Emergency Lighting Installation: What You Need to Know?

A gadget that runs on batteries can function as an emergency light. In the event that there is a loss of power at a building, it will turn itself on automatically. In order to make for a more secure and risk-free atmosphere, there exist regulations that mandate the installation of emergency lights in high-occupancy residential buildings like hotels and dormitories, as well as in newly constructed commercial structures.

Every device in the emergency lighting system is connected to the building's power supply so that it can continuously charge the battery that it uses. This is true regardless of the type of emergency lighting system. In the event that there is a loss of power, the lights will continue to function in this manner, enabling the occupants to locate the exits in the event that they are required to evacuate the premises.

Which kind of emergency lighting should be put in place?
Contacting a trained expert who is familiar with the regulations and can offer specific instructions is the simplest and most efficient way to install an emergency lighting system that is up to code. Standby lighting and emergency escape lighting are two categories that fall under the umbrella term "emergency lighting." You should get the opinion of an expert before deciding whether you need some of the following or all of them together.

People who are attempting to leave a location will benefit from the illumination that emergency escape lighting provides for their safety.
The use of standby lighting is not mandated by any laws. In the event that the primary supply fails, it makes it possible for normal activities to continue as usual.
The lighting for emergency exits can be further subdivided into the following three categories:

The lighting along the escape route makes it possible to identify the route, and it should include fire exit signs and emergency lighting bulkheads.
Open-area lighting, also known as anti-panic lighting, provides a level of illumination that permits occupants to clearly see the way out of the building.
The illumination provided by high-risk task area lighting is for the purpose of ensuring the participants in a potentially hazardous process remain safe.

Is there a legal requirement for having emergency lighting?
In Ireland, it is required by law to have emergency lighting, and this lighting must also be tested on a regular basis. IS3217:2013 (A1:2017) is the standard that must be followed for the design, installation, and ongoing maintenance of any and all new systems. In addition, there are official recommendations concerning the kinds of safety systems and the lengths of time their backups should operate for each category of building.

Is it necessary to install emergency lighting outside the building?
The interior lighting system and the exterior lighting system should collaborate with one another so that the environment that your employees, customers, and visitors are in is safe and appealing. Even though there is no chance of an emergency occurring in your facilities, you still need to ensure that they are prepared. You should have external emergency lighting that illuminates the environment sufficiently to keep everyone safe. This will allow you to provide safe escape routes that are both quick and easy to access.

For instance, there are a variety of different types of egress lighting fixtures, such as exit signs and egress pathways signs, that can be incorporated into the lighting system in order to direct people away from hazardous areas and toward safe areas outside the premises:

Egress lighting for specific areas of the building may consist of lamps or bollards that are installed around the perimeter of the structure. Sometimes people have to find a predetermined safe space that is a significant distance away from the structure. When there is no immediate danger, the egress lighting can be used as normal pathway lighting to get to and from the building's entrances.
Sconces, spotlights, or luminaries that are wall-mounted and installed on the building themselves are examples of building-mounted egress lighting. They illuminate the particular areas within the building in which residents can safely congregate after an evacuation.

Is there a switch for the emergency lighting?
The ability to use a switchable emergency light enables it to be used just like a conventional light, which means that it may be turned on and off. You have the choice to utilize this form of illumination as you would any other light, or you may leave it on permanently if you like.

In the event that the power goes out, an emergency light that can be manually switched on will continue to function normally since it will draw its energy from a backup battery. It is essential to keep in mind that only emergency lights that are regularly maintained have this switchable capability.

Who is qualified to install lights for emergency situations?
You are not required to use the services of a qualified professional installation. Yet, there are a number of regulations and standards that must be followed in order for your system to be compliant. If you do not comply, you run the risk of being prosecuted or receiving fines of any amount.

It is in your best interest to look for a fire and security installer who has earned accreditation in order to have your system developed and put in place so that it complies with all applicable laws and standards governing emergency lighting.

Who is authorized to certify emergency lights?
Emergency lighting is one of the most important components, regardless of the size or kind of your organization. A life safety system needs to be inspected and maintained on a regular basis, according to the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). It also includes a quarterly inspection and annual testing of the emergency lighting.

You should contact a reputable, safe electric firm with highly qualified and trained workers if you want to ensure that your lighting complies with all regulations. To confirm that your emergency lighting systems meet regulatory standards and criteria, they can offer an official certificate.

What is testing of emergency lighting? What advantages are there?
Emergency lighting testing involves simulating a mains power outage on the lighting circuit or specific luminaries to ensure that your luminaries and the system as a whole are still in working condition. As a result, the battery supply will be required to power the emergency light system.

Regular testing techniques have the following advantages:

The lighting system can protect people and property if all of its parts are maintained and work correctly.
It may broaden insurance protection. Most insurance companies could refuse to pay for fire damage unless a certificate attesting to regular maintenance and inspections is present.

How frequently should test emergency lighting?
Manufacturers often advise checking and inspecting emergency lights and exit signs every month, every three months, and every year. Set up a monthly timetable for your personnel to run a quick system functional test.

Turn on each emergency light for 30 minutes for your quarterly test (using its battery). Do the same thing for three hours on your yearly exam. When needed, complete the logbook, and ensure sure the technician who does the test gives a certificate.

Emergencies might occur at any time as a result of a power outage, extreme weather, or another occurrence that can take down any of your major lighting system's components. Employee and guest safety may be at risk if there is no illumination.

Due to the need for rapid and accessible pathways to safety, several emergency lighting standards and regulations mandate the presence of emergency exits, paths of escape, and luminaires on the property.