Light-emitting diodes, commonly known as LEDs, are widely used as indicator lamps. However, more people are beginning to use LEDs as emergency lighting. The advantages of such lighting systems make them an appealing option for both businesses and households looking for new emergency lights. In addition, the evolution of emergency lighting technology has made a great turn for the better through utilizing LEDs. This has led to more demand of automatic emergency lighting testing, which LEDs can surely accommodate. Not only are LEDs one of the best for sure light emergency lighting systems, but also are changing the way people see emergency lighting systems on the market.
Despite the popularity of incandescent and fluorescent lights, LED lights are making their way as a top choice for emergency lighting. LED lights are thinner and lights than their other lighting counterparts, making them more efficient and economical to use. Highly robust with excellent low temperature performance, LEDs can be digitally controlled easily. Because they are one of the brightest types of bulbs available, LEDs are a great option for emergency lighting systems, especially for emergencies involving power outages or dark spaces.
One of the biggest benefits of LEDs is their energy efficiency. While incandescent light bulbs burn heat to produce energy leaving them a vacuum for energy consumption, LEDs do not rely on burning filament. Not only do users need not to worry about heat or wear and tear, they can also relax about their electric bill as LEDs save about 30 percent of energy compared to their other lighting counterparts.
In terms of the lifespan of an LED light, they can last as much as 50,000 hours more than incandescent light bulbs. Because LEDs do not generate light by burning filament, they expend less energy and thus can last much longer. With technology progressing with its costs decreasing, LEDs continue to be a forerunner in the market for emergency lighting.
Because LEDs usually have to be clustered to maximize their effectiveness, this clustering often cuts their efficiency. However, their brightness is unmatched as only a small bundle of LEDs can be seen from a great distance. Certainly, LED lights are one of the best options for building evacuations in the event of an emergency.
Regardless of the long life span of an LED and its great benefits, LEDs have to maintain and eventually replaced. However, as long as a user maintains their LED lighting systems regularly, they are less likely to need to replace their system. Any lighting system should be tested annually with the main components being the batteries and luminaires.
Besides using LED lights for emergency exit signs, many people may want to use LEDs for a twin spot light system. Twin spot emergency lights have a dual nature in operating regular lights as well as emergency lights. The emergency lights are automatically activated during a power outage or other emergency setting. They can also be activated manually.
Because the average life of an LED twin spot emergency light can rack up to 100,000 hours, users do not have to worry about constantly maintaining their sure light emergency lighting systems. In addition, LEDs voltage can range from low 20 volts to high 260 volts depending on the design. This makes LED twin spot emergency lights great for both small-scale and large-scale businesses. In the case of an emergency or any other situation in dark spaces, LED twin spot emergency lights use anti-glare shades. This makes the lights easy to see while minimizing eye fatigue allowing better work efficiency.
In terms of build, LED twin spot emergency lights are durable and practical. They have good electromagnetic compatibility, thus reducing power consumption and prevent pollution from the system. Made with lightweight alloys, the emergency lights are corrosion resistant, waterproof, and dustproof. With bulletproof plastic design, these lights can withstand many harsh environments.
Not only are LED twin spot emergency lights a great option for sure light emergency lighting systems, but also LED bulkheads are making their way to the emergency lighting scene for both the industrial and household industries. Like its other counterparts, LED bulkheads are reaping all of the benefits LED lighting is known for, such as brightness, durability, and economical value. LED bulkheads come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs to accommodate different needs and spaces. They are also available for both indoor and outdoor use. For commercial or industrial buildings, a bulkhead can be installed with a fire exit to ensure proper safety. Bulkheads are also used for twin spot emergency lights, but they can be purchased alone as well for more flexibility for the sure light emergency lighting system of the household or business.
Maintaining LED Lights
Although the benefits of LED emergency lighting are plentiful, setting up such a sure light emergency lighting system may cost you more than a traditional one. However, when you compare the life spans, running costs and maintenance needed for each lighting source, LED emergency lighting systems are the clear winner.
Currently, businesses must ensure that their emergency lighting systems work properly as designated and must maintain them in working order. In order to prove this, they must test to see if their sure light emergency lighting system works properly as well as keep records of the proof that this was done.
The Industry Committee for Emergency Lighting (ICEL) of the Lighting Industry Association (LIA), emphasize the benefits of automatic testing. Not only is automatic testing often more reliable and cost effective than testing manually, but it can also provide better peace of mind for the business. Under Fire Safety Order, all occupants of commercial and industrial buildings must be safe at all times. Therefore, virtually all such buildings need emergency lighting schemes fit for protecting their occupants in the case of an emergency.
To meet Fire Safety Order obligations, a business may consider automatic testing of their sure light emergency lighting system. Not only does this minimize the cost and labor burden of having to test manually emergency lighting, but also these Automatic Test Systems, also known as ATS, are one of the best ways to ensure compliance with periodic maintenance requirements of the ICEL. Any business considering installing an ATS should make sure such system conform to the BS EN 62034.
Properly regulating emergency lighting involves quality-accredited devices, prescribed procedures, and clearly defined boundaries. Installation should meet both national and international requirements. This can be done by hiring qualified installers to set up the system. After proper installation, the emergency light system should be tested regularly as required by EN 50172 with test results recorded by the “responsible person.” Repairs and remedial work should be done within a reasonable amount of time from when they were identified. This way, the “responsible person can ensure that all emergency lighting systems within a building perform properly. There is close to no point in having an emergency lighting system that does not work correctly, especially if the main power fails and escape needs to happen.
In accordance with EN 50172, it is mandatory for every emergency lighting system luminaire be tested daily, monthly, and annually. These evaluations should be done at a safe time in which people on the premises are not at risk in the case the power fails during a test. Each inspection and test must be recorded accurately. Exit signs and maintained luminaires must be checked daily. Testing self-contained lighting involves a monthly test of the light’s functionality for at least 60 seconds. In addition, lights must be tested for the full rated duration of about three hours at least every year.
Manually testing sure light emergency lighting systems may require help from qualified technicians. Keep in mind, that the larger the building, the more labor intensive and expensive testing can be. This can make manual testing difficult to properly complete. Without proper testing and functional sure light emergency lighting systems, occupants may find themselves having trouble getting out of a building during an emergency. Therefore, “responsible persons” who are in charge of the maintenance and check up of the emergency lighting systems, may find themselves prosecuted.
In order to properly, regularly, and cost effectively support accurate testing records, implementing ATS may be a wise choice to reduce potential personal injuries and liability. Effective automatic testing regularly checks the battery connected to and receiving electrical charges. It ensures that when needed, the lamp will strike properly. In addition, it ensures that for a specified duration, the battery runs the lamp. EN 50172 again emphasizes the need for sure light emergency lighting system to be properly tested as well as promoting the use of ATS to EN 62034. EN 62034 not only indicates the basic performance requirements for individual products and components, but also indicates their safety requirements.
ATS can also be more cost effective than manual testing. Although the initial investment is greater, having fewer testing devices and reduced manual testing labor can save extra money in the end.
EN 50172 also mandates that adjacent luminaires be regularly tested for about 24 hours between every few tests in order to minimize risks. Because twice the site time is needed for a full duration of manual testing, ATS seems like the better option. There are two main types of automatic test equipment to consider when thinking about using equipment to monitor a business’s sure light emergency lighting system.
Self-Test Emergency Luminaire
The simplest form of the two types of automatic testing equipment is also known as the “stand alone” form. The self-test emergency luminaire does not connect to any other device. The results of the automatic tests are indicated by a single bi-color LED or luminaire. Anyone near an emergency luminaire that indicates a fault should report the issue to the “responsible person” who should look into corrective measures within a reasonable time after the indicated fault. Even with the self-test emergency luminaire, the “responsible person” still needs to check the systems monthly in order to monitor any faults. He or she ensures that the emergency light systems can carry out their intended functions as well as remain un-obscured by defects. Although a light indicates the test results, all results must still be manually recorded in a logbook to ensure safety. Emergency Lights Co. is one of the brand name leaders, that has helped design many of these systems over the years.
Automatic Test System (ATS)
Although self-test emergency luminaires require manual recordings, ATS record results by interconnecting with a control panel. This is a more complex system, which allows programming of tests from a control panel or through a PC connection in which visual installation representation can be displayed. This may include showing connected luminaires under test and shows those that are faulty. ATS can also pinpoint luminaire locations graphically. Through an internet connection, some of these systems can be monitored or controlled. In this case, the “responsible person” monitors the test results using a remote panel. However, a monthly walk around, check is necessary in case of machinery malfunctions or inaccuracies.
In order to ensure the consistent and efficient performance through manual testing while maintaining correct records, businesses should consider an automatic emergency lighting testing system that conforms with EN 62034. Luminaire quality as well as its hazards and risks can easily be detected by using ATS. Thus, automated testing helps ensure emergency lighting testing is properly scheduled and carried out on time without disrupting any other electrical services. With ATS, a “responsible person” can manage risks and be notified early on about system failures and performance degradation. Because automatic emergency lighting testing systems are cost effective and safer to use, businesses can save a lot of money on maintaining their facilities. Maybe this can lead a business to invest more money in employee bonuses rather than investing in building maintenance costs.
