• Self-contained emergency light fittings (ie emergency light fittings that each have their own batteries) are typically wired with 1.5mm² 4-core, as follows:

• Switched live

• Earth

• Neutral

• Permanent live

• A 4-core cable of the type widely used for lighting circuits that include self-contained (not central battery) emergency fittings.

• Central battery emergency light fittings require a specialised fire resistant cable to connect the fitting to the central batteries.

Emergency lighting should always be connected to its power source, but it does not need to be always illuminated. Self-contained emergency light fittings (ie emergency light fittings that each have their own batteries) can be installed as maintained or non-maintained. If they are maintained they will be switched on and off just like a normal light fitting, but they will have an additional live supply (called the permanent live, and which is un-switched) whose function is to keep the batteries fully charged. If they are non-maintained, they will be off most of the time and will only switch on in the event of a power failure.

There are three main ways to tell if your emergency lighting is working or not:

1. A green indicator LED, installed on or beside each emergency light fitting, will be illuminated. This means that the emergency fitting is connected and its batteries are charging.

2. If the fitting is disconnected from mains the green LED indicator will switch off and the fixture will illuminate using its battery power. This is another sign of correct function.

3. Emergency lighting should be tested briefly every month and should undergo a full duration test (normally 3 hours) at least once every year. This should be carried out by a “Competent Person” (as defined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. If it does not pass the test it should either be repaired or the “Responsible Person” should be informed.

Emergency lighting batteries should be changed at the earliest date of either:

• When they cease to deliver the duration (usually 3 hours) for which they were designed.

• The end-of-life as advised by the manufacturer. For nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) this is typically 3 years, for lithium batteries it is longer and will vary from one manufacturer to another.

• Litepower offer emergency lighting and driver LIFEPO4 battery provide 5 years. You can change the battery after 5 years. But you need recharge it in 6-12 month.

  
  

Yes. If the emergency light fitting is installed as a maintained emergency light fitting it will function as a normal light fitting and switch to emergency (battery operation) when mains power fails.

Emergency lighting should be installed in almost all buildings that are used by the public or employees. This is a requirement of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and of the Building Regulations 2010 Fire Safety Approved Document B. To determine the type, location and quantity of emergency lighting required you are advised to read www.litepowerled.com