The new range comprises four power variants - 1A, 2A, 5A and 10A - each delivering a 27.6V dc output. All the models in the STX range are certified to EN54-4:1997, A1:2002 and A2:2006. According to Elmdene, rigorous in-house testing has demonstrated that the latest STX PSU models are capable of delivering impressive efficiency levels of up to 95% This figure is approximately 5% above the company's previous, highly successful, EN54-4 offering, and compares very favourably with the markedly lower 50 - 55% efficiency levels typical of many PSUs that are still soldiering on with older, less sophisticated, linear technology.

A stand out feature of the STX range, which Elmdene states is going to be a strong selling point, and places the company ahead of other vendors in the marketplace, relates to the roll-out of intelligent battery charging in the form of the company's ultra-efficient Ecocharge capability. Essentially with Ecocharge, unlike standard power supply charging circuits that continuously trickle charge their standby batteries, Elmdene’s proprietary technology checks the state of the battery every 24 hours and only tops it up when it is actually required. This more 'intelligent' methodology has been designed to save power, increase battery life, and, crucially, minimise running costs.

Beyond this, other key features of Elmdene's STX range include: mains and battery monitoring with independent volt-free outputs; battery deep discharge protection in the event of a mains failure and LED indicators to support the quick diagnosis of the power supply's status. In addition, with flexibility in mind, a variety of enclosures are available. This gives installers the widest possible choice of standby battery back-up options, all the way from 1.2Ah to 65Ah.

Discussing the rationale for launching the STX range, Ian Moore, Elmdene's Managing Director, is confident about the likely take-up of the new models: "We believe that with certification to EN54-4 and the industry-leading features built-in to the STX range - from switch mode technology to our own EcoCharge functionality which brings a considered approach to battery charging - that these new models are well placed to grow our presence in the fire system PSU market.

"Not only can they deliver reliable load and standby power, and the fault monitoring required by the fire control panel, but, crucially, are able to push the envelope in terms of operational efficiency, from how the power supply itself generates energy to the extended life of any associated batteries, with all the benefits that this unlocks for a user's, all important, cost of ownership."