The built-in power failure alarm in the RFC-1/B works fine when notification of power is only needed when AC power returns. After all, in the absence of a generator, there is nothing to control even if the RFC-1/B is powered with a battery backup. However, there may be other AC power related conditions such as brown-outs or generator failure that can be detected by the RFC-1/B if it is powered from a battery backup. The built-in power failure alarm may not be sufficient in these conditions.
There is a simple work around if the system has an unused telemetry channel. Connect a low voltage DC wall plug supply as a telemetry input to the unused channel. The output voltage is not critical--it can be anywhere from 1 to 9 volts DC. The current rating is not critical since there will be almost no current drawn.
Program the telemetry channel to with the unit word "volts" and select the appropriate scale, probably "204.0", with linear tracking. Our web site can provide step-by-step instructions if you need help programming a telemetry channel. Use a meter to read the AC line voltage and adjust the trim pot on the telemetry channel until the channel gives the same reading as the meter. The RFC-1/B can now report the line voltage at the site.
Once this telemetry input is correctly installed, the RFC-1/B can be programmed to monitor the AC line voltage and generate alarms with this source just like any other. So, for instance, if the RFC-1/B is powered by a battery backup, an alarm can be setup to alert appropriate personnel if the AC power fails at the site. Our web site can provide step-by-step instructions on setting up an alarm. Knowledge of existing system programming may be necessary to avoid "breaking" existing alarm functions.
