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The Kidde 278A-REL is a double-action manual release station built for fire suppression systems - clean agent, CO2, wet chemical, and similar releasing applications. Double-action operation (lift the cover door, then pull the handle) prevents accidental activation in high-traffic areas while keeping the release mechanism immediately accessible during an emergency.
Built for the commercial installer
Red Lexan 940 housing with white raised "MANUAL RELEASE" and "LIFT THEN PULL HANDLE" lettering meets AHJ visibility requirements out of the box. UL listed (UL38, S218) and FM approved. Pulling the handle breaks a glass rod and latches the toggle switch in the alarm position - no momentary contacts, no false resets. The station resets with the supplied 276-K1 key, restoring the toggle switch and accepting a replacement glass rod (276-GLR, sold separately).
Key benefits
- Double-action prevents accidental trips: the upper cover door must be lifted before the handle is accessible
- Latch-action toggle switch: holds the release signal until manually reset with the supplied key
- Surface or semi-flush mounting: surface-mount on a 276B-RSB backbox or semi-flush in a standard 4" square box with single gang plaster cover
- Break glass operation: provides visible tamper evidence and confirms activation
- UL listed (UL38) and FM approved: meets code requirements for manual release stations in suppression system installations
Mounting options
For semi-flush installations, use a standard North American 4" square backbox with a single gang plaster cover - minimum depth of 2-1/4" (57mm). For surface mount, pair with the Kidde 276B-RSB red surface backbox (sold separately).
Specifications
| SKU | KD-278A-REL |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kidde Commercial |
| Form factor | Double-action manual release station |
| Operation | Break glass rod, lift door then pull handle, latch action until key reset |
| Housing | Red Lexan 940, white raised letters |
| Contact rating (single pole) | 3.0A @ 30 VAC / 1.0A @ 28 VDC, resistive load |
| Contact rating (double pole) | 1.5A @ 30 VAC / 1.0A @ 28 VDC, resistive load |
| Reset method | Key operated (276-K1 key supplied) |
| Mounting | Surface (276B-RSB backbox) or semi-flush (4" square box, min depth 2-1/4") |
| Dimensions | 3-9/16" x 5-3/16" x 1-13/32" (81 x 132 x 36mm) |
| Weight | 1 lb (0.4 kg) |
| Labeling | "MANUAL RELEASE" / "LIFT THEN PULL HANDLE" |
| Compliance | UL38 (S218), FM |