For how long can a fire alarm secondary power (central station) hold under normal load?

The duration for which a fire alarm secondary power or backup system can hold under normal load is typically designed to be 24 hours. This time frame is crucial because it ensures that the fire alarm system remains operational during a power outage, giving sufficient time for restoration of power or for the occupants to evacuate in an emergency.

In fire safety and alarm system standards, having a backup power source capable of lasting for a full day protects against short-term power interruptions and provides reliability in critical situations. The choice of a 24-hour duration considers both operational effectiveness and the practical likelihood of power restoration within a reasonable time frame without overwhelming the system.

While options like 12 hours or 48 hours might seem plausible in other contexts, they do not adequately address the needs for a fire alarm system. Twelve hours may be too short for many emergency scenarios, while 48 hours could impose unrealistic expectations on the backup system design, focusing instead on a balance of endurance and efficiency.