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Battery Testing

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 5:16
by regant
CAN/ULC S536 requires battery capacity calculations and battery % at the end of the test period.
Unless you are commissioning a new system you already know the system supervisory and alarm demand. So why measure and calculate again - is it to confirm that the system demand hasn’t changed?
Isn’t the only result that matters the battery % at the end of the test period?

Re: Battery Testing

Posted: Thu Oct 26, 2017 6:13
by FIRETEK
The requirement to calculate capacity is to ensure that the emergency power supply is of the correct capacity (for the system load). This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions I get. The scary thing is that even newly commissioned (and Verified) systems frequently have inadequately sized batteries installed. There's been significant clarification regarding this in the revised version of both CAN/ULC-S536 and CAN/ULC-S537 currently under review. The requirement to confirm operation of the emergency generator (if it's being used in this capacity) is also going to be included. You're one step ahead if the technicians testing your equipment are Certified through the Network and using our forms.

Re: Battery Testing

Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 5:57
by regant
Unfortunately, our contractor's technicians are not using your forms and have not completed the required tests and calculations required, even on their forms. I have challenged them on this and am waiting for a reply (I am on the Board of Directors of a Condominium Corporation).

I'm not sure you answered my question!

If we have commissioned and verified the initial batteries and measured the required capacity (as we presumably have done), then that capacity is known (i.e. the load that the batteries must sustain is known). So why would we need to measure the required load again - is it to confirm that system conditions are unchanged and the documented capacity is still valid?

Even if the calculated capacity exceeds the battery rating, if the voltage is above 85% at the end of the test period, is that not the "acid" test?

Re: Battery Testing

Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 12:35
by FIRETEK
If the individuals engaged in the testing of your equipment are not following the form's format, they are likely NOT testing the system to the requirements of the Standard. You should review their format and note any deviations from the Standard's Appendix "C". If they're not handing in documentation that aligns with the minimum testing requirements for CAN/ULC-S536 or CAN/ULC-S537, you should follow up and ensure that they do.

The requirement for battery calculations on an ANNUAL basis is to ensure that anyone that has been working on the system hasn't compromised its operation by changing the size of the batteries or additional devices haven't affected the load-out. 85% is a an additional test to confirm the battery has the correct rating, ensure the cells are all functioning correctly, and that the charging/recovery period isn't going to be significantly impacted by a cell's age/diminished operation.