Category Archives: Knowledge

Escape Routes (UP to 2 METRES WIDE). A fire escape route is a path that leads to a point of safety, such as a fire exit or protected stairwell in…

The spacing tables show the distance from the wall or door to the first luminaire and then the distance that must not be exceeded for spacing between subsequent luminaires. This…

General. BS EN 1838 :2013 Clause 5 : Required to ensure ESCAPE ROUTES are apparent from any location. Should be MAINTAINED mode where occupants may be unfamiliar with building. Should…

Self Contained Luminaires – Testing. Test schedules stated in BS5266-8 :2004 are as follows : COMMISSIONING STAGE: Energise lamp from the battery for full discharge at rated time (i.e. 3 hours). If…

LEGEND VIEWING DISTANCES. BS5266 and BS5499 define the viewing distances for exit signs, these are spilt into two categories; a. INTERNALLY illuminated exit signs. b. EXTERNALLY illuminated exit signs. The…

With each design and installation, there are several requirements to consider in relation to emergency and back-up lighting. Emergency lighting test systems are an essential safety constituent and an appropriate…

This guide has been created to support Electrical Consultants as they scope and design an emergency/back-up lighting installation with automatic testing, for either a new build or a retro-fit. Emergency…

Building owners or their responsible persons are legally bound to test their emergency lighting, record test results and maintain their systems. Legal Requirements: Emergency lighting is part of the fire…

School laboratories would be classified as “high risk” areas due to their being scientific equipment, bunsen burners, chemically filled beakers/volumetric flasks etc. BS EN 1838:2013 4.4 states that “high risk…

BS5499-4, Clause 4.6c makes it very clear that “mounting height greater than 2.5m may be used, e.g. in large open spaces or for operational reasons, but such signs should be…