What is the maximum time allowed for a secondary power supply to activate following a primary power supply failure?

The maximum time allowed for a secondary power supply to activate following a primary power supply failure is 10 seconds. This requirement is in place to ensure that critical fire alarm and life safety systems remain operational during a power outage. Timely activation of the secondary power supply is essential to maintain the functionality of alarms and emergency lighting, which can be vital for the safety of all occupants in a building, especially in environments such as homeless shelters where vulnerable populations are housed. A delay longer than 10 seconds could result in the loss of critical protective features, leading to increased risks during an emergency situation. Therefore, 10 seconds is the standard to ensure a swift transition to backup power, reinforcing the effectiveness of safety measures in place.