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2025-04-02 18:46:05 R. Bishop: -/-| /dev/null .. emergency lighting.md | |
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| + | Perfect, that fits right into the theme you've been building. Here’s a draft layout for your **Emergency Lighting (UK) Overview** page, modelled after the previous wiki-style ones: |
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| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ## **Emergency Lighting – UK Overview** |
| + | |
| + | Emergency lighting is a crucial life safety system designed to provide illumination during power failures. In the UK, it's governed primarily by **BS 5266-1:2016**, which outlines design, installation, and maintenance standards for emergency lighting systems in non-domestic premises. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ### **Purpose of Emergency Lighting** |
| + | |
| + | - Ensure occupants can safely evacuate a building during a power failure. |
| + | - Illuminate escape routes, signage, and high-risk task areas. |
| + | - Support firefighting operations if needed. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ### **Main Types of Emergency Lighting Systems** |
| + | |
| + | #### 1. **Self-Contained (Stand-Alone) Systems** |
| + | |
| + | **How it works:** |
| + | Each luminaire contains its own battery and control gear. When the mains power fails, the battery takes over and provides illumination. |
| + | |
| + | **Pros:** |
| + | - Simple to install and expand. |
| + | - No central battery or control system required. |
| + | - Lower initial cost. |
| + | |
| + | **Cons:** |
| + | - Batteries must be maintained/replaced individually. |
| + | - Not ideal for large or complex buildings. |
| + | - Testing and maintenance can be time-consuming without automation. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | #### 2. **Central Battery Systems** |
| + | |
| + | **How it works:** |
| + | A central battery (or bank of batteries) supplies power to all emergency luminaires through a dedicated circuit during power failures. |
| + | |
| + | **Pros:** |
| + | - Easier centralized maintenance. |
| + | - Longer battery lifespan (typically 5–10 years). |
| + | - High performance and reliability for large buildings. |
| + | |
| + | **Cons:** |
| + | - Higher upfront cost and installation complexity. |
| + | - Requires space for battery housing and cabling infrastructure. |
| + | - Full system failure if the central battery fails (unless redundant systems are used). |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | #### 3. **Sustained (Combined) Luminaires** |
| + | |
| + | **How it works:** |
| + | Combines a standard light source with a separate emergency light source (usually a battery-powered LED). It operates on mains under normal conditions and switches to battery power during failure. |
| + | |
| + | **Pros:** |
| + | - Functions both as normal and emergency lighting. |
| + | - Good for areas where constant illumination is needed. |
| + | |
| + | **Cons:** |
| + | - Can be bulkier. |
| + | - Slightly more complex than self-contained-only fittings. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | #### 4. **Maintained vs Non-Maintained Luminaires** |
| + | |
| + | - **Maintained:** Always on; uses mains power normally, switches to battery in a power cut. |
| + | - *Best for*: Public areas like cinemas, theatres, etc. |
| + | - **Non-Maintained:** Only illuminates during power failure. |
| + | - *Best for*: Staff-only or well-lit areas during normal use. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ### **Emergency Lighting Categories (BS 5266)** |
| + | |
| + | - **Escape Route Lighting:** For corridors, stairways, and exit routes. |
| + | - **Open Area (Anti-Panic) Lighting:** Prevents panic and helps occupants reach escape routes. |
| + | - **High-Risk Task Area Lighting:** Illuminates dangerous processes for safe shutdown. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ### **Maintenance & Testing (Basic Overview)** |
| + | |
| + | Emergency lighting systems must be tested regularly to comply with BS 5266-1:2016 and ensure they function correctly in an emergency. The requirements differ slightly depending on the type of system. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | #### **General Testing (All Systems)** |
| + | |
| + | | **Test Type** | **Frequency** | **Details** | |
| + | |---------------------|-----------------------|-------------| |
| + | | **Monthly Functional Test** | Every month | Brief test (typically a few minutes) to ensure lights illuminate on power failure. | |
| + | | **Annual Full Duration Test** | Every 12 months | Luminaires must operate for their full rated duration (usually 1 or 3 hours). | |
| + | | **Visual Inspections** | Ongoing | Check for physical damage, obstructions, or signs of wear. | |
| + | |
| + | Automated testing systems are often used to log and report test results, especially in large or complex buildings. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ### **Central Battery System Maintenance** |
| + | |
| + | Central battery systems require more specialist upkeep due to their size and critical function. Key elements include: |
| + | |
| + | #### **Battery Replacement Periods** |
| + | |
| + | | **Battery Type** | **Typical Lifespan** | |
| + | |--------------------------|----------------------| |
| + | | **Vented Lead-Acid** | 5–10 years | |
| + | | **Sealed Lead-Acid (VRLA)** | 5–7 years | |
| + | | **Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd)**| 7–10 years | |
| + | | **Lithium-based (where used)** | Up to 10+ years (check manufacturer guidance) | |
| + | |
| + | > 🔧 **Best Practice**: Batteries should be replaced **proactively**, based on performance metrics and manufacturer guidance — not just failure. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | #### **Additional Testing Requirements for Central Battery Systems** |
| + | |
| + | - **Daily Visual Check** (for non-automated systems): |
| + | - Indicators and meters on the central battery unit should be checked by a responsible person. |
| + | - **Quarterly Inspection**: |
| + | - Check all connections, ventilation, battery voltage levels, and cleanliness. |
| + | - **Annual Load Test**: |
| + | - Simulate a full power failure and ensure the battery sustains emergency lighting for the rated duration (usually 1 or 3 hours). |
| + | |
| + | > 🧯 Fire safety records should include logbooks of all inspections, test results, and maintenance actions. |