In the UK fire and security sector, reliability is not optional – it is very essential!
Whether it’s fire alarms, fire suppression apparatus, CCTV cameras or complex security alarms, these systems are needed to protect life, safeguard assets and meet stringent regulatory demands.
And, whilst most of these critical systems are initially powered by the mains, it’s back-up batteries that form the invisible backbone which keeps them running when an emergency strikes.
Here at Strident, we supply high-performance back-up batteries to the fire safety and security sector – whether that’s OEMs, installers or facilities and maintenance professionals – to support some of the most demanding and critical environments.
So, in this blog, we’ll look at the three key reasons why back-up batteries are so important for ensuring safety in the fire and security sector.
- Continuous operation of life-saving fire safety systems
Fire alarms, smoke detectors, emergency lighting and suppression systems exist to protect people, buildings and assets – but these systems are only as reliable as the electrical supply that powers them.
Power failures, whether caused by poor weather, faults or widespread grid outages, can instantly compromise fire safety infrastructure. At best, this can result in system downtime, but at worst, the results can be catastrophic. This is especially true in residential structures, multiple-occupancy buildings and busy workplaces.
Dependable batteries are critical for providing the back-up power these systems need in the event of a power cut. With a back-up battery – or an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) – which steps in when needed most, alarms will still trigger and sound, panels and detectors will remain active and evacuation lighting will continue to illuminate safe routes.
So, with our high-quality battery range; building managers, residents and employees alike can benefit from the peace-of-mind that emergency systems will function at the exact moment they’re needed most.
- Uninterrupted safety with continuous security coverage
In an age of rising security threats, back-up power isn’t just a convenience – it’s the last line of defence.
Intruder alarms, access control systems, CCTV networks and door entry systems typically require mains electricity, so they are all vulnerable during power cuts. As a result, power is often the first thing criminals cut when trying to breach security!
Without reliable battery back-up, a cut to power could disable an entire security system, leaving people, buildings and assets at risk.
With a robust standby battery in place, you can ensure CCTV cameras continue recording, door access systems remain locked and intruder alarms still sound when needed.
With uninterrupted operation, back-up batteries prevent opportunistic breaches and help ensure a site stays protected 24/7.
- Meeting UK standards and compliance requirements
In recent years, the UK has introduced further standards and requirements for fire safety and building construction – which includes responsibilities for those delivering facilities maintenance.
With the introduction of the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Building Safety Act 2022, clear responsibilities have been placed on system designers, installers, building owners and maintenance professionals for ensuring safety and security.
Building Regulations Approved Document B on fire safety outlines that smoke and heat alarms should have a standby power supply, such as a battery.
And, updates to BS 5839-6 mean that installing alarms without back-up power sources is no longer recommended, whilst BS 9251:2021 outlines that sprinkler systems must include two power sources (primary and secondary) to ensure operation during emergencies.
These standards require reliable back-up batteries with proven performance to keep systems fully operational – and to ensure the buildings housing these systems comply.
Why Strident batteries are the dependable solution for the fire and security sector
When back-up power is needed the most, Strident batteries are designed to perform.
All Strident batteries are made with carefully selected raw materials, 99.997% lead purity and superior glass matting, offering the better reliability, longevity and resilience demanded by the fire safety and security sector.
Plus, we offer a NEW fire-retardant range, which prevent batteries from becoming part of the problem.
The batteries in this range feature a sealed lead-acid design, with an electrolyte management system that prevents leakage and helps control gas build-up.
They also feature flame-resistant ABS plastic casing, which is compliant with the UL94 V0 standard, so they rapidly self-extinguish when exposed to flames.
On top of this, our batteries have low-pressure flame-arrestor vents and Clear Vein technology, which are designed to allow safe, controlled gas release without damage to the battery or surrounding equipment in the event of severe overcharge.
All of our products are underpinned by our ISO 9001 certification and stringent quality control, ensuring optimum performance, exceptional energy retention and long service life.
Dependable batteries for the fire and security sector
In a world where system downtime is dangerous, back-up batteries provide the reliability that fire and security systems rely on.
With over 20 years of expertise and a battery range engineered precisely to resolve the challenges of the UK fire and security sector, Strident Innovations continues to set the standard for dependable back-up power.
If you’d like support choosing the best back-up battery for your needs, Strident’s technical team is always ready to help.
