In my state, as a LV/limited electrician, we are unable to "technically" do anything with the branch circuit, including wiring/connecting a LV transformer in the equipment to a 120V feed, even if it was verified dead and locked/tagged out. I've also had plenty of "unqualified" personnel go into a panel to power it down/disconnect batteries (NPL, of course) and do whatever else. Even though it's a code requirement, not many people put in a dedicated branch circuit for an alarm system or each supply that is needed, especially in the case of residential.
My thought is this, especially in the case of fire alarm, NAC's, alarm panels, etc.:
There should be some way to disconnect/remove power from the unit and disconnect the SLA batteries, such as a service switch or similar. Some manufacturers have had these for years, like the old Moose, Aritech, and Elk panels, but in the case of some of this equipment, when a reset is needed after a firmware update or "just because" it is exceptionally difficult, or at least not an easy proposition when the panel is fed from a breaker located in god-knows where. Also, what about some of these people that don't know how to properly disconnect or power down a system in the case of an emergency?
I'm not proposing a compromise in security or integrity of an install, but I think this would keep a lot of people from working on these panels hot, even if the voltages are lower (barring 120VAC feeds) but also protect the equipment and make service a heck of a lot easier, especially in the case of some of these larger fire alarm panels and networked systems. It really shouldn't be an expensive proposition for manufacturers either.
Thoughts?
My thought is this, especially in the case of fire alarm, NAC's, alarm panels, etc.:
There should be some way to disconnect/remove power from the unit and disconnect the SLA batteries, such as a service switch or similar. Some manufacturers have had these for years, like the old Moose, Aritech, and Elk panels, but in the case of some of this equipment, when a reset is needed after a firmware update or "just because" it is exceptionally difficult, or at least not an easy proposition when the panel is fed from a breaker located in god-knows where. Also, what about some of these people that don't know how to properly disconnect or power down a system in the case of an emergency?
I'm not proposing a compromise in security or integrity of an install, but I think this would keep a lot of people from working on these panels hot, even if the voltages are lower (barring 120VAC feeds) but also protect the equipment and make service a heck of a lot easier, especially in the case of some of these larger fire alarm panels and networked systems. It really shouldn't be an expensive proposition for manufacturers either.
Thoughts?