LED emergency lighting replacement meets the university challenge
The first stage of replacing the emergency-lighting system in the Middlesbrough Tower building of Teesside University has seen the replacement of existing luminaires with 120 LED luminaires from Hochiki UK. The new luminaires are linked to an addressable controller using existing cabling. Maintenance was a major problem with the old system, but the university’s on-site team can now comply with EN50172 legislation.
The university’s electrical-services manager David Newton, explains, ‘The central-battery system which had been installed in the basement had become expensive to run and maintain, and it took up quite a lot of space because it was supplied by two large 110 V battery cubicles. Also, the 8 W luminaires that the old system used needed the fluorescent lamps to be changed frequently, which took a lot of time as well as being costly. In line with the university’s energy-reduction targets, I wanted to install a system that would reduce overheads, while utilising the latest technology.’
He was introduced to Hochiki Europe’s new emergency-lighting solution by its installation partner TCS Fire Safety Services, and realised it would meet all his selection criteria.
This low-voltage system comprises an addressable emergency-lighting control panel with battery back-up. The self-contained LED luminaires and signage are connected by 40 V cabling. The luminaires have battery back-up and fit directly onto a standard Hochiki sensor base to make installation simple.
A key benefit of LED technology is that it requires less than 5% of the lamp changes compared with traditional fluorescent lighting. Replacing a luminaire is a simple plug-in operation.
The system is programmable, and its control panel continuously monitors and tests the functionality of the system. Problems are reported immediately. Specific monthly, 6-monthly and annual tests can be carried out automatically, and the results of servicing and test schedules printed.
