GS Yuasa, the European market leader in industrial batteries for over 40 years, is warning fire and security professionals about the growing risk of using the wrong standby battery in life-safety systems.
Incorrect battery sizing is now one of the most common causes of non-compliance during regulatory checks—and it can cost installers time, money and reputation.
According to leading industry bodies and recent inspection trends, incorrect battery sizing has become one of the most common non-conformities found during regulatory checks on fire detection and alarm systems. This critical issue is not only compromising compliance with regulations but is also posing financial and operational risks for installers, integrators, and their clients.
In accordance with BS 5839-1, fire alarm and emergency systems must maintain operation for a minimum standby period in the event of mains power failure. The standard states:
“The capacity of all standby batteries that serve any part of the system which has to operate correctly in order to satisfy the recommendations of this part of BS 5839 should be such as to satisfy the following recommendations.”
Where incorrect sizing results in insufficient capacity, projects can fail inspection, requiring costly remedial work. These may include purchasing additional batteries, reconfiguring layouts, operating with reduced loads until resolved, and even incurring contractual penalties. Such issues also risk damaging professional credibility and client trust.
Matthew Elwick, Technical Manager at GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK Ltd., said: “We’re increasingly seeing cases where battery sizing has been overlooked or calculated incorrectly, which leads to non-compliance during inspection.
“Correctly sizing the battery from the outset not only ensures compliance with BS 5839-1 but also avoids costly delays, rework, or penalties further down the line. That’s why our team works closely with customers to provide precise calculations and technical guidance from the very start of a project.”
Battery sizing you can trust
- Site-specific calculations based on real load data
- Adjusted for temperature, lifecycle, and discharge rates
Standards & compliance expertise
- Support with BS 5839-1, UL certification, and VdS
- Batteries supplied with UL94:V0 flame-retardant casings
Comprehensive technical resources
- Custom datasheets, guidance on charging, ventilation and testing
- Support using tools like the GYT117 conductance tester
Training for professionals
- Free webinars and sessions tailored for OEMs, installers and service teams
Trusted by thousands across Europe, GS Yuasa’s VRLA NP range is the go-to choice for fire and security professionals. With proven performance, long service life, and full compliance with safety standards, it’s the battery you can rely on when it matters most.
For further information or technical assistance visit www.gs-yuasa.eu
