Which of the following is the maximum allowable time for a fire alarm secondary power to take over?

The maximum allowable time for a fire alarm secondary power to take over is 10 seconds. This requirement is crucial in ensuring that fire alarm systems maintain their functionality and can effectively notify occupants of a fire or emergency situation without delay.

In the event of a primary power failure, a quick transition to secondary power is essential to ensure continuous operation of alarms and notification systems. A delay longer than 10 seconds could pose significant risks, as it may prevent timely alerts to occupants, hindering evacuation efforts and potentially leading to dangerous situations during a fire emergency.

Standards such as those outlined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) emphasize the need for reliable and immediate backup power for fire alarm systems. This timeframe is set to minimize the risks associated with power interruptions and ensure that fire safety measures are effectively maintained.