The storage batteries for the fire alarm system must be dedicated to the system.

The storage batteries for the fire alarm system must be dedicated to the system.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Depends on installation

Answer: (A)

The backup power for a fire alarm system must be dedicated to that system in order to ensure reliability during a power outage. When the storage battery is used only for the fire alarm, it won’t be drained by other equipment, so the system has a guaranteed source of power to operate all alarms and signaling devices when mains power fails. If the battery were shared with other loads, those loads could draw current and reduce the available reserve, potentially causing a loss of signaling during an emergency. Codes and good practice require this dedicated standby power so the life-safety functions perform predictably, with the battery sized to meet the system’s standby (and, if applicable, alarm) requirements and monitored by the fire alarm control panel.

The backup power for a fire alarm system must be dedicated to that system in order to ensure reliability during a power outage. When the storage battery is used only for the fire alarm, it won’t be drained by other equipment, so the system has a guaranteed source of power to operate all alarms and signaling devices when mains power fails. If the battery were shared with other loads, those loads could draw current and reduce the available reserve, potentially causing a loss of signaling during an emergency. Codes and good practice require this dedicated standby power so the life-safety functions perform predictably, with the battery sized to meet the system’s standby (and, if applicable, alarm) requirements and monitored by the fire alarm control panel.