1. What is the Fire Lite Battery Calculator?

The Fire Lite Battery Calculator determines the required battery capacity for Fire Lite fire alarm systems based on standby current and alarm current draw. Proper battery sizing ensures the system will operate during power outages.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• Home Fire Lite Standby A — Standby current in amps
• Alarm A — Alarm current in amps
• 24 — Hours of standby operation required
• 0.083 — 5 minutes of alarm operation (in hours)
• 1.25 — Safety factor (25% additional capacity)

Explanation: The equation calculates the total amp-hour requirement for 24 hours of standby plus 5 minutes of alarm, with a 25% safety margin.

3. Importance of Proper Battery Sizing

Details: Correct battery capacity is critical for fire alarm system reliability. Undersized batteries may fail during power outages, while oversized batteries increase cost unnecessarily.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the standby current and alarm current in amps. Values should be positive numbers measured from the actual system.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is there a 1.25 multiplier?
A: The 25% safety factor accounts for battery aging, temperature effects, and other variables that reduce actual battery capacity over time.

Q2: What if my system requires more than 24 hours backup?
A: Adjust the "24" in the formula to your required standby hours (e.g., 48 for 2 days).

Q3: Should I round up the calculated battery size?
A: Yes, always select the next standard battery size above the calculated value.

Q4: Does this calculator work for all Fire Lite panels?
A: It works for most standard Fire Lite panels, but always consult specific panel documentation for exact requirements.

Q5: How often should batteries be replaced?
A: Typically every 3-5 years, or when capacity drops below 80% of rated value.