We have seen a lot of changes in the Emergency lighting arena over the years, but the fundamental requirements remain the same – a reliable system that will enable a safe exit in the possibility of a power outage.
So how have emergency lighting solutions changed over time?
Early emergency lighting often consisted of bulky units which were difficult to install and maintain. The units often consisted of large, lead-acid batteries that dwarfed the lights they were powering. The size, weight and cost made these kinds of fittings reasonably rare in installations.
As technology improved, units became less bulky and easier to maintain. However, these fittings would last around 5,000 hours as there was no minimum legal time they had to function for, and the light output would dim over time.
Over the years, standards have tightened as emergency lighting has developed. One of the major changes has been the transition to LED. LED is a hot topic when it comes to lighting, and emergency lighting is no exception. LEDs use less power and are more energy efficient than other lamps; a good emergency fitting can show energy savings of up to 30%, therefore becoming a cost effective option over traditional lamps.
The life service of a LED fitting further outweighs the lifespan of traditional lighting, an LED product can be expected to run up to 50,000 hours, making it a low maintenance fitting as well as providing a higher light output without the risk of that output degrading over time.
Another benefit to LED lighting is it only needs a quarter of the standard battery to power the light. This can enhance the whole fitting, making it lightweight compared to older models, more aesthetically pleasing and easier to install. Although lighter to handle, these units are still robust and reliable and are unaffected by extremes of temperatures.
The use of LEDs in emergency fittings has led to product innovation, including a range of products developed by GreenBrook Electrical to meet customer’s requirements. In every case, each fitting has been tested so it meets all of the BS EN standards and regulations as well as ease of installation.
The KingShield LED Exit Light demonstrates the advantages of LED’s light output, with a high brightness of at least 200 candela per m2, ensuring it meets all luminance levels and is effective in event of a power outage. Due to the energy efficiency of the LEDs, the unit only requires a small battery pack, keeping the fitting’s weight to a minimum and ensuring it is easy to fit. The unit comes complete with four legends, making it suitable for any location and creating an ideal fitting for wholesalers to hold as they do not have to stock individual legends.
Emergency lighting can also be discreet for design orientated interiors, such as the KingShield LED downlight. Because the lamp is LED, only a small battery is needed which enables a small fitting to be produced that can be recessed into the ceiling and blend into any interior scheme where spotlights have been used. Delivering 45lm/W with a 7000K colour temperature, the units have been engineered to provide a four-year service life, with a greater than three-hour emergency mode.
Another advancement in emergency lighting has been the automatic testing function. Testing emergency lighting involves all emergency luminaries being tested at regular intervals by a responsible person, ensuring correct operation according to BS 5266: Part 10. Testing must be carried out on a monthly and annual basis all results must be recorded. All self-contained emergency lighting must be functionally tested for 5-10 minutes minimum every month, and fully tested for a duration of approximately three hours at least every year.
Automatic testing helps to solve this problem and to save time and maintenance. GreenBrook Electrical have launched their first automated testing product, the KingShield LED Emergency Twin Spot which incorporates an integral timing device that can be set to perform routine performance checks at mandatory test intervals.
Units are often fitted at a high level which means these tests can become a maintenance burden for lighting which ought to be maintenance free. By incorporating this unique automatic test function, there is a solution that automatically checks the function of the unit at several set intervals.
With every commercial building legally required to provide emergency lighting, it is vital for wholesalers to stock a quality range of products that electrical contractors know meet all the regulations. With the largest cost factor for most electricians being labour, it is important to be able to stock a good range of products to minimise labour downtime. With latest innovations in emergency lighting, it is now easier for wholesalers to offer a solution for installers who want to follow guidelines, whilst lowering energy costs and maintenance but increasing life span and quality of the product.
Emergency lighting has come a long way since the early days of heavy lead acid batteries, 230V emergency generator sets and inefficient tungsten filament lamps with a low light output. With the latest introduction of LED emergency lighting systems, contractors can provide the optimum combination of cost, style, ease of installation and compliance with the latest regulations.
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