SSLW 2008

• Electrical Supplies
• Flourescent Light Fixtures
• Consumer Units
• Consumer Unit
• Miniature Circuit Breaker
• Light switches
• Emergency Lighting
• Lighting Supplies
• Trade Electrical Supplies

When and if the power system fails in a building, it is important to have emergency lighting that will allow people to exit the building safely. If you are dealing with a new construction or even a remodel or retrofit, there are a variety of different emergency lighting units to choose from. What are some of the options out there and how can these units successfully be integrated into an existing building plan?

One important feature of emergency lighting is that it must respond immediately in the event of a power outage. This means that all emergency lighting operates on battery power. These batteries are usually charged through the mains so that they are ready to go into action in the event of an emergency. Usually there are codes and regulations that apply to how long the battery must be able to operate in the event of an emergency and it is a good idea to read up on those codes before you decide on the emergency lighting to purchase.

Emergency lighting is most often used to illuminate emergency escape routes so it is important that the emergency lighting system be tested regularly for functionality. A central test unit can allow you to do this easily and on a regular schedule with out having to test every unit individually. The test units use a switch to interrupt the current flow, thus triggering the emergency lighting system.

Emergency bulkhead lighting can light a large area and is an excellent form of emergency lighting for showing the emergency escape route in a building. Many units are rated for 3 hours of continuous illumination once the power goes out, which is more than sufficient in most cases for total evacuations if necessary.

Along with the proper emergency lighting it is good to have the proper signage for the lighting. If the emergency lighting is on an emergency escape route there should be signs posted in close proximity to the lighting to indicate this fact. Sometimes both of these needs are combined with emergency lighting units that have the signs already on the lighting. These are very useful for escape route emergency lighting and ideally while a building is in the design phase it should be determined where the escape routes will be and exactly how much emergency lighting is necessary to properly illuminate the routes. Large open spaces such as in warehouses can often be cared for by emergency spot lights which can throw a great deal of light on large areas and will ensure the safety of any workers who may be located in an area of that sort during an emergency.

Searching online will likely lead you to some very good prices on emergency lighting and emergency lighting accessories. These savings can often be increased if you are purchasing the emergency lighting in bulk. Emergency lighting is included as part of buildings codes and regulations for a reason; if it is properly implemented, it can save lives. Make sure that your next construction project includes an appropriate emergency lighting system.