Specifying the right solution
There are a number of different emergency lighting solutions in the market. Here we explain the different products and technologies available to you so that you can work out what system is best for your next project.
Exit signs
Exit signs show people where the fire exits are and how to get there safely. The pictogram of the well-known green man is backlit to provide luminance to EN 60598-2-22 and EN 1838. The signs need to be conspicuous, visible, legible and understandable, and the colours must also provide a contrast of between 5:1 and 15:1 so that they are clearly visible and understood.
There are different mounting options available for exit signage. You can install them on the wall, from the ceiling or even suspend them. You can also select single- or double-sided signage and specify different viewing distance specifications to suit numerous room sizes and applications.
Safety luminaires
Safety luminaires are all in one units that light escape routes, open areas, or high-risk tasks if there is a power outage.
There are a number of options including:
- emergency bulkheads which offer a high IP rating and robustness
- emergency spotlights for when aesthetics are important
- beam lights for when you need to target light, such as at high-risk areas or to illuminate safety equipment
Maintained or non-maintained?
Maintained emergency fittings can be turned on / off when the mains power is on, so it can operate when the occupiers need either normal lighting or emergency lighting.
Non-maintained emergency luminaires will only switch on when a building’s power fails.
Manual or automatic testing?
Emergency lighting must be tested regularly to ensure that it still operates correctly. There are two tests, one for emergency light operation which should take place monthly, and an annual battery duration test. But note, both may need to take place more frequently depending on the facility and the risk assessor’s recommendation.
There are three ways of completing these tests; manually, a self-test or automatically using a DALI 2 system.
- The simplest, but most time-consuming solution, is to test each luminaire locally by pressing its test button or turning its key switch. This switches off the mains power to that fitting to force it into emergency mode. The operator will do the inspection in real time by walking around the premises and testing each fitting.
- A self-test unit will automatically perform its own test with any failure indicated by an LED on the fitting, which will blink or change colour. The operator will still need to visually check and record the LED indicator status of each fitting.
- Using DALI 2 compliant systems, automatic testing minimises time and hassle. The appointed person simply schedules the tests to suit the building occupiers’ needs and to meet the regulations. The system then performs the test and records the results. Depending on the building management system, the appointed person will then either check the electronic logbook or receive a message about any faulty units and arrange for their maintenance or replacement.
Of the three a manual test is the cheapest in capital cost, but an automatic testing solution will save time in the future and ensure that the testing is scheduled and completed.
By understanding what technologies are available you can make an informed choice and advise your customer on the most appropriate solution for their building based on a full risk assessment and understanding of how people will evacuate their space.
Download “A Specifiers and Installers Guide to Emergency Lighting” to make sure your customer has a fully compliant system.
