1. What is the Honeywell Fire Lite Battery Calculator?

The Honeywell Fire Lite Battery Calculator helps determine the required battery capacity for Fire Lite fire alarm control panels. It calculates the minimum battery size needed to support the system during both standby and alarm conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• Honeywell 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 formula accounts for 24 hours of standby operation plus 30 minutes of alarm operation, with a 25% safety margin.

3. Importance of Proper Battery Sizing

Details: Correct battery sizing is critical for fire alarm systems to ensure they remain operational during power outages and can sound alarms when needed.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the standby current and alarm current in amps. These values can typically be found in the system specifications or measured with an ammeter.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What if my system has different requirements?
A: This calculator uses standard NFPA requirements (24 hours standby + 5 minutes alarm). Check local codes for specific requirements.

Q3: How do I measure standby and alarm currents?
A: Use a DC ammeter to measure current draw in standby mode and when all alarm devices are activated.

Q4: Should I round up the battery size?
A: Yes, always round up to the next available standard battery size (e.g., 7Ah, 12Ah, 18Ah, etc.).

Q5: Does this apply to all Fire Lite panels?
A: This calculation applies to most Fire Lite panels, but always consult the specific panel's installation manual for exact requirements.