A fireman's switch is a specialized
switch that allows
firefighter
A firefighter is a first responder and rescuer extensively trained in firefighting, primarily to extinguish hazardous fires that threaten life, property, and the environment as well as to rescue people and in some cases or jurisdictions also ...
s to quickly disconnect power from
high voltage devices that may pose a danger in the event of an emergency.
According to the
Institution of Electrical Engineers, any electrical device operating at over 1,000
Volts
AC or 1,500 volts
DC, must be equipped with the switch.
[
In order to be a valid device, the switch must meet the following standards:
* It must isolate all live ]conductor
Conductor or conduction may refer to:
Music
* Conductor (music), a person who leads a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra.
* ''Conductor'' (album), an album by indie rock band The Comas
* Conduction, a type of structured free improvisation ...
s. Only one switch should control the entire exterior and a second switch control the interior.
* The switch should be red and be fitted with a nameplate saying "FIREMAN'S SWITCH".
* The ON and OFF positions for the switch must be clearly indicated and visible to someone standing on the ground. Additionally the OFF position must be on the top, this is to help prevent accidental movement to the ON position.[BS7671:2018 reg 537.4.4]
* The switch must be in a clearly visible location, not more than from the ground. For exterior devices, the switch should be adjacent to the controls for the devices. Interior switches should be adjacent to the main entrance to the building.
See also
* Fire service mode
References
{{Fire fighting
Firefighting equipment