1. What is the Honeywell Fire Alarm Battery Calculation?

The Honeywell fire alarm battery calculation determines the minimum required battery capacity (in Amp-hours) to power a Honeywell fire alarm system during both standby and alarm conditions, with a 20% safety factor.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Honeywell battery equation:

Where:

• \( Standby \) — Current draw during standby operation (mA)
• \( Alarm \) — Current draw during alarm operation (mA)
• 24 — Hours of standby operation required
• 0.083 — Hours of alarm operation required (5 minutes)
• 1.2 — 20% safety factor

Explanation: The equation calculates total energy requirements for 24 hours of standby plus 5 minutes of alarm, then adds a 20% safety margin.

3. Importance of Proper Battery Sizing

Details: Proper battery sizing ensures the fire alarm system remains operational during power outages for code-required durations, maintaining life safety protection.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter standby and alarm currents in milliamps (mA) as specified in the device documentation. Values must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is there a 20% safety factor?
A: The safety factor accounts for battery aging, temperature effects, and manufacturing variations to ensure reliable operation throughout the battery's life.

Q2: What if my system has multiple devices?
A: Sum the standby and alarm currents of all devices connected to the same battery before using this calculator.

Q3: How often should batteries be replaced?
A: Typically every 3-5 years, or when capacity tests show significant degradation, whichever comes first.

Q4: Are there temperature considerations?
A: Yes, battery capacity decreases in cold temperatures. Additional capacity may be needed for installations in unheated spaces.

Q5: Can I use this for non-Honeywell systems?
A: While the calculation method is similar, always consult the manufacturer's specific requirements for non-Honeywell systems.