What type of generator is used as the engine-driven secondary power supply in the described fire alarm system?

What type of generator is used as the engine-driven secondary power supply in the described fire alarm system?

• A. Gasoline
• B. Diesel engine-driven
• C. Wind turbine
• D. Solar

Answer: (B)

The engine-driven secondary power supply in a fire alarm system is a diesel engine-driven generator. Diesel generators are the standard for standby power because they are rugged, reliable, and designed for continuous duty during outages. They can start automatically and run for extended periods, which is essential to keep alarms, control panels, and annunciation powered when the normal utility power fails. Diesel fuel stores safely on site, has high energy density, and is less volatile than gasoline, making it a safer and more practical choice for emergency backup power. Gasoline engines are generally avoided for this role due to gasoline’s volatility and shorter storage life, and wind turbines or solar panels aren’t engine-driven backup solutions and depend on weather or additional systems to meet emergency power needs.

The engine-driven secondary power supply in a fire alarm system is a diesel engine-driven generator. Diesel generators are the standard for standby power because they are rugged, reliable, and designed for continuous duty during outages. They can start automatically and run for extended periods, which is essential to keep alarms, control panels, and annunciation powered when the normal utility power fails. Diesel fuel stores safely on site, has high energy density, and is less volatile than gasoline, making it a safer and more practical choice for emergency backup power.

Gasoline engines are generally avoided for this role due to gasoline’s volatility and shorter storage life, and wind turbines or solar panels aren’t engine-driven backup solutions and depend on weather or additional systems to meet emergency power needs.