Where Should Emergency Lighting Be Installed?

Emergency lighting is a key part of keeping your workplace safe and secure. It’s an enormous part of fire safety and preventing panic should the mains power circuit fail. Yet many companies see matters like emergency lighting as a box-ticking exercise.

At Wells Electrical Contractors, we bring over 65 years of collective experience to the table, supporting businesses in designing, installing, and maintaining their emergency lighting systems. After delivering electrical work to the likes of Smyths Toys and Bluecoat Liverpool, we’re equipped to serve all your emergency lighting needs.

The different types of emergency lighting

Emergency lighting comes in two forms: maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting. Both are vital for ensuring safety throughout your business.

1. Maintained Lighting – Maintained emergency lighting is perpetually burning and is always connected to the mains. These form part of a room’s usual lighting system but can remain on during a power cut because of their backup battery. It’s most commonly used in non-residential areas, like theatres, cinemas, and bars.

2. Non-Maintained Lighting – Non-maintained lighting functions when a building’s primary power fails. These lights are linked to a battery and the primary electric circuitry, allowing them to stay switched off until needed. According to the latest fire safety government regulations, these lights must be able to function for three hours without mains power.

A third type of emergency lighting is also available. This is known as combined emergency lighting and is a combination of maintained and non-maintained lighting. They consist of multiple lights, with one acting like a maintained light and the other a non-maintained light.

Check out our advice on how to test emergency lighting.

Are there legal requirements for emergency lighting placement?

Legal requirements control where emergency lighting must be installed in different types of buildings. According to BS 5266-1 regulations, all common areas like stairwells, exit points, and hallways must contain emergency lighting.

The regulations focus on ensuring that all escape routes are sufficiently illuminated and unobstructed. Additionally, areas with extra risks, like kitchens, must have emergency lighting. In short, how many emergency lights and where they must be placed will depend on the layout of your building.

You should also consider the legal requirements around testing emergency lighting.

Where should emergency lighting be installed?

Buildings must have emergency lighting installed along all escape routes and common areas. The law states that escape routes must have appropriate lighting to guide people out of your building should the mains electricity fail.

Here’s a round-up of the most essential regulations regarding location:

·  Open areas larger than 60 square metres must have emergency lighting installed.

·  Emergency lighting must be fitted within two metres of horizontal distance above all fire alarms and firefighting equipment.

·  Each luminary must provide three hours of continuous lighting where emergency lights are placed.

Although these regulations are relatively straightforward, different buildings may have unique emergency lighting placement requirements. That’s why all businesses must get a professional assessment to comply with the latest regulations.

How far apart should emergency lighting be placed?

It’s not just where emergency lighting is but how far it is from installations like doors, exit signs, and changes in floor level. Additionally, the distance must be sufficient to provide a minimum amount of lighting.

For example, escape routes should have at least 1 lux of lighting, whereas open areas only need 0.5 lux to achieve compliance.

Here are some specific scenarios and where emergency lighting must be placed:

·  Illuminated Signs – Any signs that are illuminated externally must have emergency lighting within two metres.

·  Escape Routes (Below Two Metres in Width) – Narrow escape routes require a minimum lighting level of 1 lux along the precise centreline.

·  Escape Routes (Above Two Metres in Width) – Larger escape routes can be treated as having multiple two-metre strips. Each of these “strips” must have a lighting level of 1 lux crossing at least 50% of its width.

·  Open Areas – Open areas greater than 60 square metres must have a 0.5 lux illumination due to the higher chance of panic in these wide-open spaces.

These are just some examples of placement situations you might encounter. Of course, every business differs, which is why turning to the professionals at Wells Electrical for a complete assessment is the best way to start designing your emergency lighting infrastructure.

Why emergency lighting design is important

Each building requires its own bespoke emergency lighting design that fits with the overall layout of the area. Proper design supports safe evacuation during emergencies and prevents unnecessary injuries and panic.

Well-designed emergency lighting accomplishes four goals:

1. Health and safety

The primary purpose of emergency lighting is to guide everyone out of the building without injury if your primary electricity supply fails. It’s there to prevent panic, which could result in trips, falls, and stampedes. If your infrastructure isn’t up to code, you could cause unnecessary injuries, for which you’ll be liable.

2. Business continuity

Power outages are enormously disruptive for businesses, especially when they’re prolonged. Minor power cuts that don’t require a complete evacuation still prevent your usual operations from being carried out.

Good emergency lighting design minimises downtime and mitigates the potential losses caused by your company coming to a standstill.

3. Compliance with the law

The law forces businesses of all sizes to comply with emergency lighting legislation. It’s a requirement for all commercial and non-domestic buildings to have some form of emergency lighting that can spring into action if the mains power fails.

If you don’t have a well-maintained, well-designed lighting system, you risk legal action being taken against you. In the event someone is injured or killed due to not meeting your obligations, it could well shut your business down for good.

4. Support the emergency services

Emergency lighting isn’t just there to help you get out. It’s there to help the emergency services get in.

Some of the ways emergency services use this lighting include:

·  Assessing the situation.

·  Finding lost individuals.

·  Reaching injured parties.

·  Supporting firefighting and medical capabilities.

As you can see, emergency lighting isn’t one of those health and safety regulations requiring a tick in a box. It’s something that could well save your life.

Work with the professionals at Wells Electrical Contractors to begin designing and installing your emergency lighting and keep your employees and customers safe. To learn more about emergency lighting design and installation, contact us today.

Designing an Emergency Lighting System

Installing emergency lighting systems protects employees and customers from harm should you experience a power outage. In practically every business in the UK, emergency lighting isn’t just a recommendation, it’s the law.
 

Per The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, business owners must ensure that they have taken the appropriate steps to guarantee a minimum level of fire safety, including through the provision of emergency lighting.

At Wells Electrical Contractors, our NICEIC-approved contractors ensure you’ve got an emergency lighting system that complies with the law and saves lives. It all starts with creating a bespoke design that leaves no stone unturned.

Why emergency lighting design needs to be carefully considered

No two businesses will have precisely the same emergency lighting design because every building’s layout differs. For emergency lighting to be effective, it must have proper placement and coverage to provide sufficient lighting levels to allow people to evacuate safely.

Simply having emergency lighting isn’t enough to comply with the law. According to one study, 44% of English firms didn’t have the correct emergency lighting, even when it was present. Non-compliance is a serious issue, and if the worst happens, it could even result in criminal charges.

In short, emergency lighting is only half of your legal obligations. The second part is having a well-designed system that accounts for the intricacies of your building’s layout.

Check out our comprehensive guide to emergency lighting installation. 

Emergency lighting design: Risk assessment

Aspects of your comprehensive risk assessment that we will cover include:

·   Positioning of signage.

·   Positioning of luminaries.

·   Minimum required lighting levels at floor level.

·   Legal minimum illumination levels.

·   Required response times between the failure of normal lighting and the emergency lighting switch-on.

Your risk assessment is primarily guided by BS 5266-1 regulations, which are the UK’s regulations specific to emergency lighting. We’ll also account for any unique risks to a safe, orderly evacuation and how your emergency lighting will fit into your overall fire safety plans.

How the emergency lighting design process works

Emergency lighting design follows a tried-and-tested process to guarantee that businesses have a system that saves lives while achieving the necessary legal compliance. At Wells Electrical Contractors, we follow a defined five-phase strategy that covers everything from the initial consultation to the sign-off of your new system.

Step one – Risk assessment

All designs start with a risk assessment that analyses risks relevant to your business and your site’s layout. It happens within the context of the UK’s fire safety regulations, so your design aligns with your obligations.

We’ll cover factors like the type of building, number of occupants, hours of use, available escape routes, dangerous equipment, and high-risk zones.

Step two – Site survey

It’s vital that we map your building’s layout to determine where emergency lighting must be positioned to facilitate an evacuation, wherever your employees or customers are in the building at the time.

This requires one of our engineers to physically inspect your premises, noting layouts, dimensions, and any hazards that could stand in the way of an evacuation. We’ll also define escape routes and available exits.

Step three – Identifying specific lighting needs

Different environments present different challenges. It means tailored solutions are needed to deal with potential safety issues. For example, areas that are nearly always highlighted when designing emergency lighting systems include:

·   Stairwells

·   Lifts

·   Control panels

·   Bathrooms

·   Fire alarm call points

Businesses within high-risk industries also often have different needs from conventional offices and shops that require extra consideration.

Step four – Building the best emergency lighting system

After preliminary investigations and full site surveys, we’re now ready to move on to building a high-performance lighting system that complies with UK law.

We’ll discuss different systems, such as maintained, non-maintained lighting, and combined emergency lighting fixtures. This is also where we’ll perform lux-level calculations throughout your building to ensure you meet the minimum 1 lux for escape routes and 0.5 lux for open areas.

Other factors include:

·   Shadows

·   Uniformity

·   Power sources

·   Lighting duration vs. risk

It’s a collaborative partnership, so we’ll be working with your team every step of the way to ensure that you understand your new system and why it’s designed and installed in a particular way.

Step five – Installing your lighting system

The final step is where we’ll actually install your lighting system and test it to check that it will perform under real-life conditions.

We’ll turn to BS-7671 regulations during the installation and perform functional testing to simulate mains failure. Additionally, we’ll provide a commissioning certificate to enable you to prove that your lighting system complies with all relevant requirements.

Note that regular emergency lighting testing is required, including a full-duration test once every year. Our engineers are qualified to perform these tests. Allow us to set up a testing schedule that minimises disruption to your day-to-day operations.

Designing and planning an emergency lighting system with Wells Electrical

Planning an emergency lighting system shouldn’t be considered a box-ticking exercise. We hope you’ll never have to rely on it, but if you do, it’s the type of system that’s proven to save lives.

With over 65 years of experience and a nationwide reputation that precedes us, we’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the country, including Smyths Toys and Bluecoat Liverpool. Our end-to-end services deliver on everything from design to installation and ongoing testing to give you peace of mind.

If you’re ready to design your emergency lighting system, get in touch with us now.

Installing an Emergency Lighting System

Are you thinking about installing an emergency lighting system in your workplace? Emergency lighting saves lives by ensuring everyone can evacuate safely in a crisis.

Workplace fires are more common than you think, with 7,000 workplace fires reported in 2023/24. But although fires remain the biggest threat, even simple power cuts and emergency drills rely on emergency lighting to prevent serious injury.

At Wells Electrical Contractors, we know what it takes to install a robust and legally compliant emergency lighting system. With over 65 years of combined experience, we’re a CHAS and Construction Line-affiliated supplier of electrical systems that UK business owners can rely on. Here’s what you must know about installing an emergency lighting system.

Installing a new emergency lighting system: The basics

Emergency lights are legally required for most businesses in the UK. The regulations that govern this are the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and various other forms of general health and safety legislation.

With that in mind, the success of your new emergency lighting system is all about planning. Unlike buying a new computer or coffee maker, there’s no such thing as a plug-and-go emergency lighting system. Each one is tailored to the company in question, which is why, before the installation begins, you must carry out a comprehensive risk assessment.

Planning your emergency lighting system installation

Before anything happens, you’ll need to map out what your emergency lighting system looks like to maintain compliance. A professional contractor will conduct a complete risk assessment of your business, accounting for the unique layout of your building.

Typically, there are three areas your initial plan hinges on:

1. High-Risk Areas – Identify the high-risk areas of the workplace, such as stairwells, narrow hallways, firefighting equipment, and potential bottlenecks in a panic.

2. Escape Routes – Emergency lights are designed to guide employees and customers alike to the nearest exit. Part of your risk assessment will be establishing all available escape routes from different parts of the building.

3. Open Areas – Open areas can quickly result in people becoming lost and confused when there’s a power cut. Emergency lighting must account for these open areas, including size and illumination levels.

All of these aspects will be accounted for during your risk assessment. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions and receive tailored recommendations from a professional.

Understanding what type of emergency lighting system your business needs

Different emergency lighting systems often make up the overall emergency lighting infrastructure. Typically, you’ll start by deciding between maintained systems, non-maintained systems, or both.

So, what’s the difference between the two?

1. Maintained Emergency Lighting – Maintained lighting operates as emergency and general lighting because it’s permanently switched on. During outages, they switch away from mains power and rely on battery power. They’re most commonly found in large public areas, including cinemas and shopping centres.

2. Non-Maintained Emergency Lights – Non-maintained lighting is only seen when there’s a power cut. Like maintained systems, they’re connected to the mains, but they’ll only be active when the power is cut and they’re forced to switch over to battery power.

Different workplaces need different solutions, and both systems offer benefits. Maintained lighting allows a sense of normalcy to reign to prevent panic during emergencies. In contrast, non-maintained lighting saves enormous amounts of energy because it only kicks in when necessary.

Of course, regardless of which system works best for your firm, there are different types of installations within each category. For example, these may include standardised LED lights or emergency exit signs positioned above escape routes.

Every installation follows a defined stage after agreeing on the basic infrastructure. With Wells Electrical Contractors, we use defined phases to outline to you how it works. Although it might sound simple on paper, this is not something that should be done by anybody but a qualified electrician, even if you have DIY skills.

Not only is installing any electrical system inherently dangerous, but you could find yourself spending more later to fix any mistakes. Moreover, since emergency lighting systems are part of your business’s legal compliance, installation by an unqualified individual can create safety hazards, resulting in non-compliance.

Here's what the installation process looks like.

Risk assessment and planning

The first stage is determining your organisation’s needs alongside one of our experienced contractors. We’ll walk through your business and provide customised recommendations for which emergency lighting installations work for you. It’s also an opportunity for us to inspect your existing electrical infrastructure.

Wiring and connections

The safety and reliability of an emergency lighting system depend on the quality of the wiring. Faulty electrical connections can spark and lead to fires. Moreover, there’s always the risk that poor-quality wiring will mean your emergency lights fail to work when you need them, which could put lives at risk.

Testing

Before marking an emergency lighting system as ready to be used, we test every aspect of the new system to ensure everything is working correctly. Note that this is in addition to the regular testing your firm is obligated to conduct every month and year.

Proper testing guarantees system readiness and alignment with the UK’s legal standards, including business insurance requirements.

Find out more about testing emergency lighting.

How much does emergency light installation cost?

The cost of installing emergency lighting depends entirely on your business. The larger your property and the more lights you require, the more it will cost. The age and complexity of the layout also influence the overall cost.

As part of your initial consultation, we can provide a quote for how much emergency lighting will cost your business. Unlike other providers, the price we provide is the price you actually get because we don’t incorporate hidden charges into our work.

Emergency lighting installation with Wells Electrical Contractors

Emergency lighting is a legal requirement for practically every business in the country, with few exceptions. However, this requirement shouldn’t be seen as a box-ticking exercise but a genuine life-saving measure.

At Wells Electrical Contractors, our NICEIC-approved contractors have been installing emergency lighting for the UK’s business community for the past 15 years, including names like Smyths Toys. If you’re searching for a solutions provider who can tailor your installation to you, contact us today.

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.

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.

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.

Do Commercial Lighting Circuits Need RCD Protection?

Ensuring your building’s commercial lighting circuits meet the required standard is part of your obligation to protect customers, employees and other visitors. Part of this obligation is the installation of the Residual Current Device (RCD).

In many cases, business owners don’t know whether these safety devices are required to protect against electric shocks and fires due to earth faults. For this, we look to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.

Let’s discuss everything you must know about RCD protection on lighting circuits.

RCD protection on lighting circuits: Explained

RCDs are safety switches designed to protect people from electrical shocks. Since electrocution can be deadly, especially when dealing with high-powered commercial circuits, RCDs are a common feature of practically every lighting solution. At Wells Electrical Contractors, we install them as standard.

Like any safety device, RCDs are effective but not 100% foolproof. It’s not uncommon for building owners to install but fail to check them regularly, leading to failed electrical safety audits. This is why the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) receives around 1,000 reports of burns and shocks annually.

Sadly, around 30 of them are fatal.

It underpins the importance of installing RCDs and instituting regular checks to ensure they’re still functioning.

Which circuits need RCD protection?

RCDs detect leaks that could cause electric shock. Conventional electrical currents are intended to travel via select conduits. When there’s a leak, electrical power can leave these conduits, creating a shock hazard for unsuspecting people.

An RCD detects these leaks and automatically disconnects the power source to reduce the risk of a shock. They’re not 100% effective against shocks, but even when shocks do happen, RCDs reduce the intensity, which could save somebody’s life.

But does this also apply to commercial lighting circuits?

The answer is yes. They won’t stop a blown circuit, but if your lighting is regularly shutting down, it indicates a problem with your circuitry. However, RCDs will prevent intense electric shocks.

Wiring regulations for commercial property owners

RCD protection is often a confusing subject generally for businesses. We often refer to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, or BS 7671, because this is the Bible for using RCDs in the commercial world.

While socket outlets rated up to 32A in places like kitchens and bathrooms always need RCD protection, lighting circuits are an outlier because there are no exceptions. You always need RCD protection for any lighting circuits indoors and outdoors.

But what if you read that these regulations aren’t legally binding?

This is true. None of these regulations are by themselves legally binding and cannot be enforced by law. On the other hand, compliance with them is required to comply with rules that are legally binding.

For example, BS 7671 compliance is needed in England and Wales to meet Part P of the Building Regulations. Likewise, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 refers directly to BS 7671.

In other words, you can’t be taken to court due to non-compliance with BS 7671, but non-compliance with that means you’re failing compliance with other legally binding legislation.

On a side note, it’s important to mention that BS 7671 is also used by other parties, including safety assessors and insurers. For example, if there’s a fire or severe electric shock on your premises, your insurance will likely be null and void if it was found you didn’t have RCDs installed on your lighting circuits.

Wiring regulations for commercial property owners

Commercial property owners need to bear two things in mind:

1. All lighting circuits must have RCDs installed.

2. All RCDs must be installed by a qualified electrician.

But an RCD isn’t a bog-standard product you can install once and then forget about. Your legal requirements extend beyond the installation stage. Let’s discuss the three points you must know.

Choosing the right RCD

RCDs are not a one-size-fits-all product. Compliance means choosing the appropriate RCD for the appropriate circuit, which differs between businesses, whether hotels, shopping centres, or factories.

Some examples of factors to consider include:

• Location

• System type

• Load type

Maintenance and Inspection

The biggest mistake businesses make is not inspecting or regularly testing their RCDs once installed. These processes are essential for ensuring they operate safely and efficiently for years to come.

Again, the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations have specific sections outlining precisely what must be done to maintain RCDs.

Testing

Like other aspects of your electrical infrastructure, RCDs must undergo regular testing to confirm that they are fit for purpose.

It’s recommended that RCDs are tested at least every three months as standard. Furthermore, additional tests are recommended after making any changes or repairs to your electrical system. Again, this is something only a qualified electrician is permitted to do.

RCDs protect commercial lighting circuits, but you must have the right RCDs installed, maintained and tested by a professional. Regardless of your electrical knowledge, handling any aspect yourself means automatic non-compliance and all the consequences that come with that.

Emergency Lighting Inspection Checklist

Emergency lighting is essential for protecting your staff and customers. If your primary lighting systems are cut off for any reason, emergency lighting helps guide everybody outside safely.

You are legally required to conduct regular emergency lighting inspections. Wells Electrical Contractors are NICEIC-approved contractors that support businesses in installing, maintaining and testing their emergency lighting systems.

If you’re wondering how emergency lighting inspections work, here’s a comprehensive checklist.

What are the legal requirements for emergency lighting inspections?

With few exceptions, emergency lighting is required in all commercial and industrial buildings in the UK. Furthermore, any business with emergency lighting must comply with the relevant British standard.

In the UK, BS 5266-1 governs the “full duration” test requirements, which must be carried out annually by an authorised professional and last for at least three hours. Monthly tests, known as “flick tests”, are also required for all businesses. In both cases, tests simulate the failure of the mains power supply to check that emergency lighting lamps illuminate correctly.

Each lamp must not only work but must also provide a minimum amount of illumination. The test results must be recorded within an internal logbook for auditing purposes. Finally, if any issues are detected, appropriate remedial action must be taken.

Failure to comply with these legal lighting requirements could lead to significant fines from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

Do you need a certificate for emergency lighting compliance?

The Certificate of Emergency Lighting Test and Report is required to prove compliance with the law. These certificates may only be filled out by an approved contractor, such as Wells Electrical Contractors. After completing your annual test, you will receive one in physical or digital format.

Although monthly inspections are required, these may be carried out by a “competent person” within your organisation. Monthly inspection reports require no certificate but must be recorded within a logbook.

Without an annual Certificate of Emergency Lighting Test and Report, there is no proof of compliance with emergency lighting regulations.

Monthly emergency lighting test checklist

• Inform everyone beforehand that the primary power source will be temporarily switched off.

• Use your fish key, if available, or your fuse box to switch off the main power supply.

• Inspect each lamp individually for functionality and brightness.

• Record your findings on an emergency lighting test switch.

• Switch the power on again.

• Report the results of the test in your fire safety logbook.

• Act upon any issues with your emergency lighting.

Businesses can outsource monthly testing to a company like Wells Electrical to reduce disruption and ensure each test fully complies with the law. Alternatively, our team can train a designated person within your organisation to conduct and record these tests.

Who can carry out the monthly emergency light test?

Monthly emergency light tests don’t require a professional. The law states that a designated responsible party can carry out the test. However, they should be trained in how to do it and report the results of each test properly.

Unfortunately, non-NICEIC-approved contractors may lack the expertise to identify issues that are placing your business into non-compliance. We recommend outsourcing monthly testing to an experienced contractor to guarantee compliance and reduce disruption to day-to-day operations.

Either way, you must ensure a professional shows your designated person the ropes.

Annual emergency lighting test checklist

• Enlist a Qualified Person – BS-5266 standards legally require you to have a qualified emergency lighting engineer to conduct this test. Working with a qualified partner also ensures that your test is automatically arranged at the appropriate time.

• Cut the Power – The primary lighting circuits will be cut. This simulates a power cut and examines whether your emergency lights can run on battery power.

• Check for Duration – Passing this test requires each emergency light to run for a minimum period. Typically, this will be a three-hour test, and your emergency lights must operate for the complete duration to pass.

• Illumination Test – Each light must be thoroughly inspected for illumination levels. If an emergency light flickers, is dirty or doesn’t provide sufficient lumens, the light will fail the test and remedial action must be taken.

• Restore Power – Following the three-hour testing period, restore power. Your emergency lights should automatically switch off. Your contractor will then check each light fitting to ensure the battery is recharging, as indicated by a light on the fitting itself.

• Record the Results—Your emergency lighting engineer will record the test results and issue a certificate proving that a qualified party performed the test.

• Address Any Issues – If any lights fail the test, you must take action. This could include repairing fittings, replacing bulbs, or replacing the light entirely. Your contractor will outline what actions must be taken.

Full-duration tests put your emergency lights through their paces and guarantee compliance with the law. Note that you must act immediately if any issues arise during annual testing.

Who can carry out the annual emergency light test?

Only a NICEIC-approved contractor can conduct annual emergency light tests and issue an annual certificate of compliance.

At Wells Electrical, we’re approved and authorised to conduct full-rating tests. Over 15 years, we have conducted thousands of tests for businesses nationwide. Although you must go through an approved party for annual tests, we recommend doing the same for your monthly tests. Here are some of the reasons why:

Proactive Maintenance - Maintenance companies do far more than change lightbulbs. They can anticipate and resolve minor issues before they become significant problems, saving you money and stress in the long run.

Guarantee Safety - Emergency lighting testing isn’t a box-ticking exercise. It’s designed to protect you and your employees.

Protect Testing Integrity - Designating an employee to conduct testing may save money, but it doesn’t guarantee thorough testing. Only an experienced contractor can spot the little things that could compromise the effectiveness of your emergency lighting.

Reduce Business Disruption - Partnering with a brand like Wells Electrical Contractors ensures that you, your staff and your company can focus on the important things, like driving your business forward. Moving staff around to comply with emergency lighting testing is disruptive and reduces productivity. Tackle Problems Fast - Noticing problems is one thing, but solving them is quite another. Experienced professionals don’t just identify problems; they address them. Working with us guarantees immediate action if your emergency lights experience problems.

As you can see, you must hire a professional to conduct annual emergency lighting tests, but using the same provider for your monthly tests is also beneficial. Wells Electrical is the number one team if you need an experienced, approachable team of full-service electrical contractors.