Introducing the NEW Universal Enclosure Range
Fire and security systems are essential for protecting properties and ensuring the safety of occupants, and the power supply units (PSUs) play a critical role in their functionality. Therefore, choosing a high-quality PSU built for reliability and longevity is crucial for the system's success. Whether designing a new system or integrating an existing one, choosing a manufacturer that prioritises reliability and longevity is crucial.
When selecting a PSU for your fire protection or security system, it's important to consider the PSU's design and quality control. The overall design of the PSU should consist of high-quality components that are assembled reliably. It's essential to choose a reputable manufacturer like Elmdene that provides PSUs that have been thoroughly tested to ensure that they can withstand the environmental conditions they will be installed in.
The enclosure that the PSU is housed in is also an essential factor to consider. The enclosure should be big enough to be fit for its purpose and designed to cater for a wide variety of integration possibilities. It should be robust enough to protect the PSU from the environment and any tampering attempts. Additionally, the enclosure should facilitate life-extending airflow to keep the PSU system cool during operation.
Fire protection and security system PSUs require enough breathing room to keep the system cool. A PSU with an overheated system can result in system failures making this a critical factor to consider. Adequate airflow is crucial in both cases, and the PSU enclosure should be designed to facilitate this.
At Elmdene, we understand the importance of using high-quality components in our fire and security protection power supply units (PSUs). Capacitors and Field Effect Transistors (FETs) are two key components that must be carefully considered for their quality, longevity, design, and integration. Capacitors are a significant proportion of the total product cost in a PSU, and opting for low-cost, low-quality capacitors to make substantial savings can significantly affect the lifespan and reliability of the PSU. That's why we don't compromise on quality and always use top-quality capacitors that can withstand higher temperatures than they would ever need to realistically deal with.
FETs are another vital component in PSUs. They are three-terminal electronic devices that control the flow of current in a semiconductor by the voltage applied to its gate terminal. With increased complexity and electric fields, there is an increased importance on ensuring no weak links in the micro-system. That's why we stress-test our FETs and capacitors to cope with ambitious temperature ranges, leaving you with the peace of mind that your access control and intrusion systems will be powered for longer.
Protect your security power supplies from varying temperatures
Whether you're installing a power supply for your fire protection or security system in a hot or cold climate, it's essential to take steps to protect it from extreme temperatures. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Hot Climates:
Elmdene's Heat Management Implementations:
A switch mode power supply (SMPS) is an electronic circuit that converts power using switching devices turned on and off at high frequencies. Storage components such as inductors or capacitors supply power when the switching device is in its non-conduction state.
Replacing inefficient linear technology using copper transformers, switch mode power supplies have rightfully become the industry standard because of their superior efficiency and longevity. Elmdene prides itself on being a leader in switch mode power supplies.
Using switch mode technology, you’ll consume about 40% less electricity.
Clarifying important product standards
What are they:
EN refers to European technical standards, ratified by one of third party European standards organisations, and UL refers to US standards, which the Middle East also accepts. Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) test and evaluates components and products that allow a certification mark to be placed by the manufacturer.
How important are they?
These certifications are very important because they assure you that an objective, regulated third party has vetted and rigorously tested products according to the same standards (the same level playing field). So overall, the product needs to be certified by third-party testers.
Both EN and UL standards are highly credible. Compliance with these standards ensures products operate reliably and illustrates a manufacturer’s dedication to safety and quality. Product costs often reflect the highest quality testing, offering peace of mind when installing critical systems. Be conscious of manufacturers claiming EN or UL but not complying with these standards.
Power supply-specific certifications for security applications:
INTRUDER
EN 50131 is a common standard for intrusion and hold-up alarm systems. EN 50131-6 is the specific standard applicable for the power supply component of such systems.
To comply with EN 50131-6, Elmdene products undergo rigorous testing by a third-party test house to ensure the reliability and performance of our power supplies within an intruder application.
Our power supplies are also subject to harsh environmental tests, such as their performance under extreme temperatures and humidity conditions. As well as product testing, the notified test body also carries out a Factory Production Control (FPC) audit to ensure our products continue to adhere to these standards.
Elmdene has a range of EN 50131-6 power supplies. Find out more
EN54 is a mandatory fire detection and fire alarm system standard and refers to compliant power supply equipment for fire detection and fire alarm systems.
To comply with EN54-4 (the power supply component), Elmdene products are evaluated and tested by an independent, 3rd party notified body. This testing includes battery charge/discharge profile assessments, a wide range of functional tests, extensive environmental testing, and extremely thorough EMC testing. To be fully compliant, the notified bodies also audit our manufacturing sites.
There is another standard known as UL864, which undergoes similar testing to EN54. Unless specified, it is a personal choice if you select an EN54 or UL864 power supply; both will offer a high-quality standard and provide assurances against a product that has no product approval.
Elmdene offers a wide range of EN54-4 power supplies certified by notified bodies, including VdS, UL, and CNPP. Find out more
UL 294 is a common standard for Access Control System Units, evaluating the construction, performance, and operation of physical access control equipment and systems, including power supplies.
Elmdene has a range of UL 294-certified products. Find out more
What are the risks of installing a poor-quality PSU?
You don’t want to cut corners with systems that protect your most valuable assets. Installing poor-quality power supply units (PSUs) can pose various risks that may result in serious consequences.
With the best practices for fire and security system power supply selection in mind, use our PSU Selector to easily find the perfect solution to your system specification.
