Gas Safe Contractor Glasgow

Boiler replacement Glasgow

Heating accounts for about 60 per cent of what you spend in a year on energy bills, so an efficient boiler makes a big difference.

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Modern boilers are more efficient for several reasons, but their main advantage is that they are all condensing boilers. All well-maintained boilers burn their fuel very efficiently, but they inevitably lose some heat in the hot gases that escape up the flue. A condensing boiler has a larger heat exchanger, so it recovers more heat, sends cooler gases up the flue and is more efficient.

Sometimes the flue gases get so cool that the water vapour in the gas condenses out (hence the name), and even more energy is recovered from the condensing vapour.

What should I consider when replacing my boiler?

If it is time to change your boiler, you need to decide what type of boiler is right for you. Here are some things to consider:

Fuel type

If you have mains gas, a gas boiler is likely to be the cheapest heating option. Our fuel prices as of March 2016 suggest that oil heating is currently a cheaper option, however historically oil heating has been more expensive.

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If you don’t have a gas supply to your home, it might be worth considering a form of low carbon heating such as a heat pump or biomass. With the renewable heat incentive these may be a cheaper overall.

Alternatively you may want to get a gas connection to your home. The company that owns and operates the gas network in your area may be able to help with the cost of getting a new connection, and it may even be fully funded. Contact Energy Networks Association for further information.

Boiler type

Most old gas and oil boilers are regular boilers that have a separate hot water cylinder to store hot water, rather than providing it directly from the boiler. When you replace your boiler you can buy a new regular boiler, and keep your hot water cylinder, or buy a combi boiler that doesn't need a cylinder.

A regular boiler is more efficient than a combi at producing hot water in the first place, but then some heat is lost from the hot water cylinder, so a combi may be more efficient overall.

Your hot water usage

Large families using lots of hot water are likely to be better off with a regular boiler, whereas smaller households using less may be better off with a combi boiler.

Space in your home

Combi boilers don’t need hot water cylinders, and so require less space in your home.

Compatibility with solar water heating

If you’re thinking of installing solar water heating, it’s worth noting that many combi boilers are not compatible with this heating system or cannot use it so effectively. 

Finding an installer

It’s worth getting three quotes from different installers, and you may also want to check that installers:

• have a local office
• have been in business locally for several years
• have customer references that you can review.

Your registered installer will ensure that your system complies with current building regulations, and will make sure you get all the documentation to prove this. Keep these documents safe; you will need them when you sell the property.

How much could I save each year?

This will depend on how old and inefficient your existing boiler is and the fuel your boiler uses. Below are some examples of potential savings for a home heated by gas central heating.

Upgrading an old gas boiler with a programmer and room thermostat, with a new A-rated condensing boiler with a programmer, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator controls (TRVs) could save you:

England, Scotland and Wales

Old boiler rating	Semi-detached house	Detached house	Detached bungalow	Mid terrace house	Mid floor flat
G ( < 70%)	£215	£350	£180	£175	£95
F (70–74%)	£145	£240	£125	£120	£65
E (74–78%)	£115	£190	£95	£95	£50
D (78–82%)	£85	£140	£70	£70	£35

These are estimated figures based on installing a new A-rated condensing boiler with a programmer, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator controls (TRVs) in a gas-heated home from an older boiler with a programmer and room thermostat. Savings will vary depending on the size and thermal performance of your home. Figures are based on fuel prices as of March 2016.

The costs for replacing a boiler will vary, but a straightforward gas boiler replacement plus thermostatic radiator valves will typically cost about £2,300 excluding radiators.

Northern Ireland

Old boiler rating	Semi-detached house	Detached house	Detached bungalow	Mid terrace house	Mid floor flat
G ( < 70%)	£185	£285	£160	£155	£86
F (70–74%)	£125	£200	£105	£105	£60
E (74–78%)	£100	£155	£80	£80	£45
D (78–82%)	£75	£120	£60	£60	£30

These are estimated figures based on installing a new A-rated condensing boiler and full set of heating controls in an oil-heated home. Savings will vary depending on the size and thermal performance of your home. Figures are based on fuel prices as of March 2016.

The costs for replacing a boiler will vary, but a straightforward oil boiler replacement plus thermostatic radiator values will typically cost about £3,000.

What else can I do to improve my central heating system?

Heat recovery devices and systems

Some of the heat generated by your boiler escapes through the flue. Passive flue gas heat recovery systems capture some of this lost energy and use it to heat your water, making your heating system more efficient and saving you money. gas safe glasgow

Hot water cylinders

New hot water cylinders are factory insulated to help keep your hot water at the right temperature for longer. They play an important role in supplying you with readily available hot water, so it’s important that they are fully insulated to prevent heat escaping.

If you have an old cylinder you could save £25-£35 a year by topping up the insulation. Alternatively if you are replacing your cylinder, you can save energy by making sure that the cylinder is no bigger than you need it.

Chemical inhibitors

Corrosion deposits in an older central heating system can cause a substantial reduction in the effectiveness of the radiators, and the system as a whole. The build-up of scale in heating circuits and on boiler components can cause a reduction in efficiency too.

Using an effective chemical inhibitor can decrease the corrosion rate and prevent the build-up of sludge and scale, thus preventing deterioration and helping to maintain efficiency.

EICR CERTIFICATES GLASGOW

Electricians in Clydebank

Shipbuilding  Clydebank

The River Clyde has been a centre for shipbuilding for hundreds of years, with boats being built in the area possibly as early as the 15th century.

However, it was during the 19th century, in places such as Bowling Harbour, Denny's Shipyard in Dumbarton, John Brown's Shipyard at Clydebank and Govan Graving Docks, that shipbuilding became a real source of commerce for Glasgow.

The advent of the The steam engine marked massive opportunities for Glasgow to expand its heavy industry.Between 1844 and 1963, Denny's shipyard alone built over 1500 ships. The Denny family was involved in building the first steamship that crossed the Channel (1814), the first turbine steamer (1901), and the first diesel-electric paddle (1934), to name a few. Also well-known from Dumbarton was the fast clipper Cutty Sark, currently a visitor attraction in London.

For many, though, the heart of the shipping industry in Glasgow lay in Govan and the Fairfield Shipyards. At Fairfield, Robert Napier, known as 'the father of shipbuilding on the Clyde', trained many of those who went on to establish leading shipyards,including John Brown's Shipyard in Clydebank. These shipyards grew towards the end of the nineteenth century to become the some of the leading suppliers of the Royal Navy, as well as building liners and steamers, and the tradition continues today with BAe Systems yards at Govan and Scotstoun.

A shipbuiding landmark on the Clyde is the Finnieston Crane at Yokhill. Completed in 1931, it was primarily used to load large steam ocomatives for exportation. In addition, it was used to fit large ships' engines. This impressive machine is still in working order.

After World War Two the shipping industry went into decline and by the 1960's, Fairfield had collapsed.

Recently, however, regeneration of the Clyde Waterfront has attracted new industry to the area, including financial services, digital media and tourism. However, the long tradition of Shipbuilding in the area continues.

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Certificates 4 Landlords - Smoke Alarms

Introduction

From the 1st October 2015 regulations require smoke alarms to be installed by qualified electricians in rented residential accommodation and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with a solid fuel appliance. Changes are also made to the licence requirements in relation to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), such as shared houses and bedsits which require a licence and also in relation to properties which are subject to selective licensing. The Regulations apply both to houses and flats. Failure to comply can lead to a civil penalty being imposed of up to £5,000.

These provisions only apply in England; not Wales.

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Who is affected?

The requirements are imposed on the immediate landlord. There is an exemption for providers of social housing. A tenancy includes a licence to occupy a residential premises and it also extends to subletting for these purposes.

In the case of a licensed HMO or where there is a selective licensing it is the responsibility of the licence holder to ensure that mandatory conditions imposed in relation to the installation of alarms are complied with.

The premises affected

These duties apply to residential premises which means premises all or part of which comprise a dwelling. Thus, it will apply to a flat over a shop. If the property is a licensed HMO or subject to selective licensing there are mandatory conditions imposed on licences.

The premises must be let under a specified tenancy or a licence. This is a tenancy or licence of residential premises which grants one or more persons the right to occupy premises as their only or main residence. Rent or a licence fee must be payable.

There are various exemptions:-

• A tenancy under which the occupier shares any accommodation with the landlord or a member of the landlord's family. There must be a sharing of an amenity which includes a toilet, personal washing facilities, a kitchen or a living room but excludes any reference to storage or access.
• A tenancy which is a long lease or which grants a right of occupation of the premises, i.e. for more than 21 years.
• Student halls of residence.
• Hostels
• Care homes
• Hospitals
• Accommodation relating to health care provision

Requirement for Smoke alarms

During any period beginning on or after 1st October 2015 while the premises are occupied under a tenancy (or licence) the landlord must ensure that a smoke alarm is equipped on each storey of the premises on which there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation. A living room will include a lounge dining room and kitchen as well as a bathroom or toilet. It also includes a hall or landing. This means that a smoke alarm must be provided in working order on each storey. The RLA takes the view that mezzanines are caught by this legislation where they contain a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation, including a bathroom or toilet. As regards individual flats located on one floor then there will have to be at least one alarm within the flat itself or alternatively are provided outside the flat on the same floor of the building, i.e. a communal alarm.

Likewise, for flats comprising more than one storey there will need to be a smoke alarm on each floor.

It is the location of an alarm which sounds which is crucial; not the positioning of detectors.

The Regulations do not stipulate what kind of alarm is required. Ideally it should be a hard wired alarm system. It can, however, be a single standalone alarm. Landlords are recommended by the RLA to fit ten year long life tamper proof alarms, otherwise there is a problem of batteries being taken out and not being replaced.

As a final note, heat detectors are not considered sufficient. It will have to be a smoke detector.

Carbon monoxide alarms

Additionally, landlords must ensure that there is a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in any room that is used partly or wholly as living accommodation which also contains any appliance which burns, or is capable of burning, solid fuel. This would include log and coal burning stoves and open fires, even if they are not normally in use, but does not include gas and oil boilers. If an open fireplace is purely decorative and not useable then it is not covered by the regulations.

Gas is not a solid fuel and so there is no requirement to fit one near a gas boiler. It is still advisable as best practice however.

Checks

The landlord is specifically required to carry out a check to ensure that smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms installed to comply with the Regulations are in proper working order on the day a tenancy begins where it is a new tenancy. A new tenancy is a tenancy granted on or after 1st October 2015.

For these purposes a new tenancy does not include a tenancy which was granted where the original agreement was entered into before 1st October 2015; nor does it include a periodic statutory tenancy which arises when a fixed term shorthold tenancy ends. It does not apply to a tenancy which starts at the end of an earlier tenancy where the landlord and tenant are the same as under the earlier tenancy and the premises are the same (or substantially the same) as those under the earlier tenancy. Therefore this express requirement to check does not apply to the renewal of a tenancy for the same premises by the same landlord to the same tenant. This should not be confused with the requirement to install detectors and alarms which applies to tenancies in existence before October 1st 2015.

In our view, landlords should not be under a false sense of security because of this provision. Our reading of the regulation is that there is an ongoing obligation to ensure that any smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm installed to meet these requirements is in working order. Alarms should therefore be checked periodically to see that they are working properly. There is no reason why this responsibility should not be placed on the tenant and the government guidance does suggest the tenant check monthly. However, the landlord will then have to make sure that the tenant does actually carry out the checks. If challenged, a landlord could have to show that a proper system has been put in place to check alarms regularly.

Placement of Alarms

The regulations do not tell landlords where to place the smoke alarms, instead the guidance suggests the landlord follow the manufacturer's instructions which will typically be at head height between 1-3 meters away from the solid fuel burning source for carbon monoxide alarms and in a circulation point for smoke detectors.

HMOs and Selectively licensed properties

As from 1st October 2015 new licence conditions will be included requiring the provision of smoke alarms and fire detectors. In the case of HMO licences they already contain provisions for alarms in any case. The regulations themselves are not applicable in this kind of accommodation.

Enforcement

The local authority is responsible for enforcement.

A local authority must serve a remedial notice within 21 days where they have reason to believe that the landlord is in breach of any of these duties relating to smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms. A remedial notice must specify the action to be taken within 28 days of the date of the service of the notice. It allows the landlord 28 days to make representations against the notice.

The landlord must then take the required action within the period allowed. There is an excuse for a landlord for non-compliance with the notice if the landlord can show that he has taken reasonable steps to comply with the duty, but the landlord is not required to take legal proceedings. This could cover a situation where the tenant refuses access to allow the work to be done.

If the landlord fails to take action then the local authority must, if it has the necessary consent to do so, arrange for the work required to be undertaken within 28 days of consent being obtained if consent of the occupier of the premises is required. Therefore if a local authority is also refused access by the tenant it cannot take the necessary steps itself.

Penalties

If the landlord is in breach the local authority may require the landlord to pay a penalty charge up to a maximum of £5,000. It has discretion whether or not to impose this charge. If it intends to impose a charge it must serve a penalty charge notice within six weeks from when it is first satisfied that a breach has occurred. A right to make representations against the penalty notice is given and the local authority may reduce the charge for prompt payment.

Appeals

If the local authority upholds a penalty charge notice there is a right to appeal for the landlord to the First Tier Tribunal. The Grounds of Appeal are:-

• Local authority has made an error of fact or law
• The amount of penalty charge is unreasonable
• The decision to impose a penalty is unreasonable for any other reason

Payment of the penalty is suspended pending any appeal.

Local authority penalty policy

Each local authority must publish a statement of principles which will be followed in determining the amount of any penalty charge. This statement will be taken into account in deciding on an individual penalty for a particular case.

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A Guide To Central Heating Systems

There are three main types of gas central heating systems used in housing:

• Combination Boiler Systems
• Gravity Fed Systems
• High Pressure Systems

All three of these systems heat central heating radiators in similar ways. The main differences are the water pressure that the boiler operates at and the way hot water is provided.

heating engineer Combination Boiler System

Often referred to as a ‘combi boiler’ this type of installation heats hot water as you need it, without the need for a hot water storage tank. So in places where space and hot water requirements are limited, such as flats, these can be very popular systems. The system uses mains water pressure, so there are no overflow tanks.

The major downside is the flow of hot water is slower than systems that provide stored hot water – most systems will struggle to cope with houses with two bathrooms. To have a reasonable level of hot water flow the boiler output has to be in a range of 25-30kW rather than 15-20kW for a system with a hot water storage tank. If you are thinking of using solar water heating in the future then another downside is that these systems are not suitable for use with a combi boiler as they need a hot water cylinder. Read more in our solar panels cost article.

See Combination Gas Boilers for a list of current popular combi boilers with typical consumer prices.

Gravity Fed Systems

Central Heating System Gravity Fed System

Historically a gravity fed central heating system was the most common system installed in UK housing. They are less common now as combi and high pressure systems are both superior when a complete new system is being installed.

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Many older homes have existing gravity fed systems, so it may be more cost effective to upgrade the existing gravity fed system with a new more efficient boiler rather than go to the expense of a complete new system. Some manufacturers call boilers for a gravity system “open vent boilers”, “heat only boilers”, “conventional boilers” or “regular boilers”. Most system boilers can also be used with a gravity system. A system boiler has additional built in components such as a pump which makes installation easier than for a heat only boiler.

The major downsides are:

• the water pressure for hot and cold taps can be quite poor, as the flow depends on gravity. In flats, where there is no opportunity to put the water tanks in a loft, shower water pressure can be poor unless a shower pump is used.
• The extra requirement for a cold water storage tank and an expansion tanks. These tanks were often installed in lofts where they become vulnerable to frost damage resulting in water leaks.

High pressure systems

High Pressure Unvented System

This type of system operates at mains water pressure and uses a stored hot water system. So if it is lashings of hot water at a forceful pressure you are looking for then this is the system for you. EICR Certificate Glasgow

The main downside is that these high performance systems tend to be more expensive than the combi systems as you have the additional expense of a hot water tank. They also tend to require a higher skill level amongst installers, although as these systems become more common this is less of an issue. Some manufacturers call boilers for a high pressure system with a tank “system boilers” although some heat only boilers can also be used if additional external components such as pumps are added. electricians

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Emergency Lighting Glasgow

Emergency lighting is lighting for an emergency situation when the main power supply is cut and any normal illumination fails.  The loss of mains electricity could be the result of a fire or a power cut and the normal lighting supplies fail. This may lead to sudden darkness and a possible danger to the occupants, either through physical danger or panic.

Emergency lighting is normally required to operate fully automatically and give illumination of a sufficiently high level to enable all occupants to evacuate the premises safely. Most new buildings now have emergency lighting installed during construction; the design and type of equipment being specified by the architect in accordance with current Building Regulations and any local authority requirements.

The British Standard provides the emergency lighting designer with clear guidelines to work to. BS 5266-1: 2011 embraces residential hotels, clubs, hospitals, nursing homes, schools and colleges, licensed premises, offices, museums, shops, multi-storey dwellings, etc. Although this standard recommends the types and durations of emergency lighting systems relating to each category of premises, it should be remembered that the standards are the minimum safe standards for these types of building and that a higher standard may be required for a particular installation.

What is emergency lighting? 

Lighting that automatically comes on when the power supply to the normal lighting provision fails.

Emergency lighting is a general term and is sub-divided into emergency escape lighting and standby lighting.

Emergency escape lighting – that part of an emergency lighting system that provides illumination for the safety of people leaving a location or attempting to terminate a potentially dangerous process beforehand. It is part of the fire safety provision of a building and a requirement of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Standby lighting– that part of an emergency lighting system provided to enable normal activities to continue substantially unchanged. This guide does not include standby lighting as it is not a legal requirement and is a facility that may or may not be needed, depending on the use and occupancy of the premises, etc.

Emergency escape lighting is itself sub-divided into escape route lighting, open area lighting and high risk task area lighting.

Escape route lighting – that part of an emergency escape lighting system provided to ensure that the means of escape can be effectively identified and safely used by occupants of the building.

Emergency Exit Light

Open area lighting (in some countries known as anti-panic lighting) – that part of an emergency escape lighting system provided to minimise panic and ensure there is sufficient illumination to allow the occupants of a building to reach a place where an escape route can be identified.

Bulkhead emergency lighting

High risk task area lighting – that part of an emergency escape lighting system that provides illumination for the safety of people involved in a potentially dangerous process or situation and to enable proper shut-down procedures for the safety of the operator and other occupants of the premises.

Consultation and design

The first stage of installing emergency escape lighting is consultation and design. The designer, responsible person and fire risk assessor should meet and decide where the escape lighting is required and mark up a plan showing the areas to be covered, the type (power supply), mode of operation, facilities and duration.

Type (power supply)

Self-Contained – Single Point

Advantages:

• The installation is faster and cheaper
• Standard wiring material may be used. Failure of mains supply due to cable
• burn-through will automatically satisfy the requirement for a luminaire to be lit
• Low maintenance costs – periodic test and general cleaning only required
• Low hardware equipment costs – no requirement for extended wiring, special ventilation etc.
• The integrity of the system is greater because each luminaire is independent of the others
• System can easily be extended with additional luminaires
• No special sub-circuit monitoring requirements

Disadvantages:

• The environmental conditions will vary throughout the system and batteries may be adversely affected by a relatively high or low ambient temperature
• Battery life is limited to between 2 and 4 years, dependent upon the application
• Testing requires isolation and observation of luminaires on an individual basis

In general, the decision to use either a central battery or a self-contained system is likely to be cost determined. If an installation has longevity and low maintenance as priorities, then the higher cost of a central battery may be acceptable on a very large project. Typically, luminaire and installation costs are a major consideration, particularly on smaller jobs, and it is this criterion which makes the self-contained luminaire the most popular choice.

Central Battery Source

Advantages:

• Maintenance and routine testing is easier, with only one location to consider
• The life of a battery is between 5 and 25 years, dependent upon type
• Environmentally stable in a protected environment; the luminaire can operate at relatively high or low ambient temperatures
• Large batteries are cheaper per unit of power and luminaires are usually less expensive

Disadvantages:

• High capital equipment costs
• The cost of the installation and system wiring is high because fire resisting cable like MICC or Pirelli FP200 type is required to each satellite luminaire
• Poor system integrity – failure of battery or wiring circuit can disable a large part of the system
• A requirement for ‘battery room’ to house cells and charger circuits, etc; ventilation of acid gases may also be needed
• Localised mains failure may not trigger operation of emergency lighting in that area
• Voltage drop on the luminaire wired furthest from the central battery could become a problem

Mode of operation

Maintained or non-maintained is the principal consideration, which is decided by the use of the premises.

Maintained emergency luminaire: a luminaire in which the emergency lighting lamps are on at all times.

Maintained mode is generally used in places of assembly such as theatres, cinemas, clubs and halls; the full list is contained in BS 5266. The lights are typically dimmed when these premises are occupied and the emergency escape lighting prevents total darkness.

Non-maintained emergency luminaire: a luminaire whose emergency lamps only come on when the power supply to the normal lighting fails. Non-maintained is the typical mode in a workplace or similar environment in which artificial lighting is normally deployed while the premises are occupied.

Combined emergency luminaire: a luminaire containing two or more lamps, at least one of which is energized from the emergency lighting supply and the other(s) from the normal lighting supply. A combined emergency luminaire can be either maintained or non-maintained.

Compound self-contained emergency luminaire: a luminaire providing maintained or non-maintained emergency lighting and also the emergency power supply to a satellite luminaire.

Satellite emergency luminaire: a luminaire for maintained or non-maintained operation and which derives its emergency operation supply from an associated compound self-contained emergency luminaire.

Facilities

A) Luminaire including test device: the luminaire contains a self-test module for testing purposes.

B) Luminaire including remote test device: the system is tested remotely by a centralised panel.

C) Luminaire with inhibiting mode: a control mode used to inhibit the emergency lighting luminaire from operating, thus preventing the discharge of the emergency lighting batteries at times when the building is unoccupied. If a mains failure occurs at such a time, the batteries will remain fully charged so that the building can be occupied when required. It is performed by an inhibitor switch that must be interfaced with other building services so that the premises cannot be inadvertently occupied without the emergency lighting being recommissioned.

D) High risk task luminaire: for risk task area lighting in areas of high risk, the maintained luminance shall not be less than 10% of the required maintained luminance for the task under normal lighting conditions. This will be subject to a minimum luminance of 15 lux. The uniformity ratio for task area lighting should be a minimum of 10:1 (0.1). The minimum duration shall be the period for which the risk presents to occupants.

Duration in minutes

The time required to evacuate the premises depends on their size and complexity. The duration itself is dependent not only on evacuation time but also on whether the premises are evacuated immediately the power and normal lighting fails and / or are reoccupied immediately the supply is restored. The minimum duration of an emergency escape lighting system is 1 hour.

A minimum duration of 3 hours should be used for emergency escape lighting if the premises are not evacuated immediately, as in the case of sleeping accommodation, for example, or if the premises will be reoccupied immediately the supply is restored without waiting for the batteries to be recharged.

One hour’s duration should only be used if the premises are evacuated immediately on supply failure and not reoccupied until full capacity has been restored to the batteries.

BS 5266 contains detailed information on the recommended duration of systems in various premises.

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Emergency lighting classifications

The old NM or M classification with duration in hours has been replaced with a code consisting of letter/number/letter/number, as follows:

1) Type

X – self-contained
Y – central battery

2) Mode of operation

0 non-maintained
1 maintained
2 combined non-maintained
3 combined maintained
4 compound non-maintained
5 compound maintained
6 satellite

3) Facilities 

A including test device
B including remote test device
C including inhibiting mode
D high risk task luminaire

4) Duration in minutes.

10, 60,120 or 180

The classification is expressed as per the following example:

[x][0][***][180] – Self-contained, Non-maintained, ***, 3 hours duration.

***    This is added as applicable at the time of installation.

Emergency Luminaires

Self-contained emergency luminaire: a luminaire providing maintained or non-maintained emergency lighting in which all the components, such as the battery, charging circuit, mains ballast, lamp, control unit, test and monitoring facilities (where provided) are contained within the luminaire or adjacent to it, i.e. within 1m cable length.

Centrally supplied emergency luminaire: a luminaire for maintained or non-maintained operation, which is energized from a central emergency power system that is not contained within the luminaire. Only the lamp (and an inverter if fluorescent) is located within the luminaire body, with the supply on power failure being fed from a centralised point.

The majority of systems installed in the United Kingdom are of the self-contained type, but both options have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Siting of luminaires and emergency signs

Having decided on your basic system, consideration should now be given to the siting of the lighting units and signs within the particular premises involved. This will then form the basis on which your selection of equipment can be made. Safelincs has provided a graphical guide for the location of emergency lights.

Lighting units and signs should be sited so as to clearly show the exit routes leading to the final exits from the premises. Where the exit route or final exit is not readily identifiable, a sign should be utilised rather than a lighting unit. Particular attention should be paid to individual stairways, changes in floor level, corridor intersections, changes in direction, the outside of each final exit, control / plant rooms, lifts, toilet areas over 8m2 (although there is an argument for providing all toilets with public access, and especially those for the disabled, with emergency lighting). Access to fire alarm call points and fire fighting equipment should be clearly illuminated.

In general, if careful consideration is given to siting the luminaires and signs to cover these areas, the completed scheme will meet most requirements.

It is not necessary to provide individual lights (luminaires) for each item above, but there should be a sufficient overall level of light to allow them to be visible and usable.

N.B: detailed computer point calculations or luminaire manufacturer’s spacing tables should be used. The above is a brief summary and we recommend that the appropriate standard is studied to gain a full understanding of what is involved.

How much light?

BS 5266 recommends the provision of horizontal illumination at floor level along the centre line of a defined escape route (permanently unobstructed) not less than 1 lux, and 0.5 lux for anti-panic areas, to exclude a 0.5m border around the route. In addition, for escape routes of up to 2m wide, 50% of the route width should be lit to a minimum of 1 lux. Wider escape routes can be treated as a number of 2m wide bands. The actual degree of illumination should be closely related to the nature of both the premises and its occupants, with special consideration being given to care homes for the elderly, hospitals, crowded venues such as pubs, nightclubs and supermarkets, and to whether or not the premises have overnight accommodation, e.g. hotels.

The level of illumination in certain rooms and areas within a building will vary depending on their use; all this information is contained in the appendices to BS 5266-1: 2011.

N.B: The above is a brief summary and we recommend that the appropriate standard is studied to gain a full understanding of what is involved. electricians

Commissioning Certificate and Logbook

BS 5266 and the European Standard both require written declarations of compliance to be available on site for inspection.  These should detail the quality of the installation and its conformance to IEE regulations, including the main circuit of the normal lighting system feeding non-maintained fittings.

Photometric performance is required and evidence of compliance with light levels has to be supplied by the system designer.

On completion of the installation of the emergency lighting system, or part thereof, a completion certificate should be supplied by the installer to the occupier / owner of the premises.

A declaration of satisfactory test of operation is necessary and a log of all system tests and results must be maintained. System logbooks, with commissioning forms, testing forms and instructions, should be provided by the installer. A free fire safety logbook with sections for emergency lighting tests can be downloaded free from Safelincs.

Maintenance

Finally, to ensure that the system remains at full operational status, essential servicing should be specified. This would usually be performed as part of the testing routine, but in the case of consumable items such as replacement lamps, spares should be provided for immediate use.

Servicing and testing

To test an emergency lighting system, a mains power failure on the normal lighting circuit / circuits or individual luminaries must be simulated. This will force the emergency lighting system to operate via the battery supply. This test can be carried out manually or automatically.

Manual testing

A simulated mains failure can be achieved by providing a switch to isolate all lighting circuits / individual circuits / individual luminaires. If manual testing is utilised, the following points should be considered:

In a system with a single switch for the whole building or a large circuit, after simulating the mains failure it is necessary for the tester to walk the whole building or circuit, to check all emergency luminaire are operating correctly. After restoring the mains supply, the whole building or circuit must be walked again, to check that the emergency lights are recharging.

If the emergency luminaires are individually switched, only a single walk around the building will be needed. However, the test switches could spoil the decor of the building and they must be of a type that is tamper proof. After the tests, it is recommended that the performance of the system is logged in the fire safety logbook.

Automatic testing

If the costs of an engineer’s time and the disruption caused by manual testing are excessive, self-testing emergency lighting should be considered. Different formats are available to match particular site requirements. However, the results of the monthly and annual tests must still be recorded.

General information about emergency lighting testing

BS EN 50172:2004 / BS 5266-8:2004 (Emergency escape lighting systems) specifies the minimum provision and testing of emergency lighting for different premises. Additional information on servicing can be found in BS 5266-1: 2011 (Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises).

The system should include adequate facilities for testing the system condition. These need to be appropriate for the specific site and should be considered as part of the system design. Discussions with the user or system designer should identify the calibre and reliability of staff available to do the testing and the level of difficulty in performing the test

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

When automatic testing devices (self-testing emergency lights) are used, the information shall be recorded monthly and annually. For all other systems, the tests shall be carried out as described below and the results recorded.

Regular servicing is essential. The occupier / owner of the premises shall appoint a competent person to supervise servicing of the system. This person shall be given sufficient authority to ensure the carrying out of any work necessary to maintain the system in correct operational mode.

Routine inspections and tests

Where national regulations do not apply, the following shall be met:

Because of the possibility of a failure of the normal lighting supply occurring shortly after a period of testing of the emergency lighting system or during the subsequent recharge period, all full duration tests shall, wherever possible, be undertaken just before a time of low risk to allow for battery recharge. Alternatively, suitable temporary arrangements shall be made until the batteries have been recharged.

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

Daily emergency lighting inspection (only for central back-up systems)

This check only applies to emergency lighting systems with one central back-up battery system. In this case, there is a daily visual inspection of indicators on the central power supply to identify that the system is operational. No test of operation is required. This test does not apply to emergency lighting with self-contained back-up batteries in each unit (standard emergency lighting).

Monthly emergency lighting tests

All emergency lighting systems must be tested monthly. The test is a short functional test in accordance with BS EN 50172:2004 / BS 5266-8:2004.

The period of simulated failure should be sufficient for the purpose of this test while minimising damage to the system components, e.g. lamps. During this period, all luminaires and signs shall be checked to ensure that they are present, clean and functioning correctly.

Annually

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 must be recorded and, if failures are detected, these must be remedied as soon as possible.

British and European Standards – Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting is now covered by a series of interdependent standards that can be seen as forming a hierarchy as shown below.

Base guidance document

BS 5266-1: 2011 Code of practice for emergency lighting of premises. Gives general rules and guidance on the provision and operation of emergency lighting in most premises other than dwelling houses.

System standards

BS EN 1838:1999 / BS 5266-7:1999 Lighting applications – emergency lighting. Specifies the illumination to be provided by emergency lighting (including luminance, duration and colour).

BS EN 50172:2004 / BS 5266-8:2004 Emergency escape lighting systems. Specifies the minimum provision and testing of emergency lighting for different premises.

Product standards

BS EN 60598-1: 2008 Luminaires.  General requirements and tests. See the 60598 series for particular requirements.

BS EN 62034:2006 Automatic test systems for battery powered emergency escape lighting. Specifies a test system for battery powered emergency lighting

BS EN 50171:2001 Central power supply systems. Specifies central power supply systems for emergency lighting luminaries.

Visit your local reference library or purchase copies of the requisite standards from BSI online; insert the BS number to see which titles are current. The links may not be inclusive but will give an indication of the guidance available.

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