Reliability Testing of Power Supply Systems for Electronic Security Systems

This article addresses issues related to power supply reliability for electronic security systems (ESSs) during their operational lifetime. ESS are deployed both in enclosed building structures, where environmental conditions are stabilised, and across large open areas exposed to natural environmental conditions, such as transport depots, airports, railway stations, ports, and other similar facilities. Laboratory tests on selected power supply units used in ESSs have been conducted by the authors, as well as a theoretical analysis of the reliability of the power supply process. The reliability analysis of the power supply took into account the reliability of delivering electrical energy with specified parameters to all components forming a system aimed at ensuring the safety of electronic security systems (ESSs). Power supply is essential for the correct operation of all modules, components, devices, and alarm control panels (ACPs) within ESSs. In addition to meeting the basic requirements for the provision of electrical power, the system designer must also give particular consideration to power supply reliability, especially in facilities classified as part of the state critical infrastructure (CI). This issue is particularly significant in the case of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (FASs), which constitute the most critical safety systems responsible for protecting human life and health. Accordingly, this article discusses selected aspects of power supply for representative electronic security systems (ESSs). The subsequent part of this paper presents operational tests of selected ESS power supply units. A further topic addressed in the article is the definition of models of the operational process of power supply systems and the execution of computer simulations. The analysis of the operational process of ESS power supply units, expressed as models and graphs and supported by computer simulations, enabled the formulation of conclusions regarding reliability. The conclusions drawn from this article may be applied in the design, routine maintenance, and operation of ESSs.