## **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.