This is from NFPA 101:
9.6.2.2 Manual fire alarm boxes shall be used only for fire-protective signaling purposes. Combination fire alarm and guard’s tour stations shall be acceptable.
9.6.2.3 A manual fire alarm box shall be provided as follows, unless modified by another section of this Code:
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(1) For new alarm system installations, the manual fire alarm box shall be located within 5 ft (1.5 m) of exit doorways.
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(2)For existing alarm system installations, the manual fire alarm box either shall be provided in the natural exit access path near each required exit or within 5 ft (1.5 m) of exit doorways.
to add:
9.6.2.6* For fire alarm systems using automatic fire detection or waterflow detection devices to initiate the fire alarm system in accordance with Chapters 11through 43, not less than one manual fire alarm box shall be provided to initiate a fire alarm signal. The manual fire alarm box shall be located where required by the authority having jurisdiction.
