Emergency light test key switches.

sparkticus · Apr 20, 2014

hi, could anyone advise me on the best way of putting some key switches in please.

The job is in a convenience store which has 8 E.L fittings spread over 5 lighting circuits. (the building is over 100 years old and had many additions/shop re-fits and extensions to it)

i have identified the circuits that need the key switches on and was going to put a multi gang grid switch next to C.U. and bring the feeds into these switches and then switch lines away.
My thinking was that this would be a lot cheaper to install and also easier to test the E.L. in the future as all switches are in same location.
Would this be allowed? Would this need a minor works certificate? When testing, it would put parts of the shop floor in darkness, so is out of hours testing the only option?
Any advice or opinions would be grateful, as would any tips or info on E.L installs as not really covered it in my training

Cheers

tazz · Apr 20, 2014

Personally I would rewire the lighting circuits completely, if this is all on one floor, with multi switches, including em test switches all in one place. Suggest full grid switches. Taking 3 core to em lighting and 2 core to standard lighting. Important ting to remember, if some circuits are on different phases, then a 410v potential will be at the switches, so will need to be indicted.

Flanders · Apr 20, 2014

If all the wiring test out Ok I would put the test switch by the DB, but you just need to check that it ok with the customer that they know all the shop lights will go out when testing which has to be done once a year and you will have to do a minor works for each circuit you alter

tazz · Apr 20, 2014

Flanders said:
If all the wiring test out Ok I would put the test switch by the DB, but you just need to check that it ok with the customer that they know all the shop lights will go out when testing which has to be done once a year and you will have to do a minor works for each circuit you alter

What about the weekly/monthly tests...??

Flanders · Apr 20, 2014

tazz said:
What about the weekly/monthly tests...??

There just a functional test that could be done before the shop opens so would not course any disruption , I said the yearly test as this is for 3 Hours (God Knows why so long) which would have to be done out of hours if the test switches turned off all the other lights so the customer should be made aware of this.

tazz · Apr 20, 2014

3 hrs is the full discharged time for a maintained fitting. By conducting this test your are also recyling the batteries, so not to form a memory effect. at least on 30min test should also be conducted, along with a weekly visual and quick test...but this is down to risk assessment. The old BS5266 insisted on 3 x 30min test and 1 x 3hr full test, which kept battery life to 5 years. With new testing regs, battery life is now down to 2-3 years.....

Flanders · Apr 20, 2014

Yes I thought they had stopped the 30 min test with the new regs But I still have not got the up to date copy Its about £180 what a rip off

GMES · Apr 20, 2014

Flanders said:
Yes I thought they had stopped the 30 min test with the new regs But I still have not got the up to date copy Its about £180 what a rip off

Yeah it is a very expensive book but i suppose em lighting etc is serious stuff. I sometimes get the impression from people that they are unaware of all the responsibility involved in designing a correct installation. most people think it is just a case of scatttering a few Bulkheads around. there is a lot more to it. This is where tazz's knowledge in this field is invaluable.

tazz · Apr 20, 2014

Well this were the bs5266 2011 is now open to interpretation......stating " At least on full 3hr discharge test must be conducted annually" "Additional testing will form part of the risk assessment". So I would say, if you are only going to conduct a test once a year on a large Hotel, without weekly tests conducted by onsite staff, and no other tests by the maintenance company....you are sticking your neck out.

davesparks · Apr 20, 2014

Why install key switches next to the DB when the existing MCB will do exactly the same thing?

tazz · Apr 20, 2014

davesparks said:
Why install key switches next to the DB when the existing MCB will do exactly the same thing?

Because you will put the building in darkness, mcb for lighting circuit, keyswitch just for EM lighting

Guest112 · Apr 20, 2014

tazz said:
Because you will put the building in darkness, mcb for lighting circuit, keyswitch just for EM lighting

but judging on the OPs intentions the key switches will be doing just that anyway, without alterations to the wiring...

tazz · Apr 20, 2014

peterdaniels said:
but judging on the OPs intentions the key switches will be doing just that anyway, without alterations to the wiring...

Thats what will happen, unless rewired,

davesparks · Apr 20, 2014

tazz said:
Because you will put the building in darkness, mcb for lighting circuit, keyswitch just for EM lighting

How is the keyswitch the OP is going to install next to the DB in the outgoing feed from the DB going to not plunge the building into any more darkness than the MCB will?