During a primary power failure, what is the maximum allowed delay for alarm signals?

During a primary power failure, what is the maximum allowed delay for alarm signals?

• A. 5 Seconds
• B. 15 Seconds
• C. 10 Seconds
• D. 20 Seconds

Answer: (C)

When primary power fails, the fire alarm system still runs on standby power, but signaling must remain timely to protect occupants and notify authorities. The maximum time allowed for the alarm signal to be transmitted is ten seconds. This limit ensures that even on backup power, alarms and notifications occur quickly enough to support life safety and rapid response, without allowing lengthy delays that could compromise awareness. Shorter delays might be unreliable in some conditions, while longer delays would unnecessarily slow critical notification.

When primary power fails, the fire alarm system still runs on standby power, but signaling must remain timely to protect occupants and notify authorities. The maximum time allowed for the alarm signal to be transmitted is ten seconds. This limit ensures that even on backup power, alarms and notifications occur quickly enough to support life safety and rapid response, without allowing lengthy delays that could compromise awareness. Shorter delays might be unreliable in some conditions, while longer delays would unnecessarily slow critical notification.