EN54-4 certified power supplies

Issue 2 2022 Fire & Safety

A fire alarm system requires a robust power supply to ensure the safe continuity of fire detection. The Technoswitch EN54-4 certified range of power supplies deliver additional built-in performance features that most others fail to provide. These features ensure that the PSUs provide reliable power and continuously monitor total performance.

On-demand load sharing capability

This feature runs automatically and continuously, giving the power supply exceptional flexibility. It allows rapid, large capacity battery charging with extended standby hold-up duration at light loads or short high current peak loads where spare output capacity is diverted to battery charging.

Each battery is connected separately

Most systems use two 12 V DC batteries connected in series to provide the 24 V DC needed to drive a fire system; the only way to check each battery’s performance is to disconnect it from the system. Technoswitch’s EN54-4 PSUs connect each battery separately, then seamlessly combine the two 12 V DC outputs into 24 V DC, enabling the unit to constantly measure each battery’s performance and report any problems individually.

Battery impedance monitoring

The weakest part of a conventional power supply is its batteries. Currently, most systems rely on battery voltage measurement, which cannot accurately predict if there is a problem until it is too late. The Technoswitch EN54-4 PSUs constantly measure the impedance of each battery and can flag up deterioration outside certain parameters.

Battery charging at too high an ambient temperature will dramatically shorten its life. The Technoswitch EN54 PSU range has onboard sensors to automatically adjust the charging rate depending on the temperature. A remote temperature sensor is also available for difficult environments.


Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Fidelity SecureFire steps into critical fire response space
News Fire & Safety
With the majority of fire stations around the country being crippled by a lack of resources to offer effective responses, Fidelity Fire Solutions has launched its own ‘first responder’ model, Fidelity SecureFire.

Read more...
Long-distance connectivity with Simplex ES Net Life Safety
Johnson Controls Global Products Fire & Safety Products
ES Net Network Bridge allows fire alarm system data to be transmitted across distant buildings via a customer’s existing network infrastructure, improving system-wide monitoring and control in facilities and campuses where life safety networks are often widely dispersed.

Read more...
Elvey Group and Technoswitch part ways
Elvey Security Technologies Fire & Safety News
The Elvey Group (a division of the Hudaco Group of Companies) is relinquishing its distributorship of the Technoswitch brand, following Hudaco’s acquisition of Brigit Fire.

Read more...
From one month to 10 minutes
Dahua Technology South Africa Fire & Safety
Dahua has integrated technology with the inspection mode of the photovoltaic power station in order to create a robust system that can monitor the fire situation in the power plant and its surrounding areas 24/7.

Read more...
Protecting poultry processing plant
Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression Fire & Safety
Grain Field Chickens, based in Reitz in the Orange Free State Province, features all the typical fire detection challenges one would expect to encounter in a food processing facility.

Read more...
Fire prevention for energy systems
Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression Fire & Safety
With the significant push towards renewable energy, such as wind and solar, the demand for battery energy storage systems has grown exponentially, as has the need for fire safety solutions for these environments.

Read more...
Fire risks in solar panel installations
Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression Fire & Safety
Installed global solar capacity doubled in three years from 2018, and the expectation is that in the next three years, it will more than double. In South Africa, the year-on-year growth from 2021 to 2022 was 24,90%.

Read more...
Smart firefighting
Fire & Safety IT infrastructure
By integrating smart radios, innovative wireless technologies, fusion field networks, and IoT sensors, firefighters can respond faster and coordinate better during emergencies, protecting lives, property, and their own safety.

Read more...
Compliant with the National Building Regulations?
Fire & Safety
Over the past few years, there has been a surge in building fires, increasing the risk for loss of life and damage to structures and property.

Read more...
Make sure your alternative power solutions are not a fire hazard
Fire & Safety
While alternative heating and energy devices fulfil a crucial role in the current energy crisis, Fidelity Fire Solutions reminds users that such devices can pose a risk if not installed, stored and used properly.

Read more...