Emergency backup batteries are a vital part in ensuring the continued operation of lighting during a loss of power – but the process of shipping them, activating them at installation, and wiring them is rife with complications.
Keystone has addressed these issues with a new feature called autoBC – a design feature that automatically turns battery power on (or puts it to sleep when the test button is held down) – which is standard on our new 10W SmartSafe battery backup in standard, dual-flex, and slim form factors.
How autoBC works
Typically, when battery backup drivers are pre-installed in fixtures, the battery must be physically disconnected before shipping, due to postal regulations about the potential fire risks that rechargeable batteries present. Contractors and installers then have to reconnect the battery on site.
Once on site, the fixture has to be opened and the battery rewired once power is restored. Complications may arise, including damaging the fixture when reopening it, miswiring the battery, and the time-consuming process of uninstalling, rewiring, and reinstalling if mistakes were made during initial installation.
Keystone’s autoBC helps remove these issues. From production to installation, the emergency fixture reaches the job site ready to go.
With autoBC, the battery is put to sleep before shipping by holding down the test button. At installation, the contractor just wires the fixture normally. Upon being energized for the first time, autoBC automatically detects that power is present and engages the battery backup unit.
The contractor doesn’t have to open the device and worry about connecting the battery, not only cutting the step in which they have to open the fixture, but also the possibility of a common error: forgetting to wire the backup. So, there’s no hassle of having to uninstall the fixture, rewire backup, and reinstall the fixture – substantially saving on time, money, and potential headaches.
Benefits from production to installation
The ability to have emergency battery-equipped fixtures arrive on the job site ready to go is a game-changing innovation: The battery can be pre-installed in fixtures and ship without disconnection. And when the fixture is installed, autoBC turns it on without the need for opening the fixture, saving time and eliminating errors.
AutoBC-equipped battery backups are UL 924 certified and meet the requirements of California Title 20.