1. What is the Fire Lite Battery Calculator?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• House Fire Lite Standby A — Standby current in amps
• Alarm A — Alarm current in amps
• 24 — Hours of standby operation required
• 0.5 — Hours of alarm operation required
• 1.25 — Safety factor (25% additional capacity)

Explanation: The equation calculates total amp-hours needed for 24 hours of standby plus 30 minutes of alarm, then adds a 25% safety margin.

3. Importance of Proper Battery Sizing

Details: Correct battery sizing is critical for fire alarm system reliability. Undersized batteries may fail during power outages, while oversized batteries waste space and resources.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter standby current (typically found in system specifications) and alarm current (maximum current draw during alarm). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is there a 1.25 multiplier?
A: The 25% additional capacity accounts for battery aging, temperature effects, and ensures reliable operation throughout the battery's life.

Q2: What battery types are suitable?
A: Sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries are commonly used for fire alarm systems due to their reliability and maintenance-free operation.

Q3: How often should batteries be replaced?
A: Typically every 3-5 years, or when capacity drops below 80% of rated capacity.

Q4: Does temperature affect battery capacity?
A: Yes, cold temperatures reduce available capacity. In cold environments, additional capacity may be needed.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for other systems?
A: While designed for Fire Lite systems, the same calculation method can be adapted for other fire alarm systems with similar requirements.