Are the Batteries in Your Devices Working?

Fire Alarm Systems are vital components to your building. They are likely to be the first detectors of any sign of fire. It is important that these systems are in constant working order, even when the power goes out. Back-up batteries provide a vital role in keeping your system up when the electricity is down.

What is Actually Tested?

Battery Tests occur on all Fire Alarm devices with batteries. This includes all Fire Alarm Control Panels (FACP’s) and other power related components. Booster Panels that power notification devices like horns, strobes, and horn-strobes also have batteries. Larger systems have additional Power Supplies with battery back-up to support other auxiliary devices like door holders. Per the adopted NFPA-72 guidelines, all of these devices must have their battery amperage tested to confirm the connected devices are operational when the alarm trips.

How Often Do These Tests Happen?

Technicians test the amperage of Semi-Annually because the Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Batteries age over time and can occasionally lose their effectiveness rapidly after a power fail or other event. Because of the possible sudden drop in backup power these batteries need to be tested more than once a year. The battery that tested great in January and is working perfectly could be below the proper threshold for effectiveness by the following July.

Since these batteries can lose their effectiveness quickly, Fire Alarm Battery Tests happen twice a year. They occur during the Annual and Semi-Annual Inspections. Fire Code requires that the back-up batteries have to be able to support full Fire Alarm communication and notification for at least 5 minutes after a full 24 hours with no power.

If you need your property’s Fire Alarm Batteries tested contact us at 888-987-5322 for an inspection quote.

-The IFS Team