ABAT Power Systems & Backup Power for Alarm Systems

Question 1

According to NFPA 72 and UL 681, what is the minimum standby battery backup time required for a residential burglar alarm control panel?

Accepted Answer

24 hours

Answer

NFPA 72 and UL 681 require a minimum of 24 hours of standby power followed by sufficient capacity to operate all alarms for a defined period.

Question 2

Which type of battery is most commonly used as the primary backup power source in residential and commercial burglar alarm control panels?

Accepted Answer

Sealed lead-acid (SLA)

Answer

Sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries are the industry standard for alarm panel backup due to their low cost, maintenance-free design, and reliable discharge characteristics.

Question 3

What is the typical float charge voltage applied to a 12V sealed lead-acid alarm panel battery?

Accepted Answer

13.5–13.8 V

Answer

A 12V SLA battery is maintained at approximately 13.5–13.8 V during float charging to keep it fully charged without overcharging.

Question 4

When testing a standby battery in an alarm panel, a technician measures 11.2 V under load. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The battery is sulfated or failing and should be replaced

Answer

A 12V SLA battery reading below 11.8 V under load indicates excessive discharge depth or sulfation, signaling imminent failure and need for replacement.

Question 5

An alarm panel's power supply draws 500 mA during normal operation and 1.5 A when all sirens are active. The backup battery is rated at 7 Ah. Approximately how long will the battery sustain the panel in alarm state only?

Accepted Answer

About 4.7 hours

Answer

Dividing the 7 Ah capacity by the 1.5 A alarm draw gives approximately 4.7 hours (7 ÷ 1.5 = 4.67 hours).

ABAT - Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician Certified Practice Test

ABAT - Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician Certified Practice Test

ABAT Power Systems & Backup Power for Alarm Systems