NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, mandates the location requirements for manual fire alarm boxes to ensure they are conspicuous and readily accessible along normal paths of egress. The code explicitly requires that manual fire alarm boxes be located within 60 inches (1.5 m) of the exit doorway opening at each required exit on each floor. This placement ensures that a person evacuating the building can activate the alarm without significant deviation from their path of travel, facilitating prompt notification during an emergency.

B. 72 in (1,829 mm): This distance is 6 feet, which exceeds the maximum allowable horizontal distance of 5 feet (60 inches) specified by NFPA 72.

C. 34 in (2,133 mm): This is an incorrect value and is not specified in the code for the horizontal placement of a manual fire alarm box relative to a door.

D. 96 in (2,438 mm): This distance is 8 feet, which is significantly greater than the maximum distance permitted by the code and would not be compliant.

1. NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2022 Edition. Section 17.14.8.4, "Manual fire alarm boxes shall be located within 60 in. (1.5 m) of the exit doorway opening at each exit on each floor."

2. SFPE, SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, 5th Edition. Chapter 54, "Detection of Fire," Section 54.6.1, "Manual Fire Alarm Boxes." The text states, "The box is to be located within 1.5 m (5 ft) of each exit." (DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2562-454)

3. Oklahoma State University, School of Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology. Courseware for FSET 3183, Fire Alarm Systems. Module on Initiating Devices, "Location of Manual Fire Alarm Boxes," which cites and explains the requirement from NFPA 72, 17.14.8.4 for placement within 5 ft (60 in.) of an exit.