Fire alarm equipment must be designed and tested to perform at what percentage of nameplate input voltage?

The correct percentage of nameplate input voltage at which fire alarm equipment must be designed and tested is 110%. This requirement ensures that the equipment can operate effectively in real-life scenarios where voltage levels may vary. By designing and testing at 110% of the nominal voltage, manufacturers allow for some fluctuation in power supply without compromising the performance of the fire alarm system. This is crucial in ensuring that the system will activate and function properly under various conditions, thus maintaining safety standards and compliance with relevant regulations.

Testing at this higher percentage also allows for the inevitable voltage drops that may occur due to long wiring runs or other factors in an installed environment. Hence, fire alarm equipment that can endure and perform efficiently at 110% of the nameplate voltage guarantees reliability and responsiveness in critical situations, such as emergency alerts and evacuations. This standard aligns with established industry practices and ensures that the equipment is robust enough for operational exigencies.