Where to find fire alarms and pull stations

Fire Alarm Help
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Hi everyone! First time post :blush:
I have an 8 yr old autistic son who is absolutely obsessed with fire alarm systems, literally can tell you everything there is to know about any and all and can point out and name all fire alarms, bells, pull stations etc everywhere we go lol :rofl: anyways I’m trying to figure out the best way to obtain a few for him to have at home without spending a ton of money as of right now he has spent hours drawing and cutting out his own and has them taped up all over the house. I would absolutely love to surprise him with some real ones the only problem is everytime I find one they are so expensive :sob: wondering if any one knows any secrets to obtaining cheaper ones… thank you in advance I appreciate any help :blush:

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Try looking at ebay.com or buyfirealarmparts.com. Get them cheap! Wishing your son a wonderul life!

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Fire Alarm Control Panels are expenisive! The cheapest was $900. Run alarms using a 9v Battery.

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I would recommend eBay or Facebook marketplace
I’ve bought nearly every device in my Collection from eBay so it’s a good place to find alarms

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I agree! I use ebay a lot… But alarms can get damaged during shipping.

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My alarms never come damaged

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I dont know what happend to my truealert…

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I have a couple recommendations:

  • Check eBay first. They often have the best prices on items, though you’ll probably have to wait longer than something like Amazon for shipping.
  • Speaking of Amazon, do not purchase devices from Amazon. There are tons of knock-off models and outrageous prices on there, so stay away.
  • There is no need to purchase brand new devices. Purchase used ones, it’ll save you a lot of money.

When you are purchasing, you should look out for…

  • Don’t purchase devices with obvious damage to them. Even if they are a good price, they might be damaged internally.
  • Don’t purchase Simplex-branded notification devices in a case like this. Lots of them for sale at the moment use a special protocol to make them work, which is not accessible with a regular power supply that you will have access to.
    – Notification devices are different than pull stations. You can purchase any kind of Simplex pull station and have it work just fine.
  • Make sure you purchase a key for any type of pull station you buy. Almost every pull station on the market right now requires either a key or tool (like a screwdriver or hex key) to reset it after it has been pulled.
    – If you’re looking for specific guidance on a model or brand, please let me know in a reply or send me a message. I’d be happy to help =)

To make these devices work…

  • You will need a power supply. Almost all devices made nowadays support input power of 24 volts DC (direct current). If you have an existing charger (like from a laptop or something) that outputs 24 volts, you can cut the output line of the charger (NOT) the side that plugs into the wall) and expose bare wires to attach devices to. Alternatively, this charger from Amazon should do the trick.
  • You’ll also want each type of screwdriver (Phillips, flat head) to screw & unscrew the terminals for wiring devices up.

I’ve done some searching for a couple low-cost devices to get you started, and without breaking the bank:

Feel free to send me a private message or reply to this comment if you need any more assistance, and I (or someone else) would be happy to help you. =)

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Hi Britt,

Welcome to the community. I see you are in a neighboring state. Do you ever travel near Cincinnati? I have some fire alarm components to get your son’s collection started.

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you can always contact demolition companies in your area and ask if they can salvage any life safety equipment. I personally know a guy who lives in the Akron area that salvages vintage FA systems from buildings slated for demolition

I would start out with some modern alarms and gradually get into the vintage ones.

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