Who is Responsible for Emergency Lighting?

Installing emergency lighting protects you, your team, and your customers should the worst happen. It’s also critical to meeting your legal obligations. Following a strict testing regime is also part of legal compliance, but who is responsible for testing emergency lighting?

According to a report, 44% of English firms don’t have the correct emergency lighting at all. In many cases, business owners are unaware of what their legal obligations are. At Wells Electrical Contractors, our NICEIC-approved contractors are there to provide complete installation and testing services to guarantee your compliance.

So, who is responsible for ensuring your emergency lighting is up to the required standard?

What is emergency lighting used for?

Emergency lighting provides illumination to enable anyone in a building to evacuate safely. They form part of your overall fire safety system, including fire extinguishers and manual call points.

Regardless of why your primary lighting system is down, emergency lighting comes into play because it’s unconnected to your primary electricity supply, enabling it to work even if you lose full power.

Emergency lighting is designed to prevent:

·  Disorientation

·  Panic

·  Stampedes

·  Confusion

Where every second counts, an emergency lighting system provides safe escape routes for everybody.

Who is responsible for checking emergency lighting?

Emergency lighting testing is split into three-phase testing: daily, monthly, and annual. Who is responsible for these checks?

Daily and monthly tests can be conducted in-house by a designated person trained in how to conduct these tests. These simple tests and maintaining a logbook don’t require the help of a professional.

However, the annual test is a three-hour test that simulates the failure of the primary lighting circuit. In line with BS 5266-1, this test must be conducted by a competent professional, such as Wells Electrical Contractors.

What do these tests look like?

Daily – A simple visual inspection to ensure the green LED light is still turned on.

Monthly – Flick tests consist of switching each LED light on and ensuring the luminaries are clean and undamaged.

Annual – A full three-hour test where the primary lighting circuit is disconnected. Each emergency light must remain lit and functional for the entire testing duration to pass.

Some businesses may also ask a professional to perform their monthly tests as part of regularly scheduled electrical maintenance visits. This is often the better option because a professional is fully trained to spot the minor defects a layperson would otherwise miss.

Who is responsible for maintaining emergency lighting?

Emergency lighting may be present in a hotel, factory, a block of flats, or a retail venue. You’ll notice that the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 responds to the “Responsible Person” throughout, but what does this mean?

It’s the responsible person who is responsible for maintaining your emergency lighting in line with the law. In English law, this person could be an individual or a business entity. In other words, this could be:

·  Building owner

·  Landlord

·  Estates manager

·  Building occupier

·  Designated person

For example, if you’re renting a premises from a landlord, the responsibility could fall to the landlord. Still, if you check your lease, you may be compelled to take responsibility for emergency lighting.

In many cases, there are multiple responsible parties. For example, you may own your business premises, but there may be a designated fire safety officer, resulting in them also assuming responsibility.

Can you outsource emergency lighting testing and maintenance responsibility?

Responsibility for emergency lighting testing and maintenance always lies with the responsible person. Legally, it’s not an obligation that you can outsource.

Hiring a professional testing company like Wells Electrical Contractors is the tool you use to comply with your legal obligations, but you cannot outsource the responsibility. For example, you cannot blame your accountant if you fail to pay your taxes, and the same principle applies here.

That’s why outsourcing maintenance and testing must be passed to an experienced, qualified operator whom you can rely on.

Is RCD Protection Important in Commercial Premises?

Protecting your customers and employees against electrical shocks is crucial, and that’s why the UK has comprehensive laws in place to force commercial operations to have well-maintained safety equipment.

Despite immense progress, 2.5 million Brits still receive a mains electric shock every year, with 350,000 people suffering significant injuries. Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are among the most effective ways of preventing injury. Still, too many businesses either fail to maintain them or never install them in the first place.

Let’s discuss the importance of RCD protection and the regulations applying to the UK’s workplaces today.

Is RCD protection required on commercial premises?

RCD protection is critical for protecting people from harm. In the UK, more than 1,000 electrical accidents are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) every year, with 30 fatalities.

The default answer for all commercial and industrial premises is that RCDs should be installed on all fixtures and installations. At Wells Electrical Contractors, our NICEIC-approved contractors install the appropriate RCDs as standard because we understand how crucial health and safety are in the workplace.

Is RCD protection a legal requirement?

In many cases, RCD protection is mandatory. According to 18th Edition Wiring Regulations for RCDs, all businesses must have this electric shock and fault protection in the following scenarios:

·  RCDs must be installed on all circuits supplying lighting fixtures.

·  RCDs must be incorporated into all circuits supplying portable equipment designed for outdoor use.

·  RCDs must be installed on all socket outlets with ratings of up to 32A in environments with a higher risk of injury, such as kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor areas.

Some exceptions do exist to these rules. However, if RCD protection isn’t necessary, you must carry out a fully documented risk assessment, which must be attached to the relevant Electrical Installation Certification.

However, with our combined 65+ years of collective experience, we go above and beyond the legal minimum, which is why we install RCDs as standard for our clients.

Can you fail an EICR for no RCD protection?

You can fail an EICR because you do not have the appropriate RCD installed, which is one of the most common reasons for failure. This could cause significant problems for your business.

For example, it could result in you incurring liability if dodgy electrical circuits cause injuries to your customers or employees. Likewise, most insurance companies worth their salt will require a valid EICR to provide coverage.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) isn’t law (other than for landlords). Still, it’s related to compliance with legislation like the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989).

How RCD testing keeps commercial premises safe

Installing RCDs is a crucial first step to keeping your commercial premises safe, but all your hard work can be undone if you don’t keep up with a regular maintenance schedule. Non-functioning RCDs are as bad as not installing them in the first place.

Here’s how committing to a regular RCD testing schedule protects your business.

Prevent electric shocks

RCDs detect issues with live and neutral currents. Once detected, they trigger in milliseconds, mitigating the risk of serious injuries and deaths when something goes wrong. By preventing electrical shocks, you protect your employees, customers and other visitors from harm.

Reduce the risk of electrical fires

Electrical fires can destroy all your hard work in minutes and put lives at risk. Whether it’s a breakdown in electrical insulation, damaged wiring, or a faulty appliance, all of these risks could lead to an electrical fire. Regular testing gives you the peace of mind that your RCDs are functioning as they should.

Guarantee legal compliance

In the last few years, compliance requirements have tightened on the issue of electrical safety. A failure to properly maintain your electrical systems leaves your business at risk of damage, invalidated insurance coverage and significant legal penalties.

Proactive maintenance

Don’t wait until something goes wrong to take action.

Regular testing and maintenance identify faulty RCDs early. Unfortunately, too many business owners find out their RCDs aren’t working when someone is injured or killed. Don’t leave it up to chance. Hire a contractor who can provide regular maintenance and testing for your electrical infrastructure.

How Long Should Emergency Lights Stay On For?

Are you aware of your emergency lighting commitments?

As a business owner, you’re obligated to ensure that your business is equipped with emergency lighting to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation if the power goes out. Regular testing and maintenance are essential for guaranteeing the highest standards of health and safety.

At Wells Electrical Contractors, our NICEIC-approved contractors are equipped to install, maintain, and test your emergency lighting in line with current UK regulations. With that in mind, how long are your emergency lights required to function?

Do emergency lights stay on all the time?

Emergency lighting must remain illuminated throughout an emergency to keep everyone safe. Yet, according to a 2020 report, as many as 44% of English firms don’t have the correct emergency lighting.

Your emergency lights don’t need to stay on all the time. Instead, they’ll remain in standby mode and will trigger whenever necessary. Examples of scenarios where your emergency lights should come on automatically include:

·  Local power cuts

·  Leak-triggered electrical shutdowns

·  Fires

Emergency lights must illuminate long enough to enable evacuation and support the emergency services if they need to get into your building.

How long should emergency lights stay on in an emergency?

In an emergency, you must have emergency lighting that remains illuminated for at least three hours. Moreover, your emergency lighting must maintain a minimum illumination level throughout the emergency.

Emergencies can cause panic as employees and customers are plunged into darkness. In these scenarios, the risk of tripping, falling, or being crushed by a stampede of people trying to find the exits is enormous.

How long should emergency lights stay on during a test?

Regular testing is part of running a business with emergency lighting installed. Generally, you must conduct three types of tests: daily, monthly, and annually. Daily and monthly tests are basic visual inspections and functional tests, known as flick tests, but your annual test is a full-duration test.

Full-duration tests check to ensure your emergency lights stay on for a minimum period. Refer to BS-5266 standards for more information on emergency lighting requirements, or get in touch with our team.

To pass the test, your lighting should remain active and provide sufficient illumination for three hours. During this period, a qualified electrician will continually monitor and inspect each emergency light. If there are any issues, our team will identify them and provide the necessary repairs.

Ensuring your emergency lights stay on long enough

Regular testing ensures that your emergency lights are in a perpetual state of readiness. Whilst it might be tempting to put testing on the back burner, the last thing you want is to discover in an emergency that your lights don’t work.

Your full-duration test is the best way to recognise problems and fix them. With the help of a qualified electrician by your side from Wells Electrical Contractors, you can have the peace of mind that you’re in full compliance with UK law.

Note that full-duration tests may be carried out more than once a year in some workplaces. Examples of environments that may require more frequent testing include areas prone to:

·  Power outages

·  Leaks

·  Fires

Unsure if your facility requires more frequent testing? Contact our friendly team for tailored advice on ensuring the highest standards of health and safety in your business.

Emergency lighting legal requirements

BS-5266 provides information on the legal requirements of emergency lighting. Generally, businesses must focus on duration and illumination level.

Emergency escape lighting must remain switched on for a duration of three hours. The regulations state this applies to places that cannot be evacuated immediately, such as hotels. Minimum illumination requirements are one hour in locations where:

1. The premises may be evacuated immediately.

2. The premises don’t need to be reoccupied quickly.

Tests must be carried out annually, and if the emergency lighting cannot stay illuminated for the necessary period, the backup battery must be replaced.

Minimum illumination levels must also be maintained throughout the test. Emergency lighting guidelines specify different illumination levels based on the location of the light.

For example, floor-level emergency lights require at least one lux. In contrast, anti-panic areas require at least 0.5 lux. In context, one lux is the equivalent of a large domestic candle power, so most emergency lighting fixtures aren’t especially bright.

Professional emergency light testing

Emergency lighting testing is critical to ensure you remain in compliance with health and safety regulations. Refer to BS-EN-50172 and BS-5266-8 for minimum testing provisions. How often you need to test may vary based on the site you operate.

Daily and monthly tests may be conducted by a designated “responsible person” who will also oversee the testing schedule. However, the full-duration test must be conducted by a professional.

At Wells Electrical Contractors, we work with our clients to make emergency lighting testing simple. We fit the full-duration test around your schedule to minimise disruption to your business while providing a test you can rely on.

When should a duration test on emergency lighting be carried out?

Full-duration tests must be conducted at least once every year. When you carry this test out, it usually depends on when your emergency lighting was installed. No regulations mandate a specific time of year or day/night to carry out these tests.

Each option has its pros and cons. For example, testing during the day is easier but may make checking the lights more difficult because of factors like strong sunshine. On the other hand, testing at night minimises business disruption but can be more of a headache to organise.

Everything Involved in Upgrading to LED Lighting

Upgrading to LED lighting can slash your energy bills, helping your business to tackle the cost of living crisis.

At Wells Electrical Contractors, our NICEIC-approved contractors have supported hundreds of UK businesses to manage LED lighting installations, including toy giant Smyths Toys. However, upgrading to LED lighting for the first time can be intimidating.

In this tell-all guide, we’re going to go through everything businesses like yours must know about making LED lighting a part of your company.

What is commercial LED lighting?

Commercial LED lighting is specifically designed for commercial spaces, including shops, offices and warehouses. It makes sense to see firms increasingly turning to LED lighting because lighting makes up 25% of your electricity bill every year.

What makes LEDs so popular as a commercial lighting choice isn’t just the energy savings or the green benefits but also their versatility. LEDs are designed for any and all workspaces, whether you need dimmable LED lighting or coloured lighting.

Over the years, LEDs have gradually gained ground, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimating that LEDs now make up 50% of all global lighting sales.

Considerations of LED lighting before upgrading

LED lighting might involve extensive rewriting, especially if you work in an older building. That’s why working with a professional electrician is vital instead of doing it yourself. However, there are other considerations.

Ask yourself the following questions:

·  How much do you currently spend on lighting?

·  What are the benefits of LED lighting for my business?

·  Am I concerned that my firm’s carbon footprint is too big?

·  Does my current lighting setup suit my business needs?

·  What is my budget for upgrading to LED lighting?

·  Is my lighting adversely impacting employee productivity?

You might be surprised at the answers. The reality is that LED lights are so energy efficient and versatile that this is an investment in your workspace. You’ll save money, support your team, and reduce your emissions all in one.

How much power do LEDs use?

 
LEDs use the least power of any commercial lighting choice without compromising illumination. According to one study, a single three-watt LED bulb costs around £3.72 to run for a year, based on having it switched on for ten hours every day. Contrast this to a fluorescent bulb under the same conditions, which costs £14.89 to run.

Are LED lights energy-efficient?

LEDs are the most energy-efficient bulbs on the market today. An LED bulb uses 90% less energy than incandescent or halogen bulbs because they don’t lose most of their energy to heat generation.

How long do LEDs last?

 
LEDs will also last the longest, meaning less maintenance costs and hassle for your firm. How long they last depends on the brand you buy, but you can usually expect around 50,000 hours of light from every LED bulb.

If you use an LED for 10 hours a day on average, your bulb should last around 14 years. Pick up a premium brand, and you might get as many as 100,000 hours out of a single bulb, meaning it’ll last for a generation.

How bright are LEDs?

LEDs are as bright as you want them to be. With so many options on the market, you can have everything from basic LEDs with 300-500 lumens – which tend to be found in the average UK home. On the other hand, you also have outdoor LED floodlights with as many as 20,000 lumens.

Plus, you can install dimmable lights, which allow you to change the lighting output as needed.

Where can LED lights be installed?

LED lights are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. One area where they excel is in providing directional light, which can be used to provide better illumination for workspaces or aesthetic purposes.

Some of the most common locations for commercial LEDs include:

·  Kitchens

·  Bathrooms

·  Offices

·  Stairways

·  Carparks

·  Floodlights

·  Retail floors

They’re perfectly safe to use even in sensitive workspaces because of their low heat output and reliability. However, we understand that every business is different, which is why we use our 15 years of experience to advise businesses on how they can make the most of their LED lighting installations.

How to upgrade to LED Lighting

Upgrading to LED lighting should always be done under the guidance of a professional electrician like Wells Electrical Contractors. It’s always dangerous to work with electrical systems, and changing to LED lighting doesn’t mean just changing the bulbs around.

Some of the considerations a professional service will factor into their plans include:

·  Type of bulb

·  Type of fixture base

·  Brightness

·  Colour temperature

·  Installation angle

·  Directional lighting

LED lighting is the best choice, but how it performs depends on the quality of the LED and the person installing it. Poorly installed LED lights won’t let you get the full benefits. Moreover, it’s unsafe to attempt an upgrade yourself.

Your job is to determine your needs, goals and budget. Everything else should be left to a professional.

Do you need to change the wiring for LED lights?

Rewiring may be necessary if your building is more than 25 years old. Your wiring and all installations must be up to code, or you could be in violation of workplace health and safety laws.

The last thing you want is to launch an upgrade only to find that your wiring has issues. Every issue is fixable, but not anticipating these issues will only cause your upgrade costs to balloon.

What types of LED bulbs are there to choose from?

LED bulbs come in all shapes and sizes, with many designed to simplify the switch to LEDs by matching existing fixtures and bulbs.

Some of the most common LED shapes you’ll find include Spot, Candle, GLS, and GU10. You’ll also find bayonet, screw, and GU10 base caps. Naturally, this can get confusing quickly, which is where a professional electrician comes in handy.

What colours are LED bulbs available in?

LED bulbs are available in every colour under the sun. If you can imagine it, you’ll find an LED in that colour and shade. That’s why you’ll often see them used for retail display and restaurant lighting because they’re capable of creating an epic ambiance.

Do you need an EICR before upgrading to LED lighting?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), or fixed wire testing, is the standard inspection for a business’s electrical installations. Generally, you’ll get one of these every five years to ensure it’s fit for purpose and isn’t at risk of bursting into flames.

Even if you’re not due for another one, it’s strongly recommended that you order an EICR first. Any type of upgrade should mandate one of these tests to guarantee that there aren’t any faults in your electrics.

You don’t want to carry out an upgrade only to discover extensive remedial work has to be carried out. Moreover, it’s just good practice to enforce rigorous electrical health and safety standards as part of your business.

Do You Need RCD Protection for All Circuits?

Protecting your employees, customers and visitors is critical for meeting health and safety guidelines. Electrical safety requires putting protections in place that prevent fatal electric shocks, and the Residual Current Device (RCD) is one of the most pivotal life-saving devices.

According to the latest studies, it only takes 0.1-0.2 amps to kill a human. RCDs detect imbalances within circuits and automatically disconnect the electrical supply in milliseconds, which could save a life.

In this guide, we refer to the 18th Edition Wiring Guidelines to answer whether all circuits in your building require RCD protection.

Are RCDs mandatory in the UK?

Since 2008, all new and renovated homes have been required to install RCDs as standard. Since then, the UK has tightened these requirements, meaning that all domestic circuits must have an RCD installed as standard if the property will be rented out commercially.

Do all circuits have to be RCD-protected?

Protecting your employees, customers and visitors is critical for meeting health and safety guidelines. Electrical safety requires putting protections in place that prevent fatal electric shocks, and the Residual Current Device (RCD) is one of the most pivotal life-saving devices.

According to the latest studies, it only takes 0.1-0.2 amps to kill a human. RCDs detect imbalances within circuits and automatically disconnect the electrical supply in milliseconds, which could save a life.

In this guide, we refer to the 18th Edition Wiring Guidelines to answer whether all circuits in your building require RCD protection. 

Are RCDs mandatory in the UK?

Since 2008, all new and renovated homes have been required to install RCDs as standard. Since then, the UK has tightened these requirements, meaning that all domestic circuits must have an RCD installed as standard if the property will be rented out commercially.

In terms of commercial and industrial buildings, the regulations differ, but the fact is that most circuits will still require an RCD to be installed. Generally, the default position from most qualified electricians, including Wells Electrical Contractors, is that RCDs should be included as standard.

Do you need RCD on every circuit to pass an EICR test?

 The general rule of thumb is that RCDs are required on every circuit to pass your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Commercial landlords must hold a valid EICR by law for all properties rented out to tenants.

On the other hand, commercial properties don’t legally require an EICR. Still, it’s a helpful certificate because it demonstrates compliance with other health and safety legislation. 

Requirements for RCD circuit protection in commercial settings 

Our default advice is that RCDs should be installed as part of every circuit to get the maximum level of protection against electric shocks. Understanding where the law stands on the issue is also helpful for compliance.

In a nutshell, here are the current RCD circuit protection requirements for commercial buildings:

· Socket Outlets – Any socket outlet with a rating up to 32A should have RCD protection.

·  Mobile Outdoor Equipment – If you’re using portable equipment outdoors, you’ll need RCD protection.

·  Lighting Circuits – Nearly all commercial lighting circuits must have RCD protection. Generally, the only exception is for lighting circuits in restricted areas away from the general public.

·  Risky Locations – All circuits in bathrooms, wet rooms, and circuits passing over these locations must have RCD protection because of the elevated risk. The same goes for external power supplies, construction sites, and agricultural locations.

·  Wall-Installed Cables – All cables installed to a depth of under 50 millimetres in walls must have RCD protection. The only exception is if you’re utilising trunking or an earthed metal conduit.

Staying updated with these rules is complicated. After all, why should you know these requirements by heart if you’re not an electrician?

We understand that, which is why our qualified electrical contractors with decades of experience can perform a complete electrical safety audit of your building to pinpoint areas where you’re not complying.

Do you need RCD protection for lighting circuits?

The short answer is yes - RCD protection is mandatory for all lighting circuits in commercial buildings, and all RCDs must be installed and inspected by qualified electricians. Some minor exceptions exist, but the easiest way to deal with the RCD protection issue is just to install them as standard on all lighting circuits.

You may have read that the 18th Edition Wiring Requirements aren’t actually binding for businesses, and that’s true. However, RCDs are a part of legally binding laws, like the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. For more information on RCD protection for lighting circuits in commercial environments, check out our in-depth guide.

The cost of non-compliance, especially if someone is injured or killed, is severe. Don’t take a risk by burying your head in the sand. With 65 years of experience, Wells Electrical Contractors are the experts in everything from RCD protection installation to testing.

Why Do Businesses Need RCD Protection?

Electrical safety is paramount for health and safety in any business setting. Not only do you have a legal obligation to protect your employees and customers, but you also have a moral obligation. According to the latest stats, the leading cause of workplace fires involved electrical devices, making up a fifth of incidents.

RCDs are a fundamental part of electrical safety, which is why they are a massive part of our work here at Wells Electrical Contractors, as we service businesses across the country, including Smyths Toys and The Bluecoat Liverpool.

Here’s what you must know about RCD protection and why your business needs it.

RCD protection for businesses

Before you can understand why RCD protection is so crucial, it’s vital that businesses know what they do. Residual Current Devices (RCDs) monitor your electrical current on the circuit they’re attached to.

The point is to detect leakage that could result in electric shocks and fires. Modern RCDs can detect even the tiniest of faults, whether that’s due to:

·  Electrical faults

·  Damage

·  Water

·  Live wire contact

If an RCD detects any form of leakage, it automatically cuts the power supply. Unprotected currents will continue to allow electricity to flow, putting you at risk of shocks or rapidly spreading fires.

Don’t underestimate the chances of this happening. According to the Electrical Times, there have been 4,634 callouts for electrical fires from businesses from 2021 to 2024.

Is it a legal requirement to have RCD protection?

Technically, there’s no legal requirement to have RCD protection in place. However, the 18th edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, known as British Standard 7671, mandates RCD protection for all sockets rated up to 32A and for any circuits used to supply portable outdoor equipment.

Despite this, there’s no legal requirement to comply with BS-7671, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. If there’s an accident and it’s found you weren’t in compliance, you could still be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

In other words, although RCD protection isn’t mandated directly, it’s indirectly a legal requirement, and you’re taking a huge chance by ignoring these recommendations.

RCD requirements for UK businesses

With that out of the way, there are three essential points to remember about installing RCDs in your firm, per the 18th edition of the wiring regulations:

1. Install RCD protection on sockets rated up to 32A.

2. RCD protection should be incorporated into all lighting circuits, outdoor areas, kitchens and bathrooms.

3. A qualified electrician must be used to ensure that your RCD functions correctly.

Why businesses need RCD protection

RCD protection is one of the most straightforward options to give your business the very best in electrical safety. At Wells Electrical Contractors, we deliver more than 65 years of combined experience, enabling us to install, maintain and test cutting-edge RCDs for your business.

Wondering why RCDs are such a necessity? Let’s go through the reasons why it matters.

Protect against electric shocks

Electric shocks are the biggest threat from unprotected circuits. According to First Aid for Life, every year there are around 1,000 electric shocks or burns reported to the HSE. RCDs are designed to kick in well below the threshold where an electric shock can cause serious injury or death. These have saved tens of thousands of lives since their introduction.

Fast response

RCDs are so effective because of how quickly they kick in. They’re programmed to detect even the tiniest electrical imbalances before leakage becomes more serious. Once they trigger an electrical leak, they kick in within 40 milliseconds.

By disconnecting the power supply, RCDs provide instant protection against electric shocks that could kill an unsuspecting employee or visitor.

Reduce the risk of electrical fires

Electrical fires are incredibly dangerous because not only are they known for spreading rapidly, but they’re also notoriously challenging to extinguish. They’re among the most dangerous types of fire you’ll encounter, and RCDs defend against this.

Faulty wiring or appliances can quickly destroy your business, resulting in massive disruption and enormous costs. With RCDs protecting your circuits, the chances of this happening are substantially lower.

Make workplaces safer

Workplaces should be a place of safety for your employees. You’ve got a duty of care to every worker, and the consequences of breaching that duty of care are enormous. Some of the consequences include:

·  Fines

·  Legal action

·  Loss of business

·  Long-term disruption

·  Loss of reputation

In short, you can avoid all this by upgrading your circuits with state-of-the-art RCD protection from the CHAS-affiliated engineers at Wells Electrical Contractors.

Peace of mind

Ultimately, RCDs provide peace of mind. We have a habit of taking electrical safety for granted until something goes wrong. Knowing that your business is protected at all times offers added peace of mind, allowing you to get on with running your business and serving your customers.

Cost-effective safety

RCDs are one of the most affordable ways of increasing electrical safety in the workplace. They’re inexpensive to buy and other than labour costs, there are no other outgoings you have to worry about.

A single high-quality RCD can last up to 15 years and requires minimal maintenance, making this an investment that costs just a few pounds a year. In short, there’s no excuse not to incorporate RCD protection into your business.

At Wells Electrical Contractors, we’re specialists in electrical safety, covering installation, regular maintenance and testing to ensure you’re fully compliant with your electrical safety obligations. To learn more about improving your company’s electrical safety, get in touch with us for your free consultation today.

Our Guide to Energy-Efficient Lighting for Businesses

No matter what type of business you run, energy is expensive.

It’s estimated that lighting alone uses 20% of the UK’s electricity supply. With such substantial amounts dedicated to keeping the lights on, finding ways to make savings can boost your productivity and curb your carbon footprint.

 With that in mind, here’s everything you must know about switching to energy-efficient lighting.

What is energy-efficient lighting?

Energy-efficient lighting is about getting sufficient illumination without using lots of electricity to do it. The fact is that traditional incandescent lamps used in the past lost around 95% of their energy input as heat, with the remaining 5% used to produce visible light.

Already, it’s easy to see how energy-efficient lighting can save businesses tremendous amounts on their energy bills annually. The cornerstone of the UK’s switch to Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) is using a greater portion of electricity input to produce visible light.

LEDs are as bright as incandescent lamps but use 80% less electricity to produce this light. It’s why there’s been a massive government push to get more businesses to make the switch.

What is the best lighting for energy efficiency in a commercial building?

LEDs are the gold standard for energy efficiency in commercial buildings. Nearly all of the energy they use is converted into visible light rather than heat.

Moreover, LEDs are always safer. Touch an incandescent or halogen lamp burning for an hour, and you may receive a nasty burn. Most LEDs are relatively cool to the touch, reducing the risk of accidental burns.

Alongside their energy efficiency, LEDs are also designed to last longer. Here’s a comparison of LED vs. traditional lamps:

·  LEDs – 25,000-50,000 lighting hours

·  Fluorescent – 8,000-10,000 lighting hours

·  Incandescent – 1,000 lighting hours

Businesses can also further improve their LED lighting setups by creating motion-activated lighting systems, meaning if nobody is inside a room, the lights will automatically switch themselves off.

Begin your journey to becoming a more energy-efficient business with the help of Wells Electrical Contractors. Our team can design, install and maintain your new LED-powered lighting system for a single, transparent price under the guidance of a team with decades of collective experience. To learn more about LED lighting, today.

What should businesses consider when choosing energy-efficient lighting?

Not every lighting solution was made equal. With so many brands and models on the market, what should you consider when choosing energy-efficient lighting?

Ask yourself these questions:

·  What are my lighting goals?

·  What are my needs?

·  How energy-efficient are these lights?

·  What are the pros and cons of each lighting option?

·  Are they dimmable?

·  Are they compatible with our existing fixtures?

·  What are the maintenance requirements for these lights?

·  What are the costs of installing these lights?

Or, let our team answer them for you and find you the best installation solution.

The benefits of commercial energy-efficient lighting

Businesses switch to energy-efficient lights for various reasons. Thankfully, these lights offer benefits on multiple fronts, making them the smart choice for commercial operations in every industry.

Here are some reasons to make the transition to LED lighting.

Save money

Rising energy costs have made businesses think about how they can make savings. Today, the average cost of electricity for a UK small business is £6,062 a year. LEDs alone can save hundreds of pounds annually.

Reduce your carbon footprint

LEDs are a sustainable choice, enabling you to reduce your carbon footprint. Some of the ways they benefit the environment include:

·  Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

·  Lower energy demand

·  Increased resource efficiency

·  Reduced heat and lighting emissions

Lower your maintenance costs

LEDs enjoy a substantially longer lifespan, enabling you to spend less on maintenance across your entire lighting system. Naturally, fewer lamp replacements mean less spending on lamps and calling someone from maintenance to fit them.

Improve your lighting quality

Older LEDs were often criticised for their lighting quality, but things have changed. You no longer have to wait minutes for the right amount of illumination. Moreover, LEDs offer a range of colours, temperatures and overall ambience.

Plus, it’s worth mentioning LEDs come with more features, such as dimmability, directional lighting control, and better compatibility with older lighting setups.

You’re no longer locked into a limited range of lighting options!

How a business can switch to energy-efficient lighting

Every business’s journey to energy-efficient lighting differs. Truthfully, it largely depends on your existing electrical infrastructure and lighting setup.

Businesses in modern buildings may already have everything they need to move to energy-efficient lighting. For them, it could be a case of doing nothing more than changing out the lamps.

However, other businesses may have to consider new fixtures and even a total rewiring of the building. Plus, certain commercial operations may have to consider even more stringent health and safety regulations regarding electrical safety.

We recommend contacting an expert like Wells Electrical Contractors. We’ve got over 15 years of experience and are a CHAS-affiliated supplier of electrical systems. Our technicians can expect your building and determine what you must do to make the switch safely and with a minimal amount of disruption.

How lighting maintenance can help with energy efficiency

 
Our team often works with the same businesses for years, providing an array of electrical services and maintenance. One of the aspects people forget about switching to energy-efficient lighting is the impact of lighting maintenance.

Hiring an electrician to change out lamps every few weeks is a poor use of time and resources. Unfortunately, with incandescent lamps lasting a mere 1,000 lighting hours, this was long the reality for the UK’s business community.

Today, things have changed.

LEDs enjoy up to 50,000 lighting hours, meaning you keep maintenance to a minimum. Your electrician can work with you to schedule regular maintenance for your lighting system that keeps things as affordable as possible.

Should your business upgrade to LED lighting?

Upgrading to LED lighting may sound like an extra hassle, but it also delivers enormous benefits to how you operate. Over a decade, you could save thousands of pounds on your energy bills – and in a climate of exponentially rising energy bills, this is no small benefit.

If you’re unsure about switching, here are some great reasons to do it:

Cost-Effectiveness – LED lamps will save you a massive amount on your energy bills, even though they are more expensive to purchase upfront.

Energy-Efficiency – No lighting option is more energy-efficient than LEDs. These are the gold standard, enabling you to reduce your carbon footprint.

Maintenance – LEDs are the lighting option for the business that doesn’t like maintenance. It’s no exaggeration to say that a single LED could last a business for years.

Flexibility – These lamps produce more natural-feeling light, with options to mimic sunlight or create certain ambiences, whether at the entrance to a restaurant or the boardroom.

Sustainability – Bolster your green credentials with one of the simplest actions you can take. LEDs are among the most impactful pound-for-pound moves you can make to turn your business green.

Begin your journey to becoming a more energy-efficient business with the help of Wells Electrical Contractors. Our team can design, install and maintain your new LED-powered lighting system for a single, transparent price under the guidance of a team with decades of collective experience. To learn more about LED lighting, contact us today.

Maintained vs Non-Maintained Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting is essential for any commercial building in the UK. It provides sufficient illumination if the primary lighting circuits fail to allow everyone to evacuate the building safely.

Various UK legislation applies to emergency lighting, with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 being one of the cornerstones. With practically no exceptions, emergency lighting is a must-have, but there are different types available.

In today’s guide, we’ll discuss the difference between maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting.

What is the difference between maintained and non-maintained emergency lights?

Maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting accomplish the same goal of providing sufficient emergency lighting throughout your commercial premises. However, they take different approaches.

Maintained emergency lighting operates continuously. It functions as part of your conventional lighting setup, providing constant illumination. It’s a dual-purpose solution because it is both standard and emergency lighting. An example of a maintained emergency lighting system could be an illuminated exit sign.

On the other hand, non-maintained emergency lights are dormant. They remain switched off until the primary lighting system goes down. Although other differences exist, this is the primary differentiator between the two lighting systems.

Power usage of maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting

Naturally, there’s also a difference between how much power these two emergency lighting systems require.

Maintained emergency lighting’s dual functionality means these systems are typically installed in high-traffic areas. They consume more energy because they’re never switched off.

In contrast, non-maintained lighting offers the benefit of more efficient energy consumption because they remain inactive most of the time. You’ll only see non-maintained lighting working if there’s a power cut or other emergency situation.

Businesses worried about increased energy costs may favour non-maintained emergency lighting. However, they are best suited to areas of low occupancy or places where specialised, non-standard activities are carried out.

Can you save power by switching to non-maintained emergency lighting?

Energy usage is becoming a massive consideration for UK’s businesses. According to a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) survey, 81% of businesses are expected to raise prices in the next two years due to energy costs.

Considering the differences between maintained vs. non-maintained emergency lighting, can you switch to the latter to reduce energy costs?

Yes, but even non-maintained lights consume energy. They require a constant trickle charge to keep their backup batteries charged. But your choice of emergency lighting can’t be made on financial grounds at all. Ultimately, these systems are about keeping people safe.

The rule of thumb is that non-maintained lighting is acceptable when the occupants of a building are familiar with their surroundings. For example, offices would likely fall into this category. However, public areas, such as shopping centres, usually have maintained emergency lighting as standard.

Pros of maintained emergency lighting

• Continuous Illumination – These lights provide constant illumination, enabling them to function as regular and emergency lighting. This simplifies your lighting infrastructure because you don’t need separate fixtures.
• Compliance – According to BS 5266-1, some settings require maintained emergency lighting. This is because maintained lighting provides immediate visibility in emergencies, preventing panic.
• Reliability - Checking that these lights work correctly is easy because they’re always on. Any faults are visible immediately, allowing you to rectify any issues.

Cons of maintained emergency lighting

• Higher Energy Consumption – Maintained lights are always on, meaning they consume more energy. This will always mean spending more. Plus, extra energy use contributes to a bigger carbon footprint.
• More Wear and Tear – Constant use increases the likelihood of wear and tear, including broken bulbs and fixtures. It also means a lower lifespan than non-maintained lighting.
• Installation Costs – Maintained emergency lighting needs fixtures designed for continuous operation. This could extend to more wiring, bigger battery storage facilities and control systems, driving up costs.

Advantages and disadvantages of non-maintained emergency lighting

Non-maintained emergency lighting offers some advantages because it is not continuously operated and is the perfect solution for certain low-traffic areas.

Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of non-maintained emergency lighting.

Pros of non-maintained emergency lighting

• Better Energy Efficiency - Non-maintained lights should ideally never need to be used. This means the only energy they consume is the trickle charge from the mains to keep their batteries fully charged. If you’re worried about costs and environmental impact, non-maintained is an excellent choice.
• Longer Lifespan – Non-maintained lights aren’t used regularly, meaning they’ll often outlast their maintained counterparts. This also has the knock-on effect of not requiring regular replacements of bulbs, batteries and fixtures.
• Simplified Lighting Systems - Installation is often less expensive and complex because these lights aren’t integrated into conventional lighting systems. This can simplify your electrical setup and cut installation costs.

Cons of non-maintained emergency lighting

• No Continuous Lighting – Unlike maintained lighting, non-maintained lighting serves a singular purpose. In environments where constant lighting is necessary, you’ll need two separate lighting systems to provide sufficient illumination.
• Potential Delays - These lights may take a few seconds to activate in an emergency, which can cause considerable risk in areas where immediate lighting is required.
• Battery Dependence - The performance of non-maintained emergency lighting depends entirely on current battery health. Since they aren’t switched on under normal circumstances, they require regular maintenance and testing to detect faults. This means additional costs to carry out a compliant testing regime.

Which type of emergency lighting does your business need?

Knowing the differences between emergency and non-maintained emergency lighting is necessary, but it’s rarely a choice between one or the other. Most businesses use both types of emergency lighting.

For example, a cinema might use maintained emergency lighting in the lobby, whereas they’ll use non-maintained lighting in the actual cinema rooms themselves.

The best way to handle the problem is to consult a professional. At Wells Electrical Contractors, we specialise in supporting the UK’s businesses installing, maintaining and testing their emergency lighting systems. As a NICEIC-approved contractor, our qualified electrical engineers are the partners you need to ensure full compliance with UK legislation.

To learn more about how we can help you with your emergency lighting needs, contact the team now.

Why Should you Upgrade to LED Lighting?

Reducing carbon emissions is a top priority for businesses, as green issues loom prominently in customers' minds. The Light-Emitting Diode (LED) is today's gold lighting technology standard.

Plus, it’s one of the most rapidly developing lighting technologies. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), LED efficacy has increased by four lumens/watt annually since 2010. Installing best-in-class LEDs ensures your lights are more durable, have a longer lifespan, and offer better light quality.

However, LED upgrades can be expensive, especially if using top-tier LED technologies. In this guide, we’ll discuss the benefits of upgrading to LED lighting and what you must prepare for.

How does commercial LED lighting work?

Commercial and residential LED lighting are different. On average, residential LEDs pump out 100 lumens per watt, whereas the best commercial LED lighting solutions offer more than double this.

The UK is a world leader in LED lighting, with the country proposing to increase the minimum energy performance for this lighting to the highest globally. It shows our commitment to equipping our economy with the best possible lighting solutions.

LED lights produce light without as much heat as their incandescent and halogen ancestors. Electrical currents pass through an internal microchip, illuminating the light sources called LEDs inside. The photons within produce light without heat, which is also why LEDs take longer to get hot.

On average, 90% of the energy used is converted to visible light, whereas 90% of energy in incandescent lamps is converted to heat.

What is involved in upgrading to LED lighting?

Adopting this sustainable lighting solution in your business isn’t as complex as you think. You can often perform a like-for-like swap with your existing lamps with no real alterations.

However, some fixtures and wiring may need to be retrofitted and replaced. These upgrades will require professional servicing from a company like Wells Electrical Contractors. Some of the considerations involved will include:

• Brightness
• Base type
• Lamp type
• Colour temperature
• Angle
• Installation position

Understand that maximising the benefits of an LED upgrade depends entirely on the quality of the LED and how it’s installed. Choosing high-quality lights and working with experienced professionals are investments that will pay dividends.

Do businesses need an EICR before upgrading to LED lighting?

Obtaining an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years is a must to test the integrity and capacity of your current electrical infrastructure.

As a rule, it’s wise to do it before performing any major electrical upgrade to guarantee no faults in your electrical installation. In short, it’s neither safe nor wise to perform an LED lighting upgrade without obtaining a recent report before upgrading.

What are the benefits of upgrading to LED lighting for businesses?

LED lighting raises the bar for lighting solutions. Ending reliance on traditional lamps brings enormous benefits to your business in terms of cost and sustainability. Plus, LEDs are the way forward, with these lamps expected to make up 85% of all lamps sold by 2030 in the UK.

So, what benefits can upgrading to LED lighting bring to UK businesses?

Reduce your energy use

It’s no secret energy costs have been biting businesses, with even small businesses spending thousands more on energy than before.

Switching to LEDs is one of the most effective ways to save energy. Standard lamps may spend 50 W of energy, while LEDs can produce the same amount of visible light with 5 W. Whatever your business spends on lighting costs now could drop by up to 90%.

Longer lamp life

Stop wasting your time replacing lamps every couple of months. LED lamps last 25 times longer than standard incandescent lamps. This changes the average life expectancy of lamps from three months to as long as ten years.

Here’s a lifespan comparison:

• Incandescent lamps – 1000 hours
• Halogen lamps – 2000 hours
• CFL lamps – 6000 hours
• LED lamps – 50,000 hours

Produce less heat

Busy commercial premises can get hot, especially in the summer months. Traditional lights increase the temperature because they work by heating either a metal filament or a gas-filled chamber. Older lamps don’t produce light as their primary product. Visible light is the by-product, hence why they’re so inefficient.

Hot lamps are a burn risk and can spontaneously burst into flames if they exceed their expected temperatures. Contrast this to LED lamps, which produce little to no heat. It’s why LEDs are cool to the touch.

The sustainable choice

LED lamps are a sustainable choice because they’re much more efficient and are manufactured using non-harmful substances.

For example, fluorescent lights contain coils filled with toxic mercury. LED lights use no such thing, making them an excellent choice for the environment.

Cost

LED lights are cheaper on every front, including:

1. Purchase cost
2. Annual running cost

In the past, LEDs were more efficient and expensive to purchase. This is no longer the case, making them the clear winner if your business wants to save costs.

Versatility

Most guides talk about LED lights in terms of their cost and sustainability benefits, but they also offer other perks that make them the most versatile lighting solution available.

Here’s a roundup of what separates LED lamps from traditional lamps:

Directed Light - LED lights can emit light in a targeted way. They can be used as lamps, ceiling downlights, emergency lighting and more. Traditional lamps require the extra cost of reflectors and diffusers.

Instant Illumination – LEDs operate at 100% brightness when switched on. This is extremely useful if you use the lights for security or health and safety purposes.

Dimming Capacity - Due to the hardware used to make LED technology a reality, LEDs may be dimmed to any percentage of their power ratings.

Colour Choices – LED lamps are available in an incredible range of colour options, including warm yellows and cool whites, suitable for settings like warehouses. You can also easily find LED lamps in non-conventional colours, including red, blue and green, which is handy if you’re trying to set a certain mood in a retail or hospitality environment.

LED installations can be moulded to whatever you want to accomplish. It’s why they’re quickly becoming the leading choice for every business scenario in the UK.

LED lighting upgrades with Wells Electrical Contractors

Upgrading to LED lighting has no real drawbacks other than the initial cost of the upgrade itself. The UK government has even released grants for small and medium-sized commercial businesses to switch to these lighting solutions.

At Wells Electrical Contractors, we possess more than 65 years of experience in providing electrical services to UK businesses. If you’re in need of NICEIC-approved and CHAS-affiliated contractors you can trust, get in touch to discuss your LED lighting upgrade today.

How Often should Emergency Lighting be Tested?

Protecting your staff and customers should be at the forefront of your mind. Naturally, the UK has stringent rules regarding emergency lighting—and particularly testing. If you fail to comply, your company could be fined thousands of pounds.

At Wells Electrical Contractors, our NICEIC-approved contractors have provided testing services to thousands of businesses nationwide to enable them to stay in compliance. But aside from compliance with the law, standby lighting saves lives.

So, how can you ensure you’re testing your emergency lighting correctly?

How often should emergency lights be checked?

Before discussing formal testing, basic visual checks performed daily are a good habit to get into. Any designated person can do this basic walk-through, which consists of checking to make sure lights aren’t too dirty or obscured.

However, if your emergency lighting system uses a central battery, you must check the indicator light daily. Most modern emergency lighting systems use separate batteries for each light, meaning you’re not required to perform these daily checks. Even so, it’s still recommended that you do a visual check daily for peace of mind.

How often do emergency lights need to be tested?

Let’s start with the basic legislation detailing emergency lighting installation and testing. In the UK, standby lighting is required to comply with BS 5266-1, stating every qualifying building must have adequate illumination to aid in escape and identifying firefighting equipment.

In practice, this legal requirement covers practically every commercial and industrial setting with few exceptions, including:

• Offices
• Shopping centres
• Hospitals
• Schools
• Entertainment venues
• Pubs
• Nightclubs
• Factories

How often you must test your emergency lighting varies based on the system. For example, different testing frequencies apply to non-maintained and maintained emergency lighting. Generally, this can get confusing, so the rule of thumb is that lighting should be tested monthly and annually.

For example, luminaries must be clean to pass the test and provide sufficient illumination. Can you spot the difference between sufficient and insufficient illumination? Most non-experts can’t, meaning your company could inadvertently fail a surprise audit.

Is monthly emergency lighting testing a legal requirement?

Flick tests must be carried out by law. There’s no getting around this fact. Unlike the daily test, this basic functional test is required to remain in compliance. Furthermore, businesses must record these tests within a special logbook, including any faults that were detected.

Plus, if any faults are found, businesses are required to take remedial action as soon as possible. Likewise, an auditor will look for evidence that remedial action was taken.

Annual emergency lighting tests

The annual or “full-duration test” is also a legal requirement of emergency lighting and consists of more in-depth testing than flick tests. Unlike monthly tests, a qualified professional, such as Wells Electrical Contractors, must carry out these.

Full-duration tests last for three hours and involve cutting the primary lighting circuits. Each emergency light must remain switched on and provide sufficient illumination for the entire period to pass.

In many cases, these tests are done alongside fire alarm servicing, which can be done at the same time as the emergency lighting test.

What time of day is best to perform an emergency lighting test?

Many business owners struggle with scheduling a suitable time for an emergency lighting test. They want to minimise the disruption to their business while remaining compliant.

No law states that you must carry out the test at a certain time of year or a specific time of day. It’s entirely up to you to find a convenient time. Let’s discuss the issues involved in emergency lighting testing during the day or night.

Day testing vs. night testing

Daytime testing is often the most convenient from a testing perspective because you can monitor the process, and it’s often easier to find a technician who can carry out the test. Plus, it’s safer for everybody inside because even if there’s an issue with a light, your employees can still see where they’re going.

Why some business owners avoid daytime testing include:

· Disruption: Cutting the primary power supply can prevent you from conducting your usual business operations. In the context of a larger business, this could amount to hundreds of thousands of pounds lost.

· Testing Difficulties: Testing can be challenging during the day, especially during the summer. If bright lights are shining through the windows, it can be tough to see if a light is preventing sufficient illumination.

On the other hand, testing at night is more hazardous because if the lighting system isn’t working, everyone could be plunged into darkness. Businesses must take extra health and safety precautions if testing at night, even though it’s often the least disruptive option.

Generally, it’s best to get the best of both worlds. Scheduling your test at the end of the working day minimises disruption while allowing some natural light to avert potential health and safety violations.

But what if your business operates 24/7, and there’s no convenient time to initiate the test?

In this case, there’s no getting around disruption. We recommend analysing your activity patterns to find the least problematic time for your annual emergency lighting test. At Wells Electrical Contractors, we can operate 24/7, enabling us to work around your schedule while providing the in-depth testing required by law.

To learn more about hiring our experienced technicians for your emergency lighting tests, contact us now. Our in-depth guide to emergency lighting also tells you everything else you’d need to know to stay compliant.