3 reasons why back-up batteries are so important in the fire safety and security sector
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.
Strident Innovations launch new fire-retardant battery range to enhance safety for critical systems
Battery experts, Strident Innovations, have announced the launch of their new range of fire-retardant sealed lead-acid batteries, designed to prevent fire propagation and meet stringent safety codes in sensitive installations.
For many industries, fire-retardant batteries are key for safe, continual performance – especially in the fire safety and security sector where batteries are often used as back-up power or an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to maintain continuous operation even if mains power fails.
Strident’s new range combines reliability with advanced safety engineering – including flame-resistant ABS casing, flame arrestor vents and maintenance-free operation – to offer professionals across the fire safety and security sectors an even greater level of confidence in high-risk environments.
“For systems that power critical infrastructure, fire retardant batteries are essential for safety and performance. Our new range is specially engineered with fire-retardant properties that prevent fire propagation and meet stringent safety regulations, giving installers and maintenance professionals total peace of mind” says Caleb Deayton, Managing Director of Strident Innovations.
Each battery in Strident’s new range features a sealed lead-acid design with an electrolyte management system that prevents leakage and helps control gas build-up during normal operating conditions. They also feature flame-resistant ABS plastic casing which is compliant with the UL94 V0 standard, so they self-extinguish rapidly when exposed to flames.
A further safety enhancement comes from Strident’s 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.
“In applications where safety systems can’t afford compromise – such as fire alarms, emergency lighting, data centre back-ups and lifts or escalators – these batteries provide robust, tested protection. They don’t just meet compliance standards; they exceed expectations for reliability under pressure” adds Caleb.
Just like the rest of Strident’s extensive battery range, the new range is manufactured with 99.997% lead purity and carefully mixed conductive materials for optimum performance, exceptional energy retention and long service life.
“Every element of this range – from plate composition to casing design – has been developed with safety and quality in mind. It’s another step in our ongoing commitment to developing batteries that perform reliably and protect the systems they power, for the fire safety and security industry and beyond” Caleb concludes.
Since 2002, Strident Innovations has been committed to advancing battery technology, supplying high-quality power solutions for the fire and security, mobility and lift and escalator industries across the UK.
The new fire-retardant range is now available.
Trusted battery supplier supports passenger lift industry with essential back-up solutions
Battery experts, Strident Innovations, are supporting the elevator and passenger lifts industry with reliable back-up batteries which help keep lift systems operating safely and compliantly.
Based in Norfolk, Strident Innovations have over 20 years’ experience providing high performance batteries to a range of sectors, including mobility, fire and security and elevator and passenger lifts.
With increasing regulation around the operation and maintenance of lifts and elevators, Strident is supplying their extensive battery range to support facilities managers, service contractors and lift system manufacturers.
“According to research conducting by Openreach, there are over 300,000 lifts in the UK, each with emergency lighting, alarms, communication lines or even evacuation systems. Therefore, a reliable battery for back-up power is a critical requirement for safety and rescue in the event of breakdown or power failure,” explains Caleb Deayton, Managing Director of Strident Innovations.
The passenger lift industry is governed by strict regulation. To satisfy the needs of BS 9999 Annex G, lifts that could be used for fire-fighting or the evacuation of occupants in the event of a fire, particularly those with mobility difficulties, must have independent back-up power – often a battery or an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) which requires batteries to function.
Additionally, the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Building Safety Act give building owners and facilities manager the significant responsibility of maintaining lifts, escalators and moving walks in their building. HSE guidance suggests that those responsible should regularly carry out comprehensive safety assessments to ensure successful operation.
“During the recommended safety assessments, back-up batteries are typically replaced as a precaution. For this routine servicing, service providers need high-quality, reliable batteries to ensure their systems remain operational and compliant for the next six months and beyond. That’s where we come in,” says Caleb.
Strident Innovations’ range of batteries are designed to meet the rigorous demands of back-up power applications. They state that their products are manufactured using carefully selected raw materials and advanced glass matting for high-performance, safety and longevity.
The company – backed by quality control under their ISO 9001 accreditation – have a long history of working closely with maintenance providers and OEMs to deliver products that match the needs of elevator and passenger lift equipment.
“In addition to our quality and reliable products, we offer same-day dispatch on orders placed before 15:30, no minimum order quantities and a dedicated account manager to support every customer. Our goal is to make it simple for lift service professionals that need to access the right battery, fast,” concludes Caleb.
Since 2002, Strident Innovations have been committed to innovation, striving to produce quality batteries for a range of sectors across the UK.
On top of working with lift and escalator professionals, they supply batteries for the fire and security sector, and have a large network of mobility distributers around the UK.
Strident emphasise importance of certification with upcoming battery range for fire and security systems
Battery experts Strident Innovations have underlined the importance of certified batteries in the fire safety and security sector, as they prepare to launch a new range of certified, fire-retardant batteries.
Certified batteries are the most respected in the sector. Batteries carrying certain marks, such as VdS fire retardant certification and ISO 9001, are known for quality and reliability, setting them apart from others on the market.
Strident say that using certified batteries can help maintenance providers and installers ensure the products they fit will deliver safe, dependable back-up power when mains power fails.
“Back-up power is a fundamental part of protecting lives in the fire safety and security sector. So, whilst compliance is vital, choosing a certified battery isn’t just about ticking a box. It provides reassurance of safety, quality, reliability and better performance – all of which are essential when lives depend on it” says Caleb Deayton, Managing Director of Strident Innovations.
To achieve some certifications, battery providers typically undergo an audit which confirms they satisfy the necessary standards. This can include an in-person assessment which ensures the correct processes are in place to meet quality requirements.
For others, the batteries themselves undergo rigorous testing, including practical tests like test fires or burglary simulations. This is usually undertaken on new batteries, after artificial aging and under challenging environmental conditions to make sure they can perform when needed.
“Above anything, certification is about trust. Fire safety and security systems can only perform as intended if every component meets the highest standards. That’s why we are introducing more batteries to our range – which are fire retardant and certified – reflecting our commitment to supporting professionals with products they can rely on in the most critical situations,” says Caleb.
Strident’s new range will include certified batteries that feature fire retardant construction and casing, developed with the needs of installers and maintenance providers in mind.
The business states that their products are made with carefully selected raw materials and superior glass matting, and are backed by stringent quality control for optimum performance.
“Back-up batteries are often the last line of defence. If they fail, alarms don’t sound, lights don’t come on and the risk to safety is enormous. That’s why certification is so important. Our new range will give professionals complete confidence that their back-up power meets the necessary standards and exceeds expectations” Caleb concludes.
Strident’s upcoming battery range will be suitable for a wide variety of fire safety and security applications. The range will be launched soon, with more details to follow.
Naidex 2025
What a great and successful day Strident Innovations had at Naidex 2025. Thank you to all our customers and suppliers who came to see us!
Take a look at the video of the show, to see what we were offering:
We showcased some of our latest and most popular products, bringing them to life for people to see.
Strident S24 - Our 24 Hour Delivery Service
The power to deliver.
The S24 service is about Strident supporting you, to minimise ‘Lockdown’ supply line disruption to your business and customers.
More than ever now, as the digital trend of online shopping increases and the ability to meet customers face to face is limited, quick and reliable service to deliver to customers is at the upmost importance.
What is the value of S24 to you?
Do you have a customer that needs a product quickly?
Are you looking to minimise stockholding?
Do you have engineers away from the workshop?
If your answer is yes to any one of these simple scenarios, then the Strident S24 service will bring you value
With 3rd party delivery available at no extra cost, S24 gives you the option to deliver goods to your engineer’s location or direct to your customer for those time critical demands. Our same day despatch of orders placed by 3:30 pm and closely partnering with reputable carrier companies this ensures the reliable 24hr next day delivery of any product you order goes straight to your specified address anywhere in UK mainland. Furthermore, if in the unlikely event we are unable to fulfil our same day despatch for any reason we will proactively call you to advise. If that isn’t enough, for your total peace of mind, despatches can be made using our plain label option which ensure your order carries no identifying marks or labels that could indicate where the consignment was despatched from. That’s what we call the S24 service, its engineered to support our distributors.
S24 has evolved from our renowned passion for impeccable customer service. In today’s commercial and environmental climate it’s even more necessary to not only provide our distributors with unrivalled service and care but also the end user of Strident products so when we despatch your parcel to any delivery address, the safety and protection is paramount – we offer a ‘touch-free’ delivery service which is yet another simple service offered but ensures the safety and wellbeing of you and your customers.
In summary, your shop may not be open, you may be working from home, you have reduced or even no space for stock holding, but with Strident S24 service, this can make easy even easier with delivery next day, direct to site shipping and with complete peace of mind in the current global climate.
There will be more updates on ways Strident is adapting to the current climate but there is one area we continually strive to improve and that is the support for our valued distributors – watch out for more developments soon
Are your customers batteries fit for purpose?
As lockdown is eased and customers are beginning to use their mobility equipment for the first time in a few months, it is time to check if their batteries are fit for purpose.
The Strident range of mobility batteries and chargers have been developed to offer optimum levels of performance and reliability to all mobility equipment users.
We also have a range of back to work products to help you ensure your workplace and showrooms are thoroughly sanitised for both your staff and your customers.
If you would like to find out more contact Strident on 01362300102 or email sales@strident.uk.com.
Sterilo+ Antimicrobial Copper Overlays
Antimicrobial copper protection has been proven to be the most effectively natural killer of bacteria and viruses. Adding our Sterilo+ Antimicrobial copper overlays to areas of high touch areas such as doors, equipment or push buttons will help keep your workplace safe.
Retrofit protection for high touch areas such as doors, equipment or push buttons, are supplied as a removable, easy-stick overlay. The inherent properties of antimicrobial copper will destroy harmful microbes, improving the safety and wellbeing of your staff.
Suitable for use in medical, transport, commercial, cleanroom and food processing industries.
Strident Sanitation Products - Fogging Machine
We have a new portable and effective infection control system fogging machine available to help get your business back on track during the Covid-19 Pandemic. This machine is designed to help you ensure that your business meets the current government cleaning routine regulations for your workplace.
With features such as easy operation, multiple spray nozzles for different droplet size, atomised liquid for a very fine fog, this fogging machine is designed for disinfecting, sterilisation, air purification, anti-virus, disease prevention and much more. Perfect for many clinical workplaces, as well as hotels, care homes, gyms and offices, this Strident Fogging Machine is perfect for helping your business during this pandemic.
To find out how our Strident Sanitation Products can help your business, call 01362300102 or email sales@strident.uk.com for more information.
Strident Sterilo+ Range
We have a new growing range of personal hygiene products to help you keep your workplace clean and safe against the Covid-19 pandemic. These products are a range of high quality sanitiser products ideal for hand and workplace sanitising. Learn more here.
This range is to ensure that you can protect yourself and your team during the pandemic, by ensuring your workplace is clean and safe. These products will not only protect but will also ensure you are compliant with government guidelines.
The journey has only just begun, be sure to get on board today – there is a lot more to see as we head to the unknown of the ‘new norm’, please see our growing range of products here: https://www.strident.uk.com/workplace-protection/.