Batteries used in fire alarm and other low voltage systems have one of the highest rates of discrepancies of any device studied to date by BuildingReports. Because batteries are the sole standby power source for many of these systems, it is vital that they are tested properly and maintained regularly. We've produced the following data from the FireScan™ network over the last twelve months, and think it may be of interest to our members. The following article is based on the Interim Device Report for batteries, soon to be posted on the website. The reports are for Members only, and are available on your login and password.
Interim Device Report - Batteries
Batteries have the highest discrepancy rate among the more than 30 device types tracked by FireScan™. In fact, 12.9% of the batteries tested last year have some type of discrepancy, most notably age:
 |
|
Education may be needed for an understanding of the frequency and maintenance standards found in various editions of NFPA 72.
NFPA 72 includes guidelines for testing batteries, and adds a requirement that sealed lead acid batteries be replaced at specified intervals. This is due to the nature of these types of batteries that, over a long period of time, lose their ability to provide the standby power required by the original design. The only way to know for sure is to test.
NFPA 72-1999 Table 7-3.2 6(d) Sealed lead-acid type
- Charger test (replace battery every 4 years)NFPA 72-2002 Table 10.4.3 6(d) Sealed lead-acid type
-Charger test (replace battery within 5 years after manufacture or more frequently as needed)Earlier editions of NFPA 72, specifically the 1996 and 1993 editions also state the 4-year replacement for sealed lead acid type batteries in their respective frequency tables.
Some inspectors may need to be made aware of this age requirement, and the proper methods used for conducting tests on batteries during an inspection.
According to the installation date of the 24,626 batteries tested last year, 3280 batteries were clearly older than five years at time of inspection. Another 2342 were due for replacement within the inspection year. Of a potential 5622 batteries that should have been marked as "Date Expired," only 2573 were identified as "Date Expired."
 |
|
|||||
 |
|
We found Batteries dating back as far as the late 1970's! Nearly 300 batteries were found with dates in the 1980's.
Make sure Inspectors check the Installation Date for batteries at each inspection. The battery should be clearly marked with a Month and Year of installation. If the battery isn't already marked, it would be wise to do so with a permanent marker.
You can record the installation date on your Palm™ handheld when you scan the device's bar code. If the dates on batteries are recorded consistently, we can design reports and other tools that make managing battery replacement in fire systems easier.
Inconsistent battery testing methods could be part of the problem
Our test results indicate that there are reasons for taking a look at how inspectors currently test batteries during an inspection.
Testing a battery may sound like a relatively simple task, but do you know which method your inspector uses? There are battery load testing appliances available. We have provided links for companies we found during a quick Google search for "battery load testing equipment."
http://www.batteryweb.com/battery_tester.cfm
http://www.partsamerica.comIf inspectors don't have these types of devices to test and measure the battery voltage and capacity, what methods are they using in the field? There are methods employing a simple digital multi-meter and a series of readings taken by the user. Of course, these series of readings will only tell you that the batteries meet the required capacity for the initial design of the system. There's a good chance that notification appliances may have been added to the system since the original installation. The current requirements of additional devices may exceed the capacity of the batteries to provide sufficient standby power. Therefore, it is advisable to perform an actual load test to verify that battery capacity is sufficient to meet building requirements. It may be time for an upgrade.
During the course of our initial inspection training sessions with FireScan™ users last year, we have observed a wide range of inspection methods employed during battery tests. Some companies have battery load testing equipment and use it properly, and some use their meter in a series of measurements designed to calculate and simulate a load condition on the battery. One inspector, however, measured the voltage across the battery terminals with his meter, and concluded that the batteries were "within range." It might be worth checking to see how your inspectors are actually doing it in the field.
Don't assume that each inspector knows how to test a battery, or that he/she has the tools needed to do the job properly. Verify.
Location of batteries ARE a problem
Batteries can turn up in the strangest places. SNAC panels and other remote panels, digital communicators, remote power supplies, transponder cabinets, and other equipment rely on batteries for their standby power. Inspectors can easily spot the set or two at the bottom of the fire alarm cabinet, but there may be twice that amount or more in other locations throughout the building.
It is standard practice for some major high-rise buildings to have pre-installed notification appliance circuit panels for tenant build-outs. These panels, as well as all equipment containing batteries, need to be located and identified for future inspections.
FireScan™ can record these kinds of sub-panels as any other type of device. Place a bar code on the inside door of the cabinet, and identify it as either an "Expander Panel" or "Power Supply" under "Device Type." You can then bar code the batteries and list their location as the "Expander Panel" or "Power Supply."
Figure 1. Test instrument for batteries
Changes for FireScan™ in 2003 for battery test results
Because we think this issue deserves further research and analysis, we are going to add some additional fields to the Battery device type screen on the Palm™ Handheld for 2003. One such addition is for Battery Type: Lead Acid, Sealed Lead Acid, Gel Cell, etc. Another change is for voltage and current readings at time of load test. There will be more about this in future updates for FireScan™.
Opportunity for training and increased revenue for service companies
This leads to our conclusion that there are opportunities out there for companies willing to invest a little time and effort on training for their inspectors. This training should include how to test a battery, the use of the tools in conducting measurements, and knowledge of the code requirements in regard to their replacement. It may mean a little money and time now, but it will probably be worth it in increased service revenue replacing out-dated or defective batteries for your service customers.
Date
Expired 10.4% 
Defective
1.0% 
Failed
Test 1.0%
All
Other Reasons * 0.5%
