Bell Boxes & Sab Batteries

[adrian41uk]

We all know that the gel batteries in an alarm panel should be replaced at regular intervals but what about the battery packs in SABs?

I know that these are usually a different battery technology (usually NiCAD or NiMH) as opposed to the lead acid types used for panel backup and are usually soldered in but they must have a servicable life?

Does anybody routinely replace the module/entire bell box after a certain number of years or are they just left to die?

 

 

[Adi]

No routine replacement but tested every service visit.

[Lwillis]

Same here. No routine replacement but tested on a site Maintence visit.

How long would you guys say a bell should last/be replaced , I'd say around 10 years

[matthew.brough]

In the real world I'd expect 99% of them to be left to die.

[adrian41uk]

Thanks for the replies, Guys.

 

Tested as in remove the hold-off voltage & let it sound for the full 15min? Or just quickly remove hold-off & let it sound for a few seconds?

 

Or just Bell test from the panel (which doesn't actually use the SAB battery....)

[matthew.brough]

The only way to test properly is drop the power and see if it rings for the full time.

[sjsturner]

I remember a spate of oddy 3e with faulty backup batterys.

We test every maintenence dont always let it go full duration tho, depends on age/ location ect

[james.wilson]

There are test units to test the nicads like the sla's.

[norman]

Same ones for em iirc, can't say I know anyone who has one.

[james.wilson]

No nor me