NBFAA Requests Exemption From Proposed DOE Regulations
The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association recently submitted comments to the Department of Energy regarding the proposed “Test Procedures for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies in Standby Mode and Off Mode.”
The Department is expected to announce a final regulation at the end of this year which could adversely impact NBFAA members and its customers.
Pointing out that “… life safety/alarm and security products must be in an ‘on’ position at all times and are never to be used in an ‘off mode’ or ‘standby mode,’ the NBFAA requested that the final regulations should include an exemption to read: “This mode does not apply to power supplies used for security, surveillance, access control and life safety/alarm products.”
“NBFAA supports the goals of the Department of Energy in conserving energy,” said Mike Miller, president of NBFAA. “However, in order for alarm systems to be effective, they must have a constant supply of energy. Disconnecting them from the power source destroys the purpose and integrity of the system. We hope the Department of Energy will consider our request to exclude security and alarm systems from these provisions.”