FCC Exam Question: 6A287

What capacity in amperes of storage battery is required to operate a 50 W emergency transmitter for 6hr.? Assume a continuous transmitter load of 70% of the key-locked demand of 40 A, and an emergencylight load of 1.5

A. A battery rated greater than 177 amperhours
B. A battery rated at least 177 amperhours
C. A & B
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C

Explanation: To determine the required battery capacity, first calculate the total continuous current draw. The transmitter operates at 70% of its 40 A key-locked demand, resulting in 0.70 * 40 A = 28 A. Add the emergency light load of 1.5 A to this, for a total continuous current of 28 A + 1.5 A = 29.5 A. Next, multiply the total current by the operating time to find the ampere-hour (Ah) capacity needed: 29.5 A * 6 hr = 177 Ah. Therefore, the battery must provide *at least* 177 Ah of capacity. Option B, "A battery rated at least 177 amperhours," correctly states this minimum requirement. Option A, "A battery rated greater than 177 amperhours," represents a practical approach to battery sizing. Batteries often do not deliver their full rated capacity due to age, temperature, or discharge rate, and oversizing provides a crucial safety margin for reliable emergency operation. Since a battery rated greater than 177 Ah also satisfies the condition of being at least 177 Ah, both A and B are valid considerations for ensuring sufficient power for the emergency system. Thus, C, encompassing both A and B, is the most comprehensive answer.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.