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4a59e5 R. Bishop 2025-04-02 18:46:05 1 
## **Emergency Lighting – UK Overview**
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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.
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### **Purpose of Emergency Lighting**
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- Ensure occupants can safely evacuate a building during a power failure.
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- Illuminate escape routes, signage, and high-risk task areas.
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- Support firefighting operations if needed.
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### **Main Types of Emergency Lighting Systems**
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#### 1. **Self-Contained (Stand-Alone) Systems**
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**How it works:**
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Each luminaire contains its own battery and control gear. When the mains power fails, the battery takes over and provides illumination.
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**Pros:**
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- Simple to install and expand.
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- No central battery or control system required.
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- Lower initial cost.
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**Cons:**
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- Batteries must be maintained/replaced individually.
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- Not ideal for large or complex buildings.
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- Testing and maintenance can be time-consuming without automation.
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#### 2. **Central Battery Systems**
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**How it works:**
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A central battery (or bank of batteries) supplies power to all emergency luminaires through a dedicated circuit during power failures.
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**Pros:**
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- Easier centralized maintenance.
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- Longer battery lifespan (typically 5–10 years).
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- High performance and reliability for large buildings.
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**Cons:**
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- Higher upfront cost and installation complexity.
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- Requires space for battery housing and cabling infrastructure.
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- Full system failure if the central battery fails (unless redundant systems are used).
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#### 3. **Sustained (Combined) Luminaires**
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**How it works:**
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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.
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**Pros:**
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- Functions both as normal and emergency lighting.
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- Good for areas where constant illumination is needed.
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**Cons:**
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- Can be bulkier.
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- Slightly more complex than self-contained-only fittings.
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#### 4. **Maintained vs Non-Maintained Luminaires**
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- **Maintained:** Always on; uses mains power normally, switches to battery in a power cut.
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- *Best for*: Public areas like cinemas, theatres, etc.
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- **Non-Maintained:** Only illuminates during power failure.
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- *Best for*: Staff-only or well-lit areas during normal use.
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### **Emergency Lighting Categories (BS 5266)**
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- **Escape Route Lighting:** For corridors, stairways, and exit routes.
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- **Open Area (Anti-Panic) Lighting:** Prevents panic and helps occupants reach escape routes.
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- **High-Risk Task Area Lighting:** Illuminates dangerous processes for safe shutdown.
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### **Maintenance & Testing (Basic Overview)**
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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.
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#### **General Testing (All Systems)**
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| **Test Type** | **Frequency** | **Details** |
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|---------------------|-----------------------|-------------|
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| **Monthly Functional Test** | Every month | Brief test (typically a few minutes) to ensure lights illuminate on power failure. |
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| **Annual Full Duration Test** | Every 12 months | Luminaires must operate for their full rated duration (usually 1 or 3 hours). |
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| **Visual Inspections** | Ongoing | Check for physical damage, obstructions, or signs of wear. |
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Automated testing systems are often used to log and report test results, especially in large or complex buildings.
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### **Central Battery System Maintenance**
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Central battery systems require more specialist upkeep due to their size and critical function. Key elements include:
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#### **Battery Replacement Periods**
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| **Battery Type** | **Typical Lifespan** |
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|--------------------------|----------------------|
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| **Vented Lead-Acid** | 5–10 years |
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| **Sealed Lead-Acid (VRLA)** | 5–7 years |
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| **Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd)**| 7–10 years |
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| **Lithium-based (where used)** | Up to 10+ years (check manufacturer guidance) |
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> 🔧 **Best Practice**: Batteries should be replaced **proactively**, based on performance metrics and manufacturer guidance — not just failure.
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#### **Additional Testing Requirements for Central Battery Systems**
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- **Daily Visual Check** (for non-automated systems):
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- Indicators and meters on the central battery unit should be checked by a responsible person.
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- **Quarterly Inspection**:
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- Check all connections, ventilation, battery voltage levels, and cleanliness.
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- **Annual Load Test**:
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- Simulate a full power failure and ensure the battery sustains emergency lighting for the rated duration (usually 1 or 3 hours).
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> 🧯 Fire safety records should include logbooks of all inspections, test results, and maintenance actions.