Emergency Lighting Installation

What is Emergency Lighting Installation?

At its core, this service involves the strategic placement and wiring of independent light sources that do not rely on the standard mains electricity supply to function. These units contain internal batteries or are linked to a central battery system that triggers as soon as a local circuit failure is detected. The goal is to provide enough light for people to see their way to exits, identify fire alarm call points, and locate firefighting equipment.

A professional Emergency Lighting Installation involves a detailed assessment of the building's layout to determine where 'maintained' and 'non-maintained' units are required. Maintained units stay on at all times, functioning as standard lighting during the day, while non-maintained units only ignite when the power fails. The installation must cover all changes in floor levels, intersections in corridors, and areas near exit doors to prevent accidents during a crisis.

Signs Your System Needs Professional Attention

It is often difficult for property owners to know if their system is failing until a power cut occurs. However, there are several warning signs that indicate you need an electrician to inspect your setup or consider a new installation. If you notice flickering LEDs in your exit signs or if the small charging indicator light has turned from green to red or extinguished entirely, the internal battery or charging circuit may be faulty.

Another sign is the physical deterioration of the units. Plastic casings that have become brittle or discoloured due to heat or age can compromise the integrity of the light. If your monthly 'flick test' or annual three-hour discharge test fails to keep the lights illuminated for the required duration, it is a clear indicator that the system is no longer fit for purpose and requires immediate professional intervention.

Common Causes of System Failure

The primary cause of failure in these systems is battery depletion. Like all rechargeable batteries, those inside emergency luminaires have a finite lifespan, usually between three to five years depending on the environment and usage. Constant charging without proper maintenance testing can lead to 'memory effect' or total failure, meaning the light will not last the required duration during an emergency.

Wiring faults are another common issue, particularly in older London buildings where circuits may have been modified over time. If the 'permanent live' feed that monitors the mains supply is interrupted or incorrectly wired, the emergency light may stay on constantly or fail to activate when needed. Environmental factors, such as moisture ingress in warehouses or excessive heat in plant rooms, can also accelerate the degradation of the electronic components.

• —Aged or depleted internal NiCd or Lead-Acid batteries.
• —Faulty charging circuits within the luminaire.
• —Corroded connections due to damp or poor ventilation.
• —Incorrect wiring during previous building renovations.
• —Damage to the external casing or diffuser.

The Risks of Non-Compliance

The risks associated with inadequate lighting during a power failure are severe. In a smoke-filled environment or total blackout, panic sets in rapidly. Without clear, illuminated exit paths, occupants are at high risk of trips, falls, or becoming trapped in the building. From a legal perspective, landlords and business owners have a 'duty of care' under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to ensure all safety systems are functional.

Failure to provide adequate lighting can lead to significant legal liabilities, including fines or the invalidation of building insurance. More importantly, it places lives at risk. An Emergency Lighting Installation that is professionally designed ensures that even in the most challenging conditions, there is a clear path to safety, reducing the likelihood of injury during an evacuation.

What the Electrician Does During Installation

When we arrive to perform an installation, the first step is a site survey to identify key areas of risk and mandatory illumination points. This includes stairwells, corridors, and areas with specific hazards. We then install the appropriate luminaires, ensuring they are connected to the correct local lighting circuit so they can accurately sense a power loss in that specific area.

Following the physical installation, we perform a commissioning test. This involves simulating a power failure to verify that every unit activates instantly and provides the required lux levels as per BS 5266-1 standards. We also provide a logbook, which is essential for the property owner to record ongoing monthly and annual tests, ensuring the system remains compliant throughout its operational life.

Safety Checks for Property Owners

While complex repairs and installations must be handled by a qualified electrician, there are safe checks you can perform. You should regularly look at the small LED indicator on each emergency light; a steady green light usually indicates the battery is charging. If this light is off, there is a fault that needs investigating.

You can also perform a 'flick test' if your system is equipped with a key-operated switch. By turning the key, you temporarily interrupt the power to the lights to see if they switch to battery mode. Never attempt to open the casing of an emergency light or touch the internal wiring, as these units contain live electricity and stored energy in batteries, posing a significant shock risk even when the mains power is off.

When Is It an Emergency?

A failure in your emergency lighting system is considered an emergency if it leaves a commercial or multi-occupancy building without any form of backup illumination. If your building is currently occupied and you discover the emergency lights are not functioning during a power cut, or if they fail to reset after power is restored, you must seek immediate assistance to ensure the safety of the occupants.

For businesses operating 24/7 or residential blocks with internal staircases, a non-functional system means the building may no longer be safe for occupation. In these instances, our 24/7 emergency service across London and the M25 ensures that a qualified electrician can attend, diagnose the fault, and restore safety lighting to keep your premises operational and compliant.

Legal Requirements and British Standards

All Emergency Lighting Installation work we perform adheres strictly to BS 5266-1, which is the code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises. This standard dictates the duration the lights must stay on (typically 3 hours for most buildings) and the specific brightness required along escape routes. Following these guidelines is the only way to ensure your building meets the requirements of local fire authorities and building control.

We ensure that all new installations are correctly documented. A completion certificate will be issued, detailing the layout and the results of the initial discharge tests. This documentation is vital for your fire safety records and will be requested during any official fire bridge inspection or health and safety audit.

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