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Here, we will try to answer a few of the more common questions that are asked. If you have an enquiry please use our ENQUIRY FORM on the CONTACT PAGE. Emergency Lighting 1. What reference information is available? The principle document covering emergency lighting is British Standard 5266 Code of Practice for the emergency lighting of premises other than private domestic premises, cinemas and certain other special premises used for entertainment. The code gives recommendations for the indication and illumination of escape routes in the event of failure of the normal supply, and proposes minimum continuous periods of operation of emergency lighting based on size, type and usage of the premises. British Standard BS EN 1838 Lighting Applications - Emergency Lighting also applies. This standard specifies the luminous requirements for emergency lighting systems installed in premises or locations where such systems are required. It is principally applicable to locations where the public or workers have access. The following ICEL publications are also applicable:
2. How do I establish whether emergency lighting should be provided, and what are the requirements that have to be met? Consultation between the owner and/or occupier of the premises, the architect, the installation contractor, the electricity authority and any others concerned should be arranged at an early stage. It is also important the requirements of any national and/or local legislation which may apply to the premises in question are fully recognized and discussed at this time. 3. What are maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting systems? A maintained emergency lighting is a system in which all emergency lamps are in operation at all times. A non-maintained emergency lighting is a system in which all emergency lighting lamps are in operation only when the supply to the normal lighting fails. 4. What are the categories of emergency lighting? Any emergency lighting system may be design to supply the required load for any desired time. However, for most applications, it is considered that a duration of between 1 and 3 hours should meet all normal requirements. In the Code of Practice BS 5266, emergency lighting systems are categorized by the prefix 'M' for maintained and 'NM' for non-maintained systems, followed by a '/' and the number of hours duration claimed for the installation e.g M/1 is a maintained 1h duration system. 5. Which category of system should be adopted? The type and category of system to be used is dependent upon the size and function of the premises. For many types of premises, there are statutory requirements relating to emergency lighting, and it is important that the appropriate authority is consulted. However, for most applications it is considered that a duration of between 1 hour and 3 hours should meet all normal requirements. A maintained mode of operation should always be used in premises where the normal lighting can be dimmed or reduced below the levels required for escape route identification and illumination, while the premises are occupied. In all other premises, a non-maintained mode of operation may be suitable. BS 5266 gives detailed examples of situations with the correct category to be adopted. 6. What is required in the way of certification and/or log book? On completing the installation of an emergency lighting system, or part of it, or of a major alteration to an existing installation, an emergency lighting completion certificate should be supplied to the occupier/owner of the premises. A copy of this certificate may be required by the enforcing authority. On completion of a three-yearly inspection and test schedule, an emergency lighting periodic inspection and test certificate should be issued to the occupier/owner of the premises. This certificate should be supplied at intervals of no more than 3 years or on the completion of a major alteration or addition to an existing installation, or at such other times as required by the enforcing authority. A copy of this certificate may be required by the enforcing authority. A log book should be kept on the premises in the care of a responsible person appointed by the occupier/owner and should be readily available for examination by any authorized person. The log book should be used to record the following information:
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