Fire alarm battery standby vs alarm load
Understand standby current, alarm current, FireLite battery calculations, derating, and backup duration for fire alarm panels.
Short answer
Standby load is the current used while the fire alarm system is normal but powered from battery. Alarm load is the higher current used during notification, relay operation, sounders, strobes, and evacuation signalling. Both periods matter.
For FireLite, Notifier, Simplex, Zeta, or any other panel, use the manufacturer current for the panel, loops, NACs, modules, detectors, sounders, and accessories. The calculator is a planning aid, not a substitute for the product battery worksheet.
Use these tools next
Verification note
Use this guide as planning support only. Final design should be verified against project specifications, authority requirements, official standards, and manufacturer data.