The national fire alarm code recommends testing the battery s load voltage discharge and seal on semi annual and annual basis.
Fire alarm battery load test.
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Turn off the circuit disconnect means to the fire alarm system.
If no number shows in this screen upon attaching the clips the battery will not test and can.
The current you see displayed is the nominal charging current being output to the battery it should appear as a negative number if you ve connected everything properly.
That s why we have created this handy tool to help you find out which battery size is correct for the fire alarm you are fitting the calculations used are correct and up to date to comply with british standards bs5839.
Load test the battery based on the manufacturer s specifications for a discharge rate of 3 hours or more by applying the current indicated for the selected hourly discharge rate continuously until the terminal voltage decreases to the end voltage specified by the manufacturer.
This is very important as it is impossible to do otherwise.
The fire alarm trouble indication should clear and the system should appear normal in all respects.
We have up to date information on the newest fire alarm trends such as fire service access elevators mass notification voice intelligibility occupant evacuation elevators and two way communication for areas of refuge.
Battery testing best practices.
Load testing can be by any means of an artificial load equal to the full fire alarm load connected to the battery.
If the battery can be tested a readout on the voltage analyzer screen located on the soc tester will display a voltage.
Also note that you will need to move the positive test lead to the amp test lead port as shown in the pictures below.
Fire alarm panel battery load testing date.
In order to measure the load or current of a fire alarm circuit we must place the multi meter test leads in series with the circuit to be read.
Using a well designed accurate and reliable battery tester makes all the difference in knowing exactly how well the battery and your fire alarm system is working.
Verify the voltage level does not fall below the levels specified.
We understand that when you are servicing or fault finding on a fire alarm panel on site calculating accurate load test results can be a pain.