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The Bluecoat in Liverpool – LED Lighting System Upgrade

Wells Electrical extensively improved lighting solutions for The Bluecoat, Liverpool’s contemporary arts centre

The Grade 1 listed building, which provides an award-winning programme for families, received upgraded LED lighting systems. As part of this important and necessary work, we also installed lighting controls for various common areas, office and bathroom facilities.

The LED lighting upgrade project

Our refit for The Bluecoat features PIR (passive infrared sensor) and lighting controls. We utilised Dextra ASD and ERCO products, ensuring the quality of the installation. 

We worked carefully and considerately around the staff and occupants of the premises, and in conjunction with other contractors that were carrying out another phase of building work. This allowed the building, as a vital resource, to avoid disrupting its services.

Further installations of metering were required, allowing better control of power usage to units, as well as data collection for billing. The metering works were in conjunction with Autometers.

How this upgrade benefited our client

With support from EU Arts Funding, Wells were able to provide lighting that would not only save energy for the building, but permit more control over energy use, creating a space that is both functional and economical. 

Ernest Griffiths, who designed the project, said “It was a pleasure to provide The Bluecoat with lighting that supported their mission to provide their community with access to the arts. Our team worked diligently, were able to provide snagging support quickly with a re-visit, and now The Bluecoat can enjoy their upgraded lighting solutions for years to come.”

What our client says about the project

Sue Baker, manager at The Bluecoat said: “Wells Electrical allowed us to keep working with the community as they undertook vital work for us, benefitting the people of Liverpool and beyond who enjoy our services. We greatly appreciate their willingness to accommodate our purpose, and the speed at which they resolved the minor issues that came up during the installation.”

Wells Electrical is delighted to report that The Bluecoat, and their mission, are now illuminated once again.

Show Business Interiors Ltd Crewe - LED Replacement and Design

We pride ourselves on achieving a 100% on-time and budget completion rate. We achieve this due to our very experienced project team. 

Evidencing this, following a recommendation by KGA UK Ltd, we were approached by Show Business Interiors, who are a new client. We had previously successfully worked with KGA UK Ltd on an £250,000.00 lighting replacement scheme.

The LED Replacement and Design project

We were tasked with designing and implementing a new scheme as Show Business Interiors were dissatisfied with the works that had been completed by another contractor.

We selected LDL Lighting Ltd for supply and design based on their excellent reputation for innovation and design. Our Contracts Manager spent time working with LDL Lighting to allow us to provide Show Business Interiors with several design options and budgets. Show Business Interiors selected a new lighting track system.

Re lamp works

We had two engineers on site for the duration of the project. They ensured that each area of the office they were working in was completed, left tidy and fully functional after each night shift.

All old lamps were disposed of in lamp coffins and rubbish removed from the site. All disposals complied with Environmental legislation.

How this upgrade benefited our client

Ensuring Health and Safety

The works were carried out on night shifts in accordance with current HSE legislation and the clients’ Health and Safety policies. Risk Assessments and Method Statements were supplied to the client in advance of works commencing with copies being stored on site.

Works being carried out at night meant that Health and Safety issues were mitigated as the office was fully functional during their normal business hours.

What our client says about the project

During the project there were no issues raised by the customer regarding the works carried out overnight. As a business, they were able to continue in their day to day activities as normal.

The customer was extremely satisfied with the new lighting system we installed.

Is it a Legal Requirement to Test Emergency Lighting?


Emergency lighting is critical to protecting everyone in your workplace at any given time. These lights operate independently from the mains power circuit, enabling everybody to exit the premises in a safe and orderly manner.

Although most businesses see the value of installing an emergency lighting system, many are unaware of their legal obligations. Typically, emergency lighting isn’t just legally mandated, but the law also requires regular testing to ensure they remain in good working order.

This guide discusses your legal obligations and the best way to ensure continued compliance.


What does emergency lighting testing include?

Emergency lighting testing is a comprehensive inspection of your entire setup. How the test is conducted depends on whether you need a monthly or annual test.

You should always call a professional to ensure that your emergency lighting is of the required standard, as current UK regulations dictate. 

As part of your test, a technician will ensure that:

  • Each light is fully illuminated

  • That your lights are charging

  • That the illumination is sufficient

 

Furthermore, our engineers can provide tailored advice on improving your emergency lighting system and any urgent action that may need to be taken. As a start, our full guide on emergency lighting may help you.

Is emergency lighting testing a legal requirement?


Current UK regulations state that all emergency lighting must be switched on and off at least once a month to ensure they remain operational. You don’t need to call in a professional for this, but it’s strongly recommended to guarantee your compliance.

However, a competent person must carry out the annual three-hour test. In other words, you will need a qualified professional to conduct this test.

Various laws apply to emergency lighting testing, including:

 

·  The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

·  Building Regulations 2000

·  Workplace Directive 89/654

·  The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

 

Businesses must take their obligations seriously because the penalties can be substantial, even for a first-time breach.

For example, an Abingdon hotel owner was recently fined £20,000 and £3,000 in costs because an inspection revealed that their emergency lighting systems were not working, among other serious fire safety issues.

In short, regular testing is a small price to pay to avoid costly breaches.

Which businesses have a legal requirement to test emergency lighting?

Any business that requires emergency lighting by law must comply with the same testing requirements unless stated otherwise due to the type of lighting.

In the UK, businesses follow the umbrella standard BS 5266-1, the code of practice dictating the installation and maintenance of emergency lighting.

Firstly, all commercial and industrial premises will require emergency lighting testing. Public buildings are also included, such as hospitals, schools, care homes and government buildings. This also extends to some private properties, such as multi-story buildings. 

  • Note that many construction sites may require temporary emergency lighting too.


What emergency lighting standards do businesses need to adhere to?

BS-5266 is intentionally designed to be general to cover as much ground as possible. The two main guidelines that require businesses to act are:

 

1. “Every workplace must have suitable and sufficient emergency lighting.”

2. “Emergency lighting should be provided and maintained in any room where employees are at risk if the regular lights should fail.”

 

In practice, this means that your emergency lighting system must provide sufficient lighting, which your technician can advise you on, and the emergency lighting system must cover all the correct areas and be functional at all times.

The results will be included in your fire risk assessment as part of your annual testing requirement, which the Fire and Rescue Service will then evaluate.

How often should an emergency lighting system legally be tested?


Testing frequency can vary depending on the lighting system you have in place. While this may sound confusing, the best way to manage emergency lighting system testing is to use the three-phase model.

The three-phase model works like so:

 

Daily Testing – Check for basic functionality. A simple visual check of all lights to ensure they are illuminated. A designated person can carry this out.

Monthly Testing – Monthly tests are short functional tests using your fish key. Just switch the main power off and examine the lights. Check the casings for any dirt or signs of damage. Once you restore the main power, your lights should automatically begin recharging. The results should be noted in a logbook. While this can be done in-house, calling in a professional is best.

Annual Testing – All premises with emergency lighting systems must schedule an annual test with a qualified professional. These tests last three to four hours and simulate the mains power being cut. To pass the test, your emergency lighting must provide sufficient illumination for the entire duration.

 

Some businesses may also conduct comprehensive testing every six months for liability purposes. This is smart because it displays your commitment to health and safety and lets you stay on top of preventative maintenance.

Regarding monthly and annual tests, deciding when to conduct these tests can be challenging for many businesses. We recommend considering the following factors:

 

Risk – Testing your emergency systems means depleting the batteries. Aim to test your lights at a relatively low-risk time, such as outside regular work hours.

Effectiveness – Ensure that the test can deliver reliable results. For example, testing in the middle of the day can make gauging your lighting’s illumination tough.

Convenience – Think about the day-to-day disruption to usual operations. This is why many hire a service to conduct these tests at night.

Book your Emergency Lighting Tests in


How can Wells Electrical help businesses with emergency lighting tests?


Wells Electrical has over 65 years of experience testing emergency lighting nationwide. Whether you’re a school, hospital or retail space, our experienced technicians can conduct rigorous testing in full compliance with the latest UK regulations at any hour of the day or night.

Our NICEIC-approved contractors can design and install emergency lighting systems from scratch while helping you stay on top of maintenance and cut costs.

For the best in testing, get in touch with Wells Electrical today.

How to Test your Emergency Lighting


Emergency lighting is essential to protecting workers should the mains electricity fail due to power cuts and fires. Whether you manage a school, hospital, shopping centre, office building or other commercial or industrial setting, functional emergency lighting is legally mandated.

This type of lighting is governed by BS 5266-2016, and part of meeting its requirements is regular testing. Understanding these rules can be tricky, which is why so many businesses rely on nationwide emergency lighting testing from Wells Electrical.

 Currently, facility managers and business owners must contend with four types of legislation/directives:

 

·  The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

·  Building Regulations 2000

·  Workplace Directive 89/654

·  The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

 

Let’s discuss what you need to know about emergency lighting testing compliance and how to do it.


Who should carry out an emergency lighting test?


All businesses must designate a person responsible for emergency lighting testing. It’s their job to carry out daily and monthly testing. They are required to note down the results of each test in a logbook that can be inspected if necessary.

Although the designated person can conduct monthly testing, it’s strongly recommended that this is outsourced to a professional. This ensures that your building is 100% safe and your system is always fully compliant.

Regardless of your decision, only a qualified professional can carry out the annual three-hour test required by law. At Wells Electrical, our NICEIC-approved contractors are experts in providing these testing services to businesses nationwide.

 Using a professional is strongly recommended for both monthly and annual tests due to their expertise and the fact they can provide a certificate showing your emergency lighting system is fully up to code and that you’ve fulfilled your legal obligations.

How to test emergency lighting


Conducting an emergency lighting test depends on the type of test. Professional advice recommends the three-phase testing model unless advised otherwise.

Daily Tests – Ensure that the central battery (if relevant) is functioning. Check the relative indicator light to see if everything is fine. You should also perform visual checks of each light to look for damage.

Monthly Tests – Isolate the mains power supply to simulate a power cut. Once switched off, check the lights for any signs of damage or insufficient illumination.

Annual Tests – The three-hour emergency lighting test examines every aspect of your lights, including function and lux level. To pass the test, each light must work for the entire three-hour duration.

 

For most businesses, the monthly test is the one that will require the most effort. As always, it’s still best to outsource this test to a professional to guarantee compliance and mitigate liability.

Here’s how to do it.

 

Step one – Start the test

The first step is finding your emergency lighting key. This device key is usually fish-shaped. You should already know where the relevant outlet is.

Turning the key will switch off the power to the main lights and force the emergency lighting to come on.

 

Step two – Set a timer

Depending on your test, you should set a timer, such as ten minutes or one hour.

Some emergency lighting systems enable you to turn the key to the appropriate testing duration, meaning you can skip this step.

 

Step three – Inspect the lights

Walk around the building and check that every light has been switched on. You should also ensure they are fully illuminated without dimming or flickering.

Judging illumination can be complex, so it’s worth speaking to a technician from Wells Electrical if you’re unsure.

 

Step four – Check the charge

At the end of the testing duration, switch off the emergency lights with your device key, and power should return to your primary lighting system.

Walk around again and inspect each light to ensure they are charging. On most lighting systems, this is indicated by a small, green LED light.

 

Step five – Record and take action

The results of the test should be noted in your logbook. If there are any problems, note it down.

Call Wells Electrical to rectify any malfunctioning lights or request compliance clarification if there's any action to be taken.


Emergency lighting test with no test key

Not every emergency lighting system comes with a test key. You must find the electrical consumer unit if your building doesn’t have one.

Once you’ve identified the consumer unit, switch off the power to the main electricity supply to switch on the emergency lights. In some cases, there could be more than one circuit.

Beware that touching anything inside a consumer unit raises the risk of electrocution. If in doubt, call upon a qualified electrician.

How do I know if my emergency light is working after a test?

Determining whether your emergency lights are working after a test is simple enough. Look out for the following signs that your emergency lighting needs servicing:

 

·  Dimmed lights.

·  Flickering lights.

·  Lights that won’t switch on.

·  Lights that burn out quickly.

·  Absence of the green LED charge light.

 

The difficulty most businesses have is judging the lux level or brightness. Most of the time, this might be obvious, but even a minor decrease in lux level could see you in non-compliance yet be barely visible to the untrained eye.

Again, this is why it’s essential to call upon a professional to conduct your emergency lighting tests. You can read our complete guide to emergency lighting to get started firstly.

Book an Emergency Lighting Test & Stay Compliant


What to do if an emergency light is not operating correctly after a test


According to the law, emergency lights must be functional 24/7, 365 days a year. So, what happens if one of your lights isn’t working?

The first step is to record it in your logbook. You should include your observations inside the logbook, such as a dimmed bulb or unresponsive light. At this stage, you can also check the light in question.

The biggest issue is all too often the battery. If the green charge LED isn’t illuminated, it’s a sign that something is wrong with your battery. Standard acid-based batteries used in conventional emergency lighting systems have a lifespan of three to four years, whereas lithium batteries can last up to 12 years.

 

Alternatively, there may be an issue with the connections. This happens when there’s no light whatsoever. Connection problems could indicate damage, such as water ingress. Either way, these are complex checks that often require specialist equipment.

The best action is to call a professional to address the problem, or you may risk voiding your warranty. Call Wells Electrical, the company with over 65 years of experience designing, installing, testing and maintaining electrical and emergency lighting systems.

To learn more about what our NICEIC-approved contractors can do for you, contact the team today.



A Complete Guide to Emergency Lighting


Emergency lighting is critical to keeping your staff, customers and third-party personnel safe on your business premises. If the worst should happen, your emergency lighting will provide illumination to enable people to exit your facility safely.

At Wells Electrical, we have served numerous brands nationwide for over 15 years in designing, installing, maintaining and testing emergency lighting, including Bluecoat in Liverpool, SB Interior Ltd in Crewe, and Dennison Trailers in the Northwest.

We understand that, as a business owner, it can be challenging to understand the ins and outs of emergency lighting. This is why we’re committed to educating our clients on this complex topic.


Types of emergency lighting


Various types of emergency lighting exist, each deployed in specific environments. These can be boiled down into three distinct categories:

 

Escape Route Lighting – These emergency lights are designed to aid the swift evacuation of a building by providing illumination for common escape routes, such as stairways. They are also positioned in areas where safety equipment, such as key boxes, is housed.

Open Area/Anti-Panic Area Lighting – Large public buildings, such as shopping centres and retail outlets, attract a large number of visitors who may be unfamiliar with their layout. These types of emergency lighting are designed to help everyone locate exit routes without causing panic.

High-Risk Task Lighting – This specific type of emergency lighting is typically only deployed in limited scenarios. It’s designed to support the safety of people navigating dangerous processes, such as emergency shutdown procedures.

 

Within these three categories, you’ll also come across various other types of emergency lights, such as LED emergency lighting and external bulkhead emergency fittings. In any case, emergency lighting can be maintained or non-maintained.

Maintained fittings are activated using a controller, such as a switch. In some cases, they may be left on permanently, but they can operate even during a power cut. Non-maintained fittings only activate if a business’s conventional lighting systems fail.

Which is right for your business depends on your circumstances, so we always recommend that businesses order a Fire Risk Assessment before designing an emergency lighting system.

Is emergency lighting testing a legal requirement?


Emergency lighting testing in the UK is a legal requirement on all business premises, as detailed by Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, known as the RRO.

Testing must be conducted monthly and annually, with the latter requiring more comprehensive, in-depth tests. To stay within the bounds of the law, all annual tests must be carried out by a qualified team, such as that at Wells Electrical.

What are the requirements for testing emergency lighting in the UK?


The UK has stringent regulations regarding emergency lighting testing. Firstly, all UK commercial premises must possess some form of emergency lighting by law, which forms part of overarching fire safety legislation.

Testing is also a legal requirement to ensure that the operational effectiveness of your emergency lighting remains up to standard.

Firstly, annual testing is a requirement. This must be conducted using a competent party. At Wells Electrical, our contractors can conduct this test and record our findings. Moreover, we can provide a testing certificate to prove your compliance in the event of an audit.

Emergency lighting must also be tested monthly using a “flick test.” Flick testing is a short functional test that simulates the failure of the mains electricity. Proper monthly testing checks that your lights illuminate and produce sufficient amounts of light.

How often should emergency lighting be tested?


Legally, you must perform flick tests monthly and an in-depth examination once per year. However, many businesses go above and beyond by investing in multiple rounds of checks and preventative maintenance annually.

Extra testing offers several benefits, including:

 

  • Providing more time to rectify functional issues.

  • Peace of mind that your lighting will work in an emergency.

  • Saving money by solving small problems before they become big ones.

 

In essence, there’s no harm in investing in additional testing to check that your emergency lighting system is in tip-top condition.

Book your Emergency Lighting Test Now


How to test emergency lighting

Monthly testing of emergency lighting in-house is a regimen many businesses choose to adopt. At Wells Electrical, we can show your employees how to do this in a way that’s comprehensive and compliant.


You have two options for testing emergency lights:

 

Firstly, you can use the provided test key. Insert it into the key switch and click it into test mode. This simulates a power cut. If your emergency lights in the area turn themselves on and provide enough illumination, your emergency lighting is still in good working order.

Turn the key back to normal mode and record the results within your business’s fire logbook.

 

The second option for testing your emergency lights is to turn off the main lighting at the control board. Figure out which circuit is connected to your lighting and switch it off. Again, it has the same effect as the key switch method. If your emergency lighting responds, your lights are good to go.

Regarding annual testing, this isn’t something that your team can carry out. Annual tests are far more detailed and require a professional to manage.


Who should carry out an emergency lighting test?

Annual tests must be carried out by a competent professional. At Wells Electrical, we provide this annual service, examining your emergency lighting from every angle over the mandated three-hour period.

Professional testing with Wells Electrical includes:

 

  • Assessing the condition of your lights.

  • Charging and/or replacing batteries.

  • Recording relevant details.

  • Highlighting and fixing any issues.

  • Emergency lighting certificates to prove compliance.

 

Under the regulations, a qualified professional must carry out these tests; but, if your employees have been sufficiently trained (which we can provide), you can manage monthly testing in-house.


How often should an emergency lighting system be tested?


The law should dictate your testing schedule, but some products may require a different testing schedule. If this is the case, our team can brief you on the ideal testing schedule for you.

According to leading fire safety experts in the UK, businesses should adopt the three-frequency testing schedule for emergency lighting.

 

Daily – If your emergency lighting system is powered with a central battery, you must perform a daily check to ensure the battery continues functioning. This test entails nothing more than examining the relevant indicator light.

Monthly – Every month you should isolate the mains power supply to simulate a power cut, as defined above. Call us immediately if any lights fail to come on or are too dim during the test.

Annual – Your annual test is legally mandated and must be conducted over three hours. To pass this test, your lights must stay on for three hours while maintaining the minimum brightness level.

Plan in your Emergency Lighting Test


When is the best time to test emergency lighting?

Business owners often question when they should test their emergency lighting to simulate an emergency properly and to minimise disruption to the building and its occupants.

Generally, you should consider your building’s usage patterns, its operational needs and the various implications of testing at certain times.

Daytime testing typically offers better inspection visibility, but the impact on your day-to-day activities is more significant. On the other hand, night-time testing may require additional precautions to preserve the safety and security of your facility.

Get in touch with us if you need help determining a suitable testing time for your business.


Should you test all emergency lights at once?


It depends - if your emergency lights are all on the same circuit, you will have no choice but to test everything at once.

Larger facilities, especially complexes with multiple buildings, may have distinct emergency lighting circuits. In this case, it may make more sense to test your emergency lighting systems consecutively to limit disruption.

Our team can advise you on the best way to conduct testing on your premises. To learn more about emergency lighting testing, send us a message or call today.

Contact us

With a combined 65 years’ experience working nationwide, Wells Electrical Contractors are experts in electrical installation, maintenance and energy saving from conception to hand over in each project. Our engineers deliver the best electrical solutions to businesses in the UK and Ireland.

We understand that no two customers’ electrical needs are the same, and when it comes to making important decisions on upgrades, emergency repairs or installations, the more information you have the better. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of solutions, as well as the knowledge to help customers make the right decisions.

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If you would like to know more about us or would like to discuss your free site survey and quotation, please contact us today.
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