What is the minimum operational duration required from a secondary battery power source for fire alarms?

The minimum operational duration required from a secondary battery power source for fire alarms is 24 hours. This duration ensures that the fire alarm system remains functional during a power outage, providing adequate time for emergency services to respond and for occupants to evacuate safely.

This 24-hour requirement is designed to account for various potential situations that could lead to a loss of primary power, ensuring that fire alarms can effectively function and alert individuals to dangers even if the main power supply is interrupted for an extended period. A well-designed fire alarm system with a reliable backup battery is critical for ensuring safety in case of emergencies. Additional durations, such as 12, 48, or 72 hours, exceed the standard requirement and are not typically mandated by current regulations.