problem & solution article

Battery Backup is a Critical Safety Feature in Fixed Gas Detection Systems

Marketing

18 May 2026

2 min read

Article

Introduction

Power failure can be caused by many internal and external factors. Among others, grid faults, equipment failures, and extreme weather events can cause sudden and unpredictable power cuts.

In the UK alone, electricity network operators manage thousands of unplanned power interruptions every year, affecting homes, businesses and industrial sites. They are an unfortunately common occurrence which have to be factored into the design of safety systems. For sites handling hazardous gases, power loss presents more than an inconvenience, it presents a safety risk.

Loss of power does not eliminate the source of gas hazards; it simply removes the systems designed to detect them. Therefore, when power is lost, it is important that gas monitoring, alarms and ventilation controls are not immediately compromised.

Problem

When mains power fails, fixed gas detection systems without battery backup will shut down. Detectors lose power, alarms fall silent, and communication to PLCs or shutdown systems stop, leaving site personnel vulnerable to hazardous gases.

Solution

Battery backup maintains a power supply to the gas detection system in the event of a mains power failure. It keeps the site safe for a period of time in order to vacate or conduct the appropriate response.

There are multiple factors that affect the time a site remains safe in the event of a power failure. The energy requirements of the system determined by the detectors, AVs and their quantity are variables that need to be considered when configuring a control panel with battery backup. To choose the capacity of battery, site managers must first decide how many hours a system must remain active in the event of a power failure. For example, if 24 hours is required, and the system draws 2A of continuous current, then at least a 48Ah battery is needed alongside the control panel.

Every Crowcon control panel is equipped with battery backup. However, larger batteries can be installed outside of the control panel in an enclosure that is wired to the central panel. Distributed fixed gas detection systems are also becoming a popular option whereby batteries are housed in remote I/O enclosures that supply only their local gas detectors.

Choose Crowcon

Crowcon draws from over 50 years experience in designing and building fixed gas detection systems. We have adapted to the evolving demands of our customers and have a great range of control panels that come standard with battery backup and are compatible with larger batteries too.

Speak to our Engineered Fixed Systems department to hear more about battery back up and arrange a free site visit with one of experienced engineers.