanent installation and used in ordinary locations in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, and the National Fire Alarm Code, NFPA 72. 1 .2 A manual signaling box is an assembly of a mechanism having electrical contacts designed to transmit a signal when an integral part is operated manually. The signaling contacts are intended to be connected to circuits of fire alarm systems. The types of boxes covered by these requirements are coded boxes and non-coded boxes, including signaling boxes, fire and guard’s tour reporting stations, and guard’s tour reporting stations for suppressed-signal tour combinations. 1 .3 A manual signaling box having a pre-wound signaling mechanism and equipped with a tripping electromagnet to permit automatic actuation by separate detectors, and similar combination devices, shall be evaluated with regard to compliance with the applicable requirements for both manual signaling boxes and electrically-actuated transmitters. 1 .4 A manual signaling box shall be constructed for use with system-control units, electrically-actuated transmitters, or similar units that will permit its application in compliance with applicable codes and standards of the National Fire Protection Association. 1 .5 These requirements do not cover electrically-actuated transmitters. 2 General 2.1 Components 2.1 .1 Except as indicated in 2.1 .2, a component of a product covered by this standard shall comply with the requirements for that component. See Appendix A for a list of standards covering components used in the products covered by this standard.
3 Enclosures 3.1 General 3.1 .1 Electrical parts of a signaling box shall be located or enclosed so as to provide protection against contact with uninsulated live parts. 3.1 .2 Operating parts, such as contacts, gear mechanisms, and similar devices, shall be protected against mechanical damage and fouling by dust or other material that may impair their intended operation. 3.1 .3 Provision shall be made for mounting a signaling box in position. Bolts, screws, or other parts used for mounting a signaling box shall be independent of those used for securing component parts of the assembly. 3.1 .4 An opening for a winding shaft or similar part shall not be larger than is necessary (with sufficient clearance) for the intended operation of the signaling box. 3.1 .5 Except as noted in 3.1 .6, a signaling box intended for either flush or surface mounting in a back box shall be provided with a back box that has provision for the connection of metal-clad cable or conduit. A back box without provision for the connection of metal-clad cable or conduit may be used if: a) Definite instructions are furnished with the box indicating the sections of the unit that are intended to be drilled in the field for the connection of raceways or b) The unit is intended for mounting on an outlet box. 3.1 .6 A signaling box is not required to be furnished with a back box if: a) Means for attachment to a standard outlet box are provided and b) The spacings required in this standard are provided while the signaling box is mounted in such a back box.