To maintain uninterrupted monitoring of a buildings fire alarm system even during mains power outages, our systems are equipped with backup power sources. We utilise two distinct types of backup power sources:

1. Lead acid batteries
2. Super capacitors

This post has information about both types of power source along with some things to consider when sourcing replacements.

General Information
When buying a lead-acid battery, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you choose the right battery for your needs. Lead-acid batteries are used in a variety of applications including vehicles, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), solar energy storage systems, and more. Here are some key considerations:

• Battery Type: There are different types of lead-acid batteries, including flooded (wet cell), gel, and AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat). Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your application.
• Capacity: The battery capacity is measured in ampere-hours (Ah) and indicates how much energy the battery can store. Consider your power requirements and choose a battery with sufficient capacity to meet your needs.
• Voltage: Lead-acid batteries are available in various voltages, such as 6V, 12V, and 24V. Ensure that the battery voltage matches the requirements of your equipment or system.
• Cycle Life: Cycle life refers to the number of charge-discharge cycles a battery can endure before its capacity significantly degrades. A longer cycle life indicates a more durable battery.
• Maintenance: Some lead-acid batteries require regular maintenance, such as checking water levels and adding distilled water. AGM and gel batteries are generally maintenance-free, while flooded batteries may need more attention.
• Application: Consider the intended application of the battery. Different applications may have specific requirements for factors like discharge rate, depth of discharge, and temperature tolerance.
• Size and Form Factor: Ensure that the battery physically fits in the available space in your vehicle or equipment. Consider dimensions and form factor when choosing a battery.
• Charge and Discharge Rates: Some lead-acid batteries are designed for high discharge rates, making them suitable for applications like starting vehicles, while others are better for deep cycling and continuous power supply.
• Temperature Performance: Lead-acid batteries' performance can be affected by temperature. Some batteries perform better in extreme temperatures than others. Consider the operating temperature range of the battery.
• Brand and Quality: Opt for reputable brands known for producing reliable batteries. High-quality batteries tend to have better performance and longer lifespans.
• Warranty: Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period can indicate the manufacturer's confidence in the battery's quality and performance.
• Price: While cost is a factor, prioritize quality and suitability for your application over the cheapest option. A higher upfront cost for a better battery can save you money in the long run due to longer lifespan and better performance.
• Safety: Ensure the battery meets safety standards and regulations. Lead-acid batteries can release potentially harmful gases, so proper ventilation may be necessary, especially in enclosed spaces.
• Charging System Compatibility: If you're using the battery in a vehicle, ensure that your vehicle's charging system is compatible with the type of lead-acid battery you choose.

​Selecting a replacement
When it comes time to replace a lead acid battery do think carefully when selecting a replacement. Whilst it can be tempting to opt for the cheaper option, as a general rule they won't last as long or perform as well. Purchasing a more expensive option from a reputable brand will often save time and money in the long run.

General Information
A super capacitor, also known as an ultra capacitor or electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC), is an energy storage device that stores and releases electrical energy through the electrostatic separation of positive and negative charges. Unlike traditional capacitors that use a dielectric material to store charge, super capacitors store energy in an electric double-layer formed at the interface between a high-surface-area electrode and an electrolyte.

Some of the key characteristics of super capacitors are:

• High Power Density: Super capacitors can deliver and absorb electrical energy rapidly, making them suitable for applications requiring high power bursts, such as regenerative braking in electric vehicles or smoothing out fluctuations in renewable energy systems.
• Fast Charging and Discharging: Super capacitors can charge and discharge quickly, often within seconds or milliseconds. This rapid energy exchange is advantageous for short-term energy storage and rapid energy release.
• Long Cycle Life: Super capacitors have a high cycle life compared to batteries. They can endure hundreds of thousands to millions of charge-discharge cycles without significant degradation, making them durable for frequent cycling applications.
• Low Energy Density: While super capacitors excel in power delivery and rapid cycling, they generally have lower energy storage capacity (energy density) compared to batteries. This limitation makes them suitable for applications requiring short bursts of energy but not for long-term energy storage.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Super capacitors' performance can be affected by temperature fluctuations, which may impact their capacity and power output.

We use super capacitors in our systems where either the overall power requirements are lower, or space is at a premium.

Selecting a replacement
If you believe that a super capacitor connected to one of our systems needs to be replaced, please contact us and we'll guide you through the process.

Careful placement of aerials, also known as antennas, is of paramount importance for ensuring cellular connections perform well. This is due to several reasons:

• Signal Strength: The primary function of an antenna is to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals. By positioning antennas thoughtfully, maximum signal strength can be achieved. This translates into better call quality, faster data speeds, and overall improved performance for cellular users.
• Signal Quality: The placement of antennas directly influences signal quality. For instance, when antennas are installed indoors or in areas with significant obstructions, they may lead to weaker signals and potential signal reflections, ultimately causing signal degradation.
• Avoiding Shadow Zones: Antennas must be strategically positioned to minimize the existence of "shadow zones" where the cellular signal becomes weak or non-existent. These areas are typically formed by obstacles such as tall buildings or natural features. Careful antenna placement plays a pivotal role in mitigating these issues and ensuring more consistent reception.

Consider the following when locating aerials:
Location

• External windows or near external walls are best, the less walls the signal passes through the better. Each wall degrades the signal by up to 97%. 
• Keep out of basements where possible, these are concrete and will degrade the signal, often requiring an external aerial to be fitted.
• Do not stick patch aerials on metal surfaces ie FAP

Height

• Height is everything when connecting to the cellular network. Install the aerial as high as you can to avoid interruptions.

Placement & Direction

• For Fixed & Patch aerials - Install both aerials vertical and parallel, at a distance of 150-350mm apart.

Interruptions

• People or vehicles can interrupt the cellular signal, keep the aerials high and away from high traffic areas.
• Areas with high RF can also cause interruptions, try to keep away from switchboards/data rooms etc. if possible.

Materials

• Glass is ideal for allowing the RF signal to pass through. Installing the patch aerials on a window is the best internal location.
• Steel blocks RF signal, try to keep the aerials away from steel beams, sprinkler pipes etc.

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