How long must the secondary power supply operate evacuation notification appliances during an emergency?

The requirement for the secondary power supply to operate evacuation notification appliances during an emergency is typically set to ensure that these critical systems remain functional long enough to effectively communicate with and evacuate occupants. In this context, the secondary power supply must operate for a minimum of 5 minutes. This duration is crucial because it allows sufficient time for individuals in a building to receive the necessary evacuation instructions and enables emergency personnel to coordinate rescue operations without the risk of losing power to essential notification systems too soon.

In emergencies, every second counts, and having a robust backup power system that can sustain operations for at least 5 minutes offers a buffer during power disruptions, ensuring that everyone can be notified efficiently and effectively. This standard aligns with best practices in emergency response planning, underscoring the importance of redundancy in life safety systems.