Fire-Lite BB-55F Battery Backbox

The Fire-Lite BB-55F Battery Backbox is a heavy-duty external battery enclosure designed for Fire-Lite fire alarm systems that require larger standby battery capacity than can be accommodated inside the standard fire alarm control panel cabinet.

The BB-55F provides protected mounting space for large sealed lead-acid standby batteries and can also support compatible remote battery charger configurations. Fire-Lite documentation identifies the enclosure for applications including two 55 AH batteries, while system-specific configurations may accommodate other battery capacities depending on the control panel and charger arrangement.

Product Functions

• Provides external housing for fire alarm standby batteries
• Supports large-capacity sealed lead-acid batteries
• Holds up to two compatible 55 AH batteries in supported configurations
• Provides additional battery capacity outside the FACP enclosure
• Supports compatible Fire-Lite remote battery chargers
• Compatible with CHG-120F applications
• Can be used with CHG-75 configurations where specified
• Provides a dedicated enclosure for batteries and charging equipment
• Red cabinet construction for fire alarm system applications
• Supports commercial fire alarm standby power installations
• Suitable for systems requiring extended standby battery capacity
• Allows larger batteries to be installed when the main control panel cabinet lacks sufficient space

Battery Capacity

The BB-55F is designed primarily for installations requiring larger fire alarm standby batteries.

Fire-Lite documentation identifies the BB-55F as capable of housing two 55 AH batteries. Some Fire-Lite system manuals also document additional configurations, including two 26 AH batteries, two 60 AH batteries, or one 100 AH battery, depending on the particular fire alarm control panel and charger arrangement.

Because permitted battery configurations can vary between Fire-Lite systems, the battery size should always be selected according to the specific fire alarm control panel, required standby calculations, compatible charger, and manufacturer’s system documentation.

Remote Battery Charger Applications

The BB-55F can be used with compatible Fire-Lite remote battery charging equipment when the required battery capacity exceeds the capabilities or available space of the fire alarm control panel.

Fire-Lite documentation identifies the CHG-120F as a compatible remote battery charging system for larger lead-acid battery installations. Certain applications use the BB-55F to house the batteries and charger together, while higher-capacity arrangements may require an additional BB-55F enclosure.

Fire-Lite system documentation should be followed to determine the correct charger and enclosure configuration for the selected battery capacity.

Physical Dimensions

The Fire-Lite BB-55F is a large external battery cabinet designed to accommodate high-capacity fire alarm batteries.

Backbox Width: 24.0 in / 61.0 cm
Backbox Height: 14.0 in / 35.6 cm
Backbox Depth: 7.75 in / 19.7 cm

Door Width: 24.125 in / 61.3 cm
Door Height: 14.25 in / 36.2 cm
Additional Door Depth: Approximately 0.063 in / 0.16 cm

Cabinet Color: Red

Installation Information

The BB-55F should be securely mounted in an accessible location suitable for fire alarm standby battery equipment.

Typical installation considerations include:

• Secure wall mounting of the battery cabinet
• Adequate structural support for the batteries and enclosure
• Proper placement of compatible sealed lead-acid batteries
• Battery wiring between the BB-55F and fire alarm equipment
• Installation of compatible battery charging equipment where required
• Correct battery polarity
• Protection of battery conductors from physical damage
• Proper grounding and bonding where required
• Adequate access for inspection and battery replacement

Large-capacity batteries add significant weight to the completed installation.

Battery Charger Installation

Fire-Lite documentation for compatible charging equipment specifies dedicated mounting provisions within BB-series battery enclosures. Charger placement, battery wiring, AC power, supervision, and connections back to the fire alarm control panel must follow the manufacturer’s approved configuration.

The BB-55F itself does not replace the battery charger. Its primary function is to provide the physical enclosure required for the batteries and compatible charging equipment.

Testing & Maintenance

Inspection and maintenance of a BB-55F installation should include:

• Inspecting the enclosure for physical damage
• Checking the cabinet and door for secure mounting
• Inspecting batteries for swelling, leakage, corrosion, or damage
• Checking battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections
• Verifying correct battery polarity
• Inspecting battery interconnection wiring
• Checking wiring between the battery cabinet and fire alarm equipment
• Verifying compatible charger operation where installed
• Confirming battery supervision at the fire alarm control panel
• Performing required standby battery testing
• Verifying battery replacement dates and service condition
• Maintaining adequate clearance for inspection and servicing

Battery testing and replacement should follow the requirements of the specific Fire-Lite fire alarm control panel, battery charger, battery manufacturer, applicable codes, and the facility’s established fire alarm maintenance program.

Product Identification

Manufacturer: Fire-Lite Alarms by Honeywell
Model: BB-55F
Product Type: Battery Backbox / Battery Cabinet
Primary Function: External Fire Alarm Standby Battery Housing
Standard Color: Red
Supported Equipment: Fire Alarm Batteries / Compatible Battery Chargers
Typical Battery Capacity: Up to two 55 AH batteries
Compatible Charger: CHG-120F and other system-specified configurations
Width: 24.0 in / 61.0 cm
Height: 14.0 in / 35.6 cm
Depth: 7.75 in / 19.7 cm
Application: Fire Alarm Standby Power Systems

Protection & Applications

Suitable applications include:

• Commercial Fire Alarm Systems
• Addressable Fire Alarm Systems
• Conventional Fire Alarm Systems
• Fire Alarm Standby Battery Storage
• Large-Capacity Battery Installations
• Remote Battery Charger Installations
• Extended Standby Power Applications
• Fire Alarm System Expansions
• Control Panel Battery Capacity Upgrades
• Office Buildings
• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
• Schools and Universities
• Hotels
• Government Buildings
• High-Rise Buildings
• Industrial Facilities
• Warehouses
• Manufacturing Facilities
• Institutional Buildings
• Commercial Life Safety Systems

Datasheet