What is the purpose of a battery backup in a fire alarm system?

The primary purpose of a battery backup in a fire alarm system is to ensure that the system remains operational during a power outage. Fire alarm systems are critical for the safety of occupants in a building, and they must be functional at all times, especially when there is a loss of electrical power. The battery backup provides an alternative power source that allows the alarm system to continue monitoring for potential fire hazards and to alert occupants and emergency services as necessary, thus maintaining its life-saving capabilities.

This redundancy is essential because fire emergencies can occur independently of normal power supply situations. By having a reliable battery backup, the fire alarm system can perform its duties effectively, ensuring that it can still detect smoke or heat and sound alarms even when the building is without power.