Emergency Light Installation: How Emergency Lighting Works
Emergency lighting systems are designed to provide illumination when a building's primary power supply fails. Normally, these lights are connected to the main electrical supply and remain continuously charged. Should a power outage occur or a circuit breaker trip, the emergency lights are automatically activated, immediately illuminating critical areas.
Emergency light installations usually consist of a green fire exit signs that are internationally recognised. Depending on the country's regulations, fire signs can either be red or green, but UK standard signs are typically green and show a person escaping through a doorway, with a large arrow facing the direction of the nearest exit.
Where Do Commercial Buildings Need Emergency Light Installation?
In commercial buildings, emergency lighting is a legal requirement under the UK's Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) and must adhere to British Standards. Its primary purpose is to ensure the safe evacuation of occupants during a power failure, such as those caused by a fire or other emergency.
There are two main categories of emergency lighting, though only ‘emergency escape lighting’ is legally mandated. This crucial lighting serves three key areas:
- Escape Routes: This illuminates all designated exit paths, stairwells, and fire exit doors, clearly and safely guiding occupants out of the building.
- Open Areas (Anti-Panic Lighting): Often referred to as "Panic Lighting," this ensures that large communal spaces don't plunge into total darkness. Its goal is to prevent panic and help occupants orient themselves and find the start of an escape route.
- High-Risk Task Areas: For areas where dangerous processes or machinery are present, this lighting provides sufficient illumination to allow individuals to safely shut down equipment or cease operations before evacuating, minimising additional hazards during an emergency.
Hire an Electrician for Emergency Light Installation and Maintenance
At Modern Lighting & Electrical, we take emergency light installation services very seriously, and our electricians meet fire safety compliance in all commercial work we provide. Here’s why you should hire us for your emergency lighting systems:
- Electricians conduct thorough site surveys to determine the correct type (escape route, open area, high-risk task), number, and strategic placement of emergency lights, ensuring all critical areas are adequately illuminated during a power failure.
- Your system will be designed and installed to meet the latest British Standards, avoiding potential fines, legal repercussions, or invalidated insurance in the event of an incident.
- Proper wiring, circuit integration, and commissioning are essential for a system that reliably activates when needed, providing the crucial three hours of illumination required for safe evacuation.
- Installation is only the first step. Emergency lighting systems require regular, documented maintenance to remain effective and compliant.
Testing After Emergency Light Installation
Hiring an electrician to test your emergency lighting means any issues can be addressed and fixed immediately. Testing should be conducted during low-risk times, like out of standard work hours, if possible. Annual emergency light tests would be recommended but you can also have monthly checks to assess the lighting systems.
Why Choose Us for Emergency Light Installation Services?
- Safety-Centric Approach: Our primary focus is on the safety and well-being of your occupants and property.
- Comprehensive Services: From design and installation to routine maintenance, we offer end-to-end solutions for your fire safety and emergency lighting needs.
- Certified Expertise: Modern Lighting and Electrical is certified and compliant with industry standards, ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of our services.
- Customised Solutions: Every space is unique. Our team works closely with you to create tailored solutions that match your specific fire safety requirements.
- Fire Alarm System Installation: Benefit from our fire system installations that go hand in hand with our emergency lighting.
Following a site survey and fire risk assessment carried out by a fire risk assessor, we can design a system tailored to your premises, specifying the type, placement, and illumination levels of each fitting. Installation involves hardwiring units to the mains supply, configuring the system, and ensuring all components are correctly integrated. Once installed, we carry out comprehensive commissioning tests to verify the system's full functionality.
Absolutely, and it's a legal obligation. Our electricians run annual or monthly tests for commercial properties that require emergency lighting.
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Monthly functional tests: A brief test to ensure the lights illuminate when the main power is cut.
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Annual full-duration test: The system must be tested for its full rated duration to confirm battery integrity and performance.
Upon completion of installation, you will receive a commissioning certificate and detailed documentation confirming that the system has been installed in accordance with BS 5266-1 and all relevant regulations. For ongoing maintenance, you will receive service reports and certificates detailing all tests performed.
Contact Us for Our Emergency Light Installation Service
Ready to enhance the safety of your property? Contact Modern Lighting and Electrical for a comprehensive safety evaluation and let us design a fire safety and emergency lighting solution that meets your unique needs.
Your safety is our priority, and we are committed to keeping your space illuminated and secure, even in the most challenging circumstances. Give us a call or fill out our online form below to get a free quotation.