Emergency lights are battery-powered devices. They switch on automatically during power outages in a building. They are required under British standards for buildings with high occupancy such as commercial buildings, hotels, and dormitories.
The purpose is to create a safe and secure environment for all occupants. The emergency lights are connected to the main power supply of the building which keeps charging their batteries so that the lights will stay on when there is an outage.
This helps the occupants in finding the way out of the building in case there is a fire or any other emergency.
Types of emergency lighting
It is highly recommended that you do not try to carry out Emergency Lighting Installation yourself. Emergency lighting and its installation has to comply with British Standards and should be carried out by certified electricians who are aware of them.
Emergency lighting is basically of two types:
- Emergency escape lighting is used for illuminating the exit path for ensuring a safe exit.
- Standby lighting enables the continuation of activities even when the main power supply fails, however it is not a legal requirement.
Escape lighting can be divided further into three types:
- Lighting for Escape routes:For easy identification of escape routes including fire exits.
- Lighting for open areas: also called anti-panic lighting. They ensure adequate illumination for people and help them in identifying their escape routes.
- Lighting for High-risk areas: provides considerable illumination for people working in a hazardous environment
Exterior Emergency lighting
For creating a safe workplace environment, the exterior and interior lighting should work in harmony. For providing accessible and quick escape routes, sufficient external lighting should be installed for ensuring safety. Egress lighting resolves this issue. These fixtures include pathways signs and exit signs. Types of egress lighting are
- Area lighting: Bollards or lamps installed at the exterior of the building for illuminating specific areas.
- Building-mounted: are wall-mounted spotlights, sconces, and luminaries. They are used for lighting up specific spaces such as a gathering point for occupants after evacuation.
Standard and regulations
For ensuring that your Emergency Lighting Installation is effective, a set of regulations and standards have to be followed. One of the most important standards is the EN50172 standard which deals with all the emergency lighting requirements in the event of a power outage. According to this standard, there should be enough emergency lighting for:
- Indicating escape routes unambiguously and clearly.
- Providing illumination along all such routes for allowing safe passage towards as well as through the exits.
- Ensuring that all firefighting tools & equipment available along the escape route can be easily located.
- Permitting all operations which are related to safety measures.
Who should you hire for installing emergency lighting?
You should always hire electricians who are registered, certified, and accredited. Although this is not a legal requirement, it is a wise decision. NICEIC-certified electricians should be your preference whether you require installation of emergency lighting or you require the services of an Emergency Electrician Greenwich. Look for electricians who are aware of all regulations about emergency lighting.
Benefits of emergency lighting
Safety
Emergency lighting ensures the safety of all the occupants and visitors in a particular building or premises. How can people find the exit route without any lights during a power outage? Emergency lighting installation will light up all escape routes so people can exit easily. Emergency lighting runs 24/7 without the help of your main power supply.
Ensures compliance
Emergency Electrician Greenwich is not a choice for businesses. It is an obligation. Failure to comply with these standards and regulations can land you in trouble, especially if there is an emergency that results in injuries or casualties of occupants because of the absence of emergency lighting.
They use LED Technology
Modern emergency lighting uses LED technology. They offer a range of benefits.
- They are long-lasting.
- they consume little energy.
- they are eco-friendly.
- They are quick to light up quickly.
- They do not contain mercury.
Life time investment
Installing emergency lighting on your premises is costly. The entire system will have a high cost. However, think of it as a lifelong investment with incredible benefits. They will provide security to not just your occupants or employees.
But also to your building and business. They will promote a safe environment for your employees who will feel secure and will be able to work with peace of mind.