Category: Electrical

With the rise in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, more businesses and homeowners are installing EV chargers to support employees, customers, fleet vehicles, and personal use. However, simply having an EV charging station isn’t enough – regular maintenance is essential to ensure efficiency, reliability, and safety. To ensure optimal performance, we recommend that EV chargers are testing at least once every 12 months. Here’s an explanation of all the benefits that come with regular servicing from a qualified electrician.

Why EV Charger Maintenance Matters

1. Ensure Reliability and Minimise Downtime

A faulty or unreliable charger can cause frustration for users and disrupt daily routines. Routine maintenance helps identify and resolve potential issues before they result in breakdowns, ensuring your chargers are always available when needed.

2. Maximise Efficiency and Performance

Over time, chargers can suffer from wear and tear, affecting their efficiency. Regular servicing helps maintain optimal performance, ensuring fast and efficient charging for all users, whether at home or in a commercial setting.

3. Enhance Safety and Compliance

EV chargers are electrical installations that must meet safety standards. Without proper maintenance, faults could pose a fire risk or electrical hazard. Keeping your chargers regularly inspected helps ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, protecting both businesses and households.

4. Protect Your Investment

Installing an EV charger is a significant investment for any business or homeowner. Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your charger, reducing the need for costly replacements and repairs in the long run.

5. Improve User Experience

Customers, employees, visitors, and homeowners expect a seamless charging experience. If your charger frequently malfunctions, it can damage your business’s reputation or cause inconvenience at home. Routine maintenance ensures reliability and ease of use.

Learn more about Sygma’s EV charging services.

How Sygma Can Help

At Sygma Fire, Security & Electrical, we offer professional EV charger maintenance services to keep your charging infrastructure running smoothly. With over 20 years of experience, our skilled engineers provide comprehensive servicing, inspections, and repairs with minimal disruption to your business or home.

When you book an EV charger maintenance visit with Sygma, our qualified electricians will carry out a thorough inspection and servicing, including:

• Visual inspection – Checking for physical damage, loose cables, and signs of wear.
• Electrical testing – Ensuring all wiring, connections, and safety mechanisms are functioning correctly.
• Software updates – Installing the latest firmware to improve performance and security.
• Load testing – Verifying the charger operates at full capacity under load conditions.
• Inspection of connectors and cables – Looking for signs of overheating, wear, or corrosion.
• Cleaning of components – Removing dirt, debris, and moisture that could impact functionality.
• Checking communication systems – Ensuring network connectivity for smart chargers and reporting features.
• Confirming compliance – Making sure the charger meets all relevant safety and electrical regulations.
• Providing a maintenance report – Detailing any repairs, updates, or further recommendations.

Get in touch to receive a free quotation today and ensure your EV chargers remain safe, reliable, and efficient.

Contact Us for a Free Quotation.

As businesses across the UK seek ways to reduce operational costs and enhance their sustainability efforts, solar energy has emerged as a powerful solution. Commercial solar panels not only provide a long-term strategy for combating rising energy costs but also significantly reduce a company’s carbon footprint. Whether you own an office building, warehouse, or industrial facility, the benefits of installing solar panels are clear and growing.

Solar panel installations not only provide financial savings, but they also position your business as an eco-conscious leader, aligning with increasing government regulations and attracting environmentally-minded clients. With advancements in solar technology, these systems are now more efficient, accessible, and affordable than ever.

Financial Benefits of Commercial Solar Panels

The immediate financial advantage of installing commercial solar panels is the reduction in energy bills. By generating your own electricity, you lessen your reliance on the National Grid and shield your business from unpredictable energy price increases. The cost savings can be substantial, depending on system size and energy consumption.

Payments for Excess Energy

Another significant benefit is the ability to monetise excess energy. Through schemes like feed-in tariffs (FITs) or net metering, businesses can sell surplus electricity back to the grid or use it to offset future bills. Some companies also explore Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to earn steady income from their unused energy without upfront costs.

Increasing Property Value and Market Appeal

In addition to the financial savings, solar panels can increase the value of commercial properties. Energy-efficient buildings are more attractive to potential buyers and tenants who are looking to reduce operating costs. As energy prices rise, properties equipped with solar panel systems can command higher rents and resale values, making them a valuable long-term investment.

To enquire about commercial solar panel installation, contact a member of our team today!

Environmental Benefits and Corporate Responsibility

By switching to solar power, businesses can dramatically reduce their carbon footprint. Solar energy produces no direct emissions, unlike traditional fossil fuels, making it a clean and renewable energy source. For instance, a typical 5 kW solar system can save approximately 1.39 tonnes of CO₂ annually—equivalent to removing 300 cars off the road or planting 35 trees.
In the face of increasing pressure from both government and consumers to reduce carbon emissions, adopting solar energy helps businesses stay ahead of evolving environmental regulations. Businesses that make the switch to solar are seen as proactive in meeting net-zero targets, which can enhance their corporate social responsibility (CSR) profile.

Energy Independence and Stability

Installing solar panels also offers energy independence. With energy price fluctuations, businesses can struggle to predict costs, but by generating your own electricity, you gain more control over your energy consumption and budget. Battery storage systems can store excess solar energy, providing power during periods of low sunlight or grid outages, ensuring that your business remains operational even in emergencies.

Tax Incentives and Government Support

The government offers a variety of financial incentives to help reduce the upfront costs of solar installations. In the UK, businesses can benefit from capital allowances that lower tax liabilities on energy-efficient investments. Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs) offer opportunities to generate income by selling certificates for the renewable energy your business generates.
Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) allow businesses to write off the cost of solar panels against their taxable profits, providing valuable tax relief on their investment. Combined with VAT reductions and government grants, these incentives make solar installations more accessible than ever.

Not sure what incentives your business qualifies for? Contact Sygma and we’ll guide you through the process.

Enhancing Your Brand Image

Beyond the financial and environmental benefits, installing solar panels sends a clear message about your company’s commitment to sustainability. A business that invests in solar power demonstrates a strong sense of corporate responsibility, which resonates well with environmentally-conscious customers, investors, and potential tenants. By promoting your use of renewable energy, you can differentiate your brand, attract new opportunities, and strengthen relationships with stakeholders.

Improved Employee and Tenant Satisfaction

There’s a growing trend among employees and tenants to seek companies that prioritise sustainability. A business that operates in a solar-powered building often experiences higher employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity. Tenants benefit from reduced service charges due to lower energy costs, making your property more desirable in a competitive market.

Scalability and Long-Term Business Growth

One of the best aspects of solar panel installations is their scalability. As your business grows and energy needs increase, solar systems can be expanded to meet those demands. Solar energy grows with your business, ensuring long-term savings, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Solar Energy: A Smart Investment for the Future

The benefits of installing solar panels on commercial properties are far-reaching, extending well beyond immediate cost savings. From reducing energy bills and improving property value to enhancing your brand image and contributing to environmental sustainability, solar energy represents a smart, future-proof investment. Government incentives, coupled with the potential for energy independence, make now the ideal time to consider solar for your business.

Installing solar panels on commercial buildings offers so many advantages that extend beyond financial savings. From quick payback periods and substantial reductions in energy bills to increased property value and enhanced corporate image, solar energy is a smart investment for businesses.

If you’re a business owner interested in commercial solar panels, contact a member of our team today to begin your installation.

Thinking of installing solar panels but are unsure about the regulations? Our guide breaks down some of the key regulations and considerations of the solar panel installation process. Though the majority of these regulations are for the attention of the installer, it is important that you, the property owner, have a general understanding. This will help to make sure you don’t breach any regulations such as planning or building permissions, or overlook any rulings that could see you faced with fines or legal action. Whether you’re installing on a residential roof or a larger property, let’s take a look at some of the regulations for installing solar panels in the UK.

Regulations for solar panel placement: Domestic vs Commercial

Arguably, the most important regulations for those looking to install solar panels on their property are those that consider the placement or positioning of the solar panels. These vary depending on whether your property is for commercial or domestic purposes.

Domestic Solar Panel Installations

Domestic properties usually include houses, flats, and bungalows that may be privately owned, rented, or leased. Depending on the property type, there are two options for domestic solar panel installations: roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar panels. Planning permission is not usually required for solar panel installation on domestic properties, though if you want installation on a rented or shared property, you will need approval from the owner.

Roof-mounted solar panels

Roof-mounted solar panels are simply solar panels that are mounted to your roof. These are the most common types of solar panels installed on domestic properties, as they rarely require planning permission, are cheaper to install than other types of solar panels, and don’t take up any space that you might later want to use. To avoid planning permission, you must abide by the following conditions.

The solar panels installed must not protrude more than 200mm from the plane of the roof and cannot be installed on a front-facing roof slope if the property is a listed building or known to be in a conservation area, unless previously approved by local authorities. However, if the building is listed or in a conservation area, you must seek prior approval before carrying out solar panel installation. As of December 2023, any flat roofs have a larger area to work with, as the permitted projection from the roof has increased to 600mm. Your solar panels must also not cover more than 50% of your total roof space. If your solar panel installation can follow all of these regulations, then you do not require any planning permission.

Ground-mounted solar panels

Though this type of solar panel is typically seen on farmland or fields, it is still a possibility for your domestic property. Ground-mounted solar panels are usually installed when you don’t have the roof space, or your property is completely sheltered from the sun all year round.

Any ground-mounted solar panels smaller than 9 square metres do not need planning permission; anything on a larger scale has to be approved beforehand. For ground-mounted solar panels on domestic properties that don’t need permission, the panels should be installed at least 5 metres away from any property boundaries, less than 4 metres tall, less than 3 metres wide and 3 metres deep, as well as being out of sight of any main roads, especially if they are in a conservation area or heritage zone.

Commercial Solar Panel Installations

Generally, any solar panel installation under 1MW is permitted without any additional approval required. Similarly to domestic installations, for no permission to be requested, there are several regulations to be met for commercial solar panel installations.

For pitched and wall-mounted installations, solar panels must not extend more than 200mm perpendicular to the surface of the roof or wall.
For both pitched and flat roof installations, panels must be installed at least 1 meter away from the building’s external edges.
For flat roof installations, panels should not extend more than 1 meter from the roof surface and must not be the tallest feature of the roof, excluding the chimney.
For ground-mounted systems, the array must cover no more than 9m², with no single dimension exceeding 3 metres and a total height not exceeding 4 meters.

General installation regulations when installing solar panels

As well as regulations for commercial and domestic properties, there are several regulations surrounding the process of the installation – though these are mainly for your technician, it is good to have some broad knowledge of installation regulations for peace of mind.

Solar Panel Installation Building Regulations

The installation of solar panels must comply with standard building regulations of a property, which cover Part A (structure), B (electrical) and P(fire). When it comes to roof structure, the roof must be able to support the weight of the solar panels easily. All electrical work related to the solar panel installation must comply with Part P of Building Regulations, which covers new electrical additions to a property, and the rewiring of current systems, ensuring the safe installation of your solar panels. It is essential that your newly installed solar panel system does not obstruct the roof’s fire routes, and must be installed in a way that doesn’t create new fire hazards.

Electrical Regulations for solar panel installation

Due to the nature of Solar Panel installation and their purpose, as well as general building regulations, the wiring of your new panels needs to adhere to strict IET Wiring Regulations, put in place by BSI (BS 7671). This standard is important to follow as it covers the installation of the inverter and wiring, electrical isolation, and earthing (which stops electrical shocks), ensuring your safety.
Installer Regulations for installing solar panels
To be fully certain that your solar panels are safely wired, the installers themselves must also be compliant with multiple regulations. Anyone installing solar panels must follow the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) standards for small-scale renewable energy systems, and be registered with a competent person scheme, such as NICEIC.

An MCS-certified installer must install your solar panel system to qualify for government incentives such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) or receive financial support under schemes like the Green Homes Grant.

Battery Storage Requirements for solar panels

When installing solar panels, you have the option to add a battery, where you can store the surplus energy you create to use on a cloudy day or sell back to the grid. The ideal location for Solar Panel Battery Storage (BESS) is outside, or if it has to be inside, the area needs to be well-ventilated and separated from habited rooms, as well as being linked to your fire detection system. Additionally, the wiring for a BESS must be concealed and out of reach, as disconnected cables can cause very dangerous currents.

 

Our team of solar panel installers is MCS-certified and registered under NICEIC. By choosing a certified professional for your solar panel installation, you ensure the safety and longevity of your new energy system. Enquire today with a member of our team and schedule your solar panel installation.

FAQ’s

Can you install your own Solar Panels?

We highly advise you not to attempt a solar panel installation yourself. While most installations for our team members are not complicated, solar panel installations require lots of work and can be tricky if you don’t know what you are doing. The government’s introduction of the Competent Persons Scheme means all installers must be regiestered to NICEIC or NAPIT and be MSC-Certificated to install solar panels. With our solar panel installation service, you can have peace of mind that your solar energy system will be installed correctly and safely within the shortest time possible.

How long does Solar Panel Installation take?

For a domestic property, you will be looking at 2-3 days for solar panel installation. This will depend on the complexity of the project; this means the roof type, the number of panels you’re looking to have installed and the size of the individual panels. Commercial installations can take up to 7 days, depending on the factors mentioned above. It is also important to think about planning permissions and have safety surveys carried out before any installations on commercial properties.

Do I need planning permission to install solar panels on my house?

For most cases, you don’t need planning permission to install solar panels, if you are the owner of the property. However, there are certain scenarios where planning permission is required to install solar panels. For example, if your solar panels are going to protrude the roof they’re on by more than 200mm (600mm for flat roofs), or are planned to cover more than 50% of the roof, you must get planning permission. When installing solar panels on the ground of a residential property, there are very strict regulations to follow if you do not want to get planning permission. It is best to check with your local council or Local Planning Authority before installing ground solar panels, to ensure you don’t breach any permissions.

Are there any rules regarding the installation of solar panels on properties with shared ownership or communal roofs?

There are some rules and considerations for installing solar panels on properties with shared ownership or communal roofs. If you are renting a property or living in a shared space, permission is generally required from all co-owners or stakeholders who share the roof space, as the installation could affect the property’s appearance, structure, and value.

What happens if I install solar panels without the necessary planning permission or in breach of regulations?

If you install solar panels without the necessary planning permission or in breach of regulations, you could face several legal and financial consequences, including the removal of your panels, fines, legal action, compromised insurance policies, and personal risks such as to your safety and diminished property value.

How do I sell my surplus energy back to the grid?

The process is straightforward. If you are signed up for the scheme and your solar panels are connected to the national supply, you can choose to either store or sell your excess solar energy. To sell your surplus energy back to the grid, you need to install a BESS (storage battery) and a generator meter. Once your equipment is installed, you must apply to a licensed SEG tariff supplier, in order to sell your energy. The amount you receive will depend on your supplier, but it usually ranges from 22 – 35p for every kWh.

It’s a common misconception that emergency lights will always work once installed. But, like any system designed to protect lives, you should regularly test and maintain your emergency lighting system, especially as most do not alert you to a problem or potential issue. Want to ensure that your emergency lighting systems are fully functioning? Our latest blog details all the instructions to make sure you’re covered.

What are emergency lights?

Emergency lighting is a critical safety feature in buildings, ensuring visibility during power outages to enable safe evacuation and continuous operation. It includes two main types: emergency escape lighting, which facilitates safe exit paths in emergencies by illuminating escape routes, and standby lighting, which supports ongoing activities during power failures to maintain essential functions. As mandated by regulations, emergency lighting must be installed in non-domestic buildings to ensure safety at all times, regardless of mains power availability. If you have an emergency lighting system installed, you should activate it monthly and perform a full discharge test at least once a year.

What You Can Do – Task Checklist

Monthly Checks

Monthly emergency lighting checks are essential to ensure their reliability in critical situations. These checks typically involve activating each emergency light unit to ensure it functions properly when mains power is cut. This can be done manually by pressing the test button on each unit, which simulates a power failure and verifies that the lights illuminate as intended. It’s important to document the results of these tests in your fire safety log book to maintain compliance with safety regulations and to promptly address any issues identified during testing. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of batteries or faulty units are crucial to guarantee that emergency lighting systems are always ready to provide necessary illumination in emergencies.

Here’s a list of tasks you can complete between annual maintenance visits from a service provider like Sygma.

Visual Inspection

• Check for Physical Damage: Inspect all emergency lighting units for any signs of physical damage.
• Cleanliness and Visibility: Ensure all lights are clean and free from obstructions.
• Exit Sign Illumination: Verify that all exit signs are illuminated and clearly visible.

Functional Test

• Simulate Power Failure: Conduct a brief test by simulating a power failure (typically using the test switch).
• Operational Check: Ensure all emergency lights turn on and remain on for at least 30 seconds.
• Light and Sign Functionality: Check that all lights and exit signs illuminate properly without flickering.

Battery and Charge Indicator Check

• Charge Indicator: Verify that the charge indicator light is on and steady.

Log Maintenance Activities

• Record Keeping: Maintain a log of all inspections, tests, and maintenance activities, including dates, findings, and corrective actions taken.

Training and Awareness

• Staff Training: Train staff on the importance of emergency lighting and how to report any issues.
• Emergency Procedures: Ensure employees are aware of emergency procedures and the location of emergency lights and exits.

If you would prefer for a qualified professional to carry out all of your emergency lighting maintenance tasks, speak to Sygma today for a free quotation.

Sygma’s Annual Emergency Lighting Maintenance Tasks

During an annual emergency lighting check, you should opt for a professional registered fire safety service to conduct a thorough assessment to ensure the emergency lighting system operates effectively and complies with safety standards. This comprehensive inspection includes testing each light unit by fully discharging them to verify their endurance and reliability during prolonged power failures. They will assess the condition of batteries, bulbs, and control systems to identify any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction that could compromise the system’s performance.

They will also review documentation and maintenance records to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. Recommendations for repairs or replacements will be provided as necessary to maintain optimal functioning and readiness of the emergency lighting system for future emergencies.

As well as offering comprehensive maintenance packages covering all of the above mentioned checks, Sygma carry out annual checks for businesses looking to stick to a tighter budget. During your annual emergency lighting maintenance visit from Sygma, our experienced electricians will perform the following tasks:

Battery and Charge Indicator Check

• Battery Inspection: Check for any signs of battery corrosion or leakage.

Extended Functional Test

• Simulate Extended Power Failure: Simulate a power failure and let the emergency lighting system run for the full duration required by local regulations (usually 90 minutes).
• Duration Check: Ensure all lights stay on for the entire duration without significant dimming.

Battery Condition Check

• Voltage Measurement: Measure battery voltage to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Aging Signs: Look for signs of battery aging, such as swelling or leaking.

Lighting Levels and Coverage

• Illumination Check: Verify that emergency lighting provides adequate illumination throughout all areas, including exits, stairways, and other critical locations.
• Light Measurement: Measure light levels using a lux meter to ensure compliance with standards.

Full Discharge and Recharge Cycle

Discharge and Recharge: Conduct a full discharge of the emergency lighting system, allowing the batteries to completely deplete and then fully recharge.
Recharge Monitoring: Monitor the recharge process to ensure batteries return to full charge within the time specified by the manufacturer.

Professional Inspection

• Comprehensive Inspection: Schedule a comprehensive inspection by a licensed electrician or professional service provider.
• Wiring and Component Check: Ensure all wiring, connections, and components are in good condition and meet current codes and standards.

Component Testing and Replacement

• Individual Component Testing: Test individual components such as bulbs, LEDs, and batteries to confirm functionality.
• Component Replacement: Replace any components that are worn out or no longer meet performance standards.

Documentation and Compliance

• Record Accessibility: Ensure records are easily accessible for regulatory review and internal audits.

Compliance Verification

• Regulation Review: Regularly review local codes and regulations to ensure your emergency lighting system complies with the latest requirements.
• Maintenance Practice Updates: Update your maintenance practices as needed to align with any changes in regulations.

System Upgrades

• Periodic Evaluation: Periodically evaluate the emergency lighting system to consider upgrades, especially if your facility undergoes changes or expansions.

To ensure that Emergency Lighting Systems function within the guidelines of UK law, all emergency lights must be serviced by a qualified technician at least once a year. Speak to Sygma today to receive a quotation for a maintenance visit for your commercial premises.

 

Emergency lighting is a critical aspect of building safety, ensuring that occupants can safely evacuate in case of an emergency. The BS 5266 Standard provides comprehensive guidelines and regulations for installing, maintaining, and testing emergency lighting systems in commercial premises within the UK. In this blog, we’ll explore the essentials of BS 5266, the British Standard for emergency lighting requirements, and how you can ensure your system meets legal and safety standards.

What is emergency lighting?

Emergency lighting is the lighting that automatically comes on in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or power outage. When normal lighting systems fail, buildings that are plunged into darkness can cause panic and hinder evacuation efforts. Proper installed emergency lighting ensures that escape routes, exits and safety equipment are clearly illuminated, giving occupants the necessary visibility to exit the building safely, reducing the risk of injury and saving lives. 

Emergency Lighting Legislation: What is BS 5266?

The BS 5266 is a British Standard that outlines the necessary guidelines and regulations for emergency lighting systems in commercial buildings in the UK. This standard ensures that emergency lighting is properly installed, maintained, and functional during power failures or other emergencies. 

The British Standard applies to most premises, including workplaces, public buildings, residential buildings, and communal areas in multiple-occupancy buildings. Depending on the application, a higher specification may be required.

Compliance with the BS 5266 Standard is not only a legal requirement but also a best practice for ensuring the safety of building occupants. The standard outlines specific requirements for installing, maintaining, and testing emergency lighting systems to ensure that all aspects of emergency lighting meet the minimum safety requirements and provide adequate illumination for safe evacuation. 

This includes:

• Conducting a risk assessment to determine the appropriate emergency lighting needs.
• Installing emergency lighting that meets the specific lighting levels and coverage areas, and specifying the minimum duration emergency lights should operate during a power failure (usually 1-3 hours).
• Regular testing and maintenance to ensure the system is always fully operational.
• Keeping detailed records of all tests, maintenance activities, and any issues or repairs.

 

Different Types of Emergency Lighting 

Emergency lighting is a general term and is subdivided into standby lighting and emergency escape lighting.

• Standby Lighting: Provides lighting for normal activities to continue during a power failure.
• Emergency Escape Lighting: Ensures that all escape routes are illuminated, allowing occupants to find their way to safety.

Emergency Escape Lighting can be broken down further into:

• Escape Route Lighting: Illuminates the identified escape routes clearly. It includes emergency lighting bulkheads and illuminated fire exit signs. A fundamental requirement of fire safety provision in all premises regardless of their occupany levels or use. 
• Open Area (Anti-Panic) Lighting: Designed to prevent panic in larger open areas by providing sufficient lighting to guide people to the nearest exit. Typically used in larger buildings like shopping centres and museums that attract a large number of visitors who will not be familiar with the layout of the building, which may ensue panic should there be a fire alarm. 
• High-Risk Task Area Lighting: Provides focused illumination in areas where hazardous tasks are performed, ensuring that these tasks can be safely shut down during an emergency. This type of lighting is only a requirement in certain types of buildings. 

Design and Placement of Emergency Lighting

The responsible person, fire risk assessor, and designer should decide and map out where escape lighting is required to cover the key areas, factoring in the type of building, occupancy levels, the layout of escape routes, and the duration of emergency lighting. 

 

BS 5266 recommends placing sufficient emergency lighting in the following areas to allow them to be visible and usable:

• Escape Routes: Along escape routes like corridors, stairways, and exits, with a minimum of 1 lux on the centre line for routes up to 2 meters wide, and 0.5 lux for open areas larger than 60 square meters.
• Exit Doors: Near each exit door that might be used in an emergency.
• Stairs: So that each flight of stairs receives direct light.
• Changes in Floor Levels: Near any change in level.
• Safety Signs: Near externally illuminated escape route signs and other safety signs that need illumination during an emergency.
• Intersections: At intersections of corridors and changes in direction.
• Final Exits: Near the final exit to the outside of the building and to a place of safety.
• Other Locations: Near first aid posts, fire-fighting equipment, call points, and escape equipment for disabled people.

Power Supply (Type)

Emergency lighting systems rely on different power sources, such as batteries or central power systems. Understanding the available options and their features helps select the most suitable power source for a specific building’s requirements.

Emergency lighting luminaires

There are two types of luminaire: self-contained and centrally supplied. 

A self-contained luminaire houses all necessary components (battery, charger, control unit, lamp, diffuser, and test or monitoring facilities) to operate independently as an emergency light. It is the most common type of emergency lighting, typically installed on walls or ceilings to light specific areas or features. Common examples include surface-mounted, rectangular bulkhead luminaires, though various shapes like square, round, and recessed models are also available. Self-contained luminaires are ideal for smaller premises with a lower budget.

Centrally supplied luminaires, or ‘slaves’, rely on an external central emergency power system, as defined by BS EN 60598-2-22. These fixtures include the lamp and some control gear, but the charger, battery, and often the changeover device are housed remotely, supplying multiple luminaires. They come in various shapes and styles. These systems are more expensive, but for larger projects prioritising low maintenance and longetivity, then the initial cost of a central supplied system may be worthwhile.

Advantages and disadvantages of Self-Contained and Centrally Supplied Luminaires:

Self-Contained		Centrally Supplied
Advantages	Disadvantages	Advantages	Disadvantages
Each luminaire is independent – great integrity and easily extended	Battery life can vary throughout the system due to high or low ambient temperatures	Testing and maintenance is easier – only one location to maintain	High intial outlay costs
Low maintenance costs	Expected battery life is between 2 to 4 years	Environementally stable – slave luminaires can operate at high or low temperatures	Additional fire resistant wiring is needed to each slave luminaire
No additional hardware costs	Luminaires need testing and observing on an individual basis	Expected batter life is between 5 and 25 years	A battery or wiring issue can disable a large part of the system
Uses standard wiring		Larger batteries cheaper to run and less expensive to purchase	A ‘battery room’ is required to house the cells and chargers and provide ventiliation for acid gases
Fast & cheap to install			Emergency lighting might not activate if there is a localised mains failure
If there is mains supply failure due to damaged wiring, the emergency luminaire will activate automatically			The luminaire farthest from the central battery may experience voltage drop issues

 

Operating Mode

Depending on the use of the premises, you’ll need to decide on the mode of operation: maintained or non-maintained. 

 

Maintained emergency luminaires are where the emergency lights are on at all times. This mode is generally used in places where people gather, including clubs, cinemas and theatres. When these venues are occuped, the lights are dimmed, preventing total darkness. Public spaces like these also use maintained fire exit signs to ensure that the escape routes are well lit even if there is a power outage. 

Non-maintained emergency luminaires are usually found in workplaces or anywhere where there is artificial lighting. The emergency lights only come on when there is a power outage.

 

Duration of emergency lights

The evacuation time of a building depends on its size and complexity. Emergency escape lighting must last at least 1 hour, meaning luminaires should stay on for that time after a power failure. If the building isn’t evacuated immediately, such as in sleeping areas, or if it will be reoccupied as soon as power returns, the lighting should last 3 hours. The 1-hour duration is only acceptable if the building is evacuated immediately and not reoccupied until the batteries are fully recharged.

Testing and Maintenance

Regular testing and maintenance of emergency lighting systems are essential to ensure their reliability and compliance with BS 5266. 

BS EN 50172 / BS 5266-8 (Emergency escape lighting systems) specify the minimum provision and testing of emergency lighting for different premises. Additional information on servicing can be found in BS 5266-1.

Discharge tests need to be undertaken outside normal working hours. In permanently occupied buildings, the test should be phased so that only alternate luminaires are tested.

Regular servicing is essential. The building owner should appoint a competent person to supervise the system’s servicing. This person shall be given sufficient authority to carry out any work necessary to maintain the system in the correct operational mode.

The following minimum inspections and tests shall be carried out at the recommended intervals. The regulating authority may require specific tests.

Daily emergency lighting inspection 

This check only applies to emergency lighting systems with a central supplied battery system. In this case, indicators on the central power supply are visually inspected daily to identify that the system is operational. It is worth noting that this test does not apply to emergency lighting with self-contained backup batteries in each unit.

Monthly emergency lighting tests

All emergency lighting systems must be tested monthly. The test is a short functional test in accordance with BS EN 50172 / BS 5266-8. During this testing period, all luminaires and signs shall be checked to ensure that they are present, clean and functioning correctly.

Annual emergency lighting tests

A test for the full rated duration of the emergency lights (e.g. 3 hours) must be carried out. The emergency lights must still be working at the end of this test.

The result of the monthly and annual tests must be recorded and, if failures are detected, these must be remedied as soon as possible.

Regulations

The BS 5266 Standard works in conjunction with other regulations and codes, such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Building Regulations 2010. These regulations mandate that adequate emergency lighting is in place and maintained to ensure the safety of occupants. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment, and can also invalidate insurance policies.

Consequences of Non-Compliance with BS 5266

Non-compliance with the BS 5266 Standard can have serious repercussions, including:

• Legal Penalties: Businesses can face significant fines and legal action if their emergency lighting systems do not meet the required standards.
• Increased Liability: In the event of an emergency, inadequate lighting can lead to accidents or fatalities, resulting in increased liability and potential lawsuits.
• Insurance Issues: Many insurance policies require compliance with safety standards. Failure to comply can lead to the denial of insurance claims, leaving businesses financially vulnerable.
• Reputational Damage: Businesses that fail to ensure the safety of their occupants risk damage to their reputation, which can have long-term negative impacts on their operations and profitability.

 

Documentation and Record-Keeping

Keeping detailed documentation of the emergency lighting system’s design, installation, testing, and maintenance is crucial for compliance and safety. Adhering to BS 5266 and other relevant regulations is essential for ensuring the safety of building occupants and avoiding potential legal consequences.

Conclusion

By thoroughly understanding and implementing the requirements of BS 5266, building owners, designers, and maintenance personnel can significantly enhance the safety of occupants during emergencies. Properly designed, installed, and maintained emergency lighting systems contribute to a calm and organised evacuation, ultimately saving lives. Embracing the principles outlined in BS 5266 enhances safety and peace of mind for everyone within the building’s premises.

Speak to Sygma today to create an emergency lighting plan for your commercial building that’s in-line with BS 5266 regulations, including surveys, testing, installation, and maintenance.

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