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