Power Outages Impacts on Fire Alarm Backup Batteries
Unfortunately, numerous cities on the east coast have experienced crippling winter storms this season. Snowstorms, wind, and ice have caused widespread power outages forcing the fire alarm backup batteries to power the system. Reoccurring use of the fire alarm system’s secondary power supply puts a strain on the batteries which can cause potential issues. By taking a few precautionary steps you’ll be able to ensure your backup batteries are in working condition when you need it.
Fire Alarm System Backup Battery Replacement Requirements
Like many rechargeable batteries, fire alarm system’s backup batteries stop fully charging after so many charges. NFPA 72 states that fire alarm backup batteries should be replaced in accordance with the alarm equipment recommendations or when the battery voltage or current falls below the manufacturer’s recommendations. This is typically every three to five years but frequent long-term power outages can affect fire alarm backup battery’s lifespan. During a power outage, batteries that fail to charge leave a facility unprotected. Luckily there are a few steps you can take to prevent this from happening at your facility.
Preventing Fire Alarm Backup Battery Failure
The most important step is to have the required annual fire alarm backup battery test and check with your authority having jurisdiction to see if they require additional testing. Have testing performed more frequently on regularly used aging batteries. Additionally, simply checking up on the fire alarm system. If the fire alarm battery light is on then there’s a problem.
Power outages happen when there’s bad weather. Help protect your facility by testing fire alarm system backup batteries annually and by taking a few precautionary steps.
Categorized in: Fire Alarms