Emergency Lighting

P&Q · Dec 17, 2011

Hi Guys,

I am doing the emergency lighting for our local church, it's a one story building, with offices and kitchen as well as the typical chapel & hall. The Fire safety officer has come in and asked them do install emergency lighting and fire alarm. I've been doing the Electrical work there for a while, so this is up to me to do. I have no problems with the fire alarm, but...

To do the design for the emergency lighting, is there anything specific I need to do or have or take into consideration? I haven't done emergency lighting before, so I'd appreciate any little tips and hints and things to consider, because I don't want anything to go wrong or to neglect anything.

Thank you

trev · Dec 18, 2011

I'd talk to the fire officer again and ask him/her specifically what is required then go a little bit further.
And make sure you get it right or risk the wrath of God

Guest123 · Dec 18, 2011

BS 5266 is the applicable standard.

There are a number of basic guides available on the net which are free to download.

polo1 · Dec 18, 2011

.....and make sure your insurance covers you for this type work. A number of the em lighting Cos offer a design service - worth exploring.

Regards.

ruston · Dec 18, 2011

polo1 said:
.....and make sure your insurance covers you for this type work. A number of the em lighting Cos offer a design service - worth exploring.

Regards.

This also applies to some fire alarm manufacturers who will design and commission your system , if this is any help.

tazz · Dec 18, 2011

Done a few churches in my time, and due to high ceiling levels they can be a problem for both fire and em lighting,
self contained em lighting packs are usually the best here, basicly power supplies with 2 x 50w halogen lamps. Best installed on walls 6 - 8m above floor level. Standard 8w em exit lights on all exit routes, offices etc 8w bulk heads to cover escape routes and any change in direction or level. Fire alarm install beam detection saves so much time and installation costs.
Hope this gives some idea