The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) stating recently proposed regulation of external power supplies could cripple alarm systems by shutting down backup power.
DOE is studying whether energy conservation standards should be issued for all non-Class A external power supplies. A final decision for the proposed “Test Procedures for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies in Standby Mode and Off Mode” is expected to be announced by the end of year.
The NBFAA maintains that life safety alarm and security products must be on at all times and should never to be used in an off or in standby mode. The association suggests the mode does not apply to power supplies used for security, surveillance, access control and life safety/alarm products.
“NBFAA supports the goals of the Department of Energy in conserving energy. However, in order for alarm systems to be effective, they must have a constant supply of energy,” says NBFAA President Mike Miller. “Disconnecting them from the power source destroys the purpose and integrity of the system. We hope the Department of Energy will consider our request to exclude security and alarm systems from these provisions.”
