Commit 2f1459
2025-04-02 18:51:00 R. Bishop: -/-| /dev/null .. emergency lighting/maintained.md | |
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| + | ## **Maintained Emergency Light Fittings** |
| + | |
| + | A **maintained emergency light** is a luminaire that remains illuminated under normal conditions and continues to function in the event of a power failure. These fittings are widely used in buildings where continuous illumination is necessary for safety or operational reasons. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ### **How Maintained Emergency Lights Work** |
| + | |
| + | - **Dual Power Source:** The fitting operates on mains power under normal conditions and automatically switches to battery power if the mains supply fails. |
| + | - **Integrated Battery Pack:** Most units contain a built-in rechargeable battery that powers the light during emergencies. |
| + | - **Charge/Monitoring Circuitry:** Maintained lights include circuitry to charge the battery and monitor its status. Fault indicators may be present (LEDs or test switches). |
| + | |
| + | **Typical duration:** 1 or 3 hours in emergency mode, depending on design and compliance needs. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ### **Common Applications** |
| + | |
| + | | **Location** | **Why Maintained?** | |
| + | |---------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| |
| + | | **Cinemas/Theatres** | Audience areas are dark during normal use. | |
| + | | **Shopping Centres** | High public footfall—ensures exits are always visible. | |
| + | | **Hospitals** | Continuous lighting required in corridors and wards. | |
| + | | **Schools & Colleges** | Exit signs and escape routes must be visible at all times. | |
| + | | **Multi-use Public Spaces** | Changing lighting conditions make constant illumination important. | |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ### **Common Types of Maintained Emergency Fittings** |
| + | |
| + | #### 1. **Maintained Bulkhead Light** |
| + | - Wall or ceiling-mounted unit with diffused lens. |
| + | - Often used in corridors or stairwells. |
| + | - Some models are IP-rated for outdoor use. |
| + | |
| + | #### 2. **Maintained Emergency Exit Sign** |
| + | - Illuminated pictogram (ISO 7010 compliant). |
| + | - Clearly marks escape routes and final exits. |
| + | - Can be ceiling-hung, wall-mounted, or recessed. |
| + | |
| + | #### 3. **Maintained Twin Spot** |
| + | - Twin adjustable floodlights for larger areas. |
| + | - Typically found in warehouses, plant rooms, or sports halls. |
| + | - Offers wide light coverage in both normal and emergency modes. |
| + | |
| + | #### 4. **LED Panel Downlights (Maintained Emergency Conversion Kits)** |
| + | - Standard LED luminaires converted to include emergency function. |
| + | - Ideal for integrating emergency lighting into modern architectural designs. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ### **Maintenance Requirements (BS 5266 Compliant)** |
| + | |
| + | | **Activity** | **Frequency** | **Details** | |
| + | |-------------------------|----------------------|-------------| |
| + | | **Visual Inspection** | Monthly | Check indicators, casing damage, and battery charge lights. | |
| + | | **Functional Test** | Monthly | Brief test to simulate power failure—ensure fitting remains illuminated. | |
| + | | **Full Duration Test** | Annually | Confirm unit remains operational for full rated time (1 or 3 hours). | |
| + | | **Battery Replacement** | Every 4–5 years* | Depending on battery type and manufacturer recommendations. | |
| + | |
| + | > *Note: Some newer lithium or NiMH-based batteries may last longer. Always follow specific manufacturer guidelines. |
| + | |
| + | #### **Common Faults** |
| + | - Battery degradation or failure to charge. |
| + | - LED driver failure (in integrated LED models). |
| + | - Lamp failure (in older fluorescent units). |
| + | - Dirty diffusers reducing light output. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ### **Advantages of Maintained Fittings** |
| + | |
| + | - Constant illumination ensures visibility at all times. |
| + | - Can double as part of the building’s general lighting scheme. |
| + | - Clearly identifies emergency exits and escape paths. |
| + | |
| + | ### **Disadvantages** |
| + | |
| + | - Higher energy consumption due to continuous use. |
| + | - More frequent lamp/battery wear compared to non-maintained fittings. |
| + | - May require careful planning to avoid visual clutter in design-sensitive areas. |