FAQ: self-contained emergency lighting

Phil Brown, Director of Product & Marketing at NVC Lighting, answers some key questions about the installation and maintenance of emergency lighting.

Q1. What is the purpose of emergency lighting in commercial buildings?

Emergency lighting ensures safety during power outages or emergencies by illuminating critical areas and guiding occupants to exits. It’s an integral part of any building’s safety system, designed to function automatically when the main power supply fails.

Q2. How is emergency lighting powered?

Emergency lighting, whether self-contained or centrally supplied, is battery powered. The battery in turn is fed by a permanent live supply. This ensures it activates automatically if the main electricity is cut, remaining functional even when other lighting systems are off. Backup power often comes from integrated battery systems or central power sources.

Q3. What standards should emergency lighting adhere to?

In the UK, BS 5266 serves as the primary code of practice for emergency lighting. While intended as a guide only, compliance with BS 5266 ensures alignment with fire and safety regulations. It covers system design, installation, maintenance and testing, providing a framework for reliable performance during emergencies.

Q4. Who is responsible for maintaining emergency lighting?

Ongoing maintenance typically falls to the building owner or manager. However, contractors must provide clear documentation during system handover. Maintenance involves either self-test systems, which automatically detect faults, or manual testing, requiring personnel to conduct regular checks. Monthly switch tests and annual duration tests are key to ensuring functionality.

Q5. What are the environmental considerations for emergency lighting systems? Modern systems often use LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, which are longer-lasting, more efficient and more robust than traditional lead-acid batteries. These sustainable options reduce environmental impact and offer cost-effective solutions.

Q6. What components are essential for an effective system?

An emergency lighting setup includes:

• Emergency luminaires (maintained or non-maintained configurations).
• Illuminated exit signs to guide safe evacuation.
• Test systems (manual or self-testing) to ensure functionality.
• Control systems for centralised monitoring and fault reporting.

Q7. What role does documentation play in maintenance?

Accurate records of testing, updates and repairs are vital for compliance and risk management. The ‘golden thread’ approach, emphasising traceable safety information, is becoming increasingly critical in construction practices.

Final note

Emergency lighting systems are about reliability, not aesthetics. Contractors play a crucial role in ensuring these systems perform as intended, safeguarding lives and property during critical moments.

Phil Brown, Director of Product & Marketing at NVC Lighting

nvcuk.com

This article appeared in Electrotechnical News Jan/Feb 2025 edition – read it here