Does a non-maintained emergency need a key switch

[haptism]

Hi hope someone can help. A friend of mine (a builder) has asked me because I used to be an electrician (im not working in the trade anymore) if a non maintained emergency light in a small shop has to have a key switch (as per regulations). I realise the benefits of having a key switch but is it necessary. Thanks

 

[Paul.M]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

In a word, yes. This is for monthly, quarterly and annual testing of the battery & lamp.

 

[haptism]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

In a word, yes. This is for monthly, quarterly and annual testing of the battery & lamp.

Can the test not be carried out by switching off the lighting breaker ? The shop only as one room and a toilet room so there would be no issues switching off the entire lighting circuit to perform a test. Is a key switch essential s this situation ?

 

[Paul.M]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

The annual test is a minimum of 2 hours and you will be putting the shop into darkness, that is why we use key switches to isolate power to the EM so not effecting any other circuit. Also useful for maintenance/repair and replacement of the EM. Easy to install and it is just the correct thing to do imho.

 

[haptism]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

The annual test is a minimum of 2 hours and you will be putting the shop into darkness, that is why we use key switches to isolate power to the EM so not effecting any other circuit. Also useful for maintenance/repair and replacement of the EM. Easy to install and it is just the correct thing to do imho.

That's a good point, I overlooked that !

 

[alanl]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

However, I dont think there is a requirement for the key switch, it can be turned off if necessary at the CB.
Of course, that isnt the best way, but, it complies AFAIAA.
As for losing the lights when the test is being done, just do it out of hours, or in daylight hours, or provide temporary lighting via a socket outlet.

 

[Guest77]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

Can the test not be carried out by switching off the lighting breaker ? The shop only as one room and a toilet room so there would be no issues switching off the entire lighting circuit to perform a test. Is a key switch essential s this situation ?

well Tazz is the man for this, but IMO it doesn't need one, that said any spark worth anything would insist on fitting one.

 

[Risteard]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

Hi hope someone can help. A friend of mine (a builder) has asked me because I used to be an electrician (im not working in the trade anymore) if a non maintained emergency light in a small shop has to have a key switch (as per regulations). I realise the benefits of having a key switch but is it necessary. Thanks

Not really, no. But the advantage is that the emergencies can be tested without affecting the supply to the general lighting, which obviously might be desireable. Also bear in mind particularly when doing full duration tests that the batteries will take some time to charge back up, so don't carry out the test when they might be needed.

Some emergencies are self-testing as well and DALI controlled.

A thorough read of BS 5266 is obviously the best advice.

 

[mattg4321]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

Whenever it is specified that there is to be a key switch for each E/L, switching only that E/L it always worries me it will just be left switched off and because it doesn't affect any lighting in general use no one will notice.

 

[Risteard]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

Whenever it is specified that there is to be a key switch for each E/L, switching only that E/L it always worries me it will just be left switched off and because it doesn't affect any lighting in general use no one will notice.

If using a test facility e.g. a keyswitch then you don't want it to affect the general lighting and plunge the entire area into darkness. You are simply trying to establish that the emergency luminaires will come on on failure of the local lighting.

 

[mattg4321]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

Agree on one hand, but on the flip side, what happens when somebody comes along and switches it off without realising the consequences/ forgets to to go back and switch it back on after a full 3 hour discharge test.

Each method of doing it has advantages and disadvantages and as far as I know neither is 'incorrect' according to regulations.

 

[Risteard]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

8.3.3 of BS 5266-1 states "8.3.3 Test facility
Each emergency lighting system should have suitable means for simulating failure of the normal supply for test purposes (i.e. without interruption of the normal supply)."

Emphasis mine.

 

[haptism]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

8.3.3 of BS 5266-1 states "8.3.3 Test facility
Each emergency lighting system should have suitable means for simulating failure of the normal supply for test purposes (i.e. without interruption of the normal supply)."

Emphasis mine.

Thanks for the regulation as mentioned; however the word SHOULD is not the same as MUST, so on that basis I presume that it would raise an eyebrow not to have a key switch although the system wouldn't be condemned.

 

[Darkwood]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

If you wish to make an excursion from the regulations then you need to show good reason and ultimately show the safety of the system or persons is not compromised, for the latter points is hasn't compromised safety so not an issue there really so if this is existing set-up then only a recommendation can be issued, if this is a newly wired/fitted E/M set-up then there should be no reason IMHO that such a simple addition is not included in the design and I would be asking the Electrician to provide a very good reason as to why regulations have not been followed.

A competent Electrician will use and follow the BS7671 to the T and not to do so without good cause is poor work ethics and bad practice. Just because the wording is should instead of must shouldn't be a point argument, the BS7671 are a guidelines for good and safe work practice and are not statute law hence the phrasing 'should' instead of must. Showing you follow such guidelines as the BS7671 is your proof of good work practice and is invaluable as evidence of competency if you are ever ask to prove it in a court of law.

 

[nickblake]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

doesnt half make life easier testing with a switch , as for forgetting to switch them back on thats upto the person testing the indicators are so bright these days there is no excuse for not noticing them not charging so easy to spot when not switched out of test mode

 

[haptism]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

Thanks for all the response it has helped. I will mention a key switch might not be a bad idea considering it would be so easy to wire in.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

In a word, yes. This is for monthly, quarterly and annual testing of the battery & lamp.

No it doesn't.

 

[tazz]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

Reason for test switches is 1. to identify unmarked maintained fittings, 2. to isolate em from standard lighting circuit. 3. to identify em fittings that are faulty. 4. to identify the em circuit by switch fitting. (ie DB1/L3/C08) 5. to allow full duration test without switch off normal lighting.
Putting a place in darkness or poor light during the day, is asking for a court case for injury.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

No. 1, not sure how that will work?
No. 2, will only work with non-maintained.
No. 3, again will only work with non-maintained.
No. 4, how would it be any different from switching the circuit (DB1/L3/C08) MCB?
No. 5, yes.
No. 6, switching off the circuit via the MCB, will allow the LUX level to be determined.

 

[tazz]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

1. em lighting is 40% less bright when not powered.
2. required to work with switched maintained, exit and non maintained.
3. with normal lighting staying lite....any non lite, must be faulty em fitting
4. All lighting feed from that circuit would be de-powered.
6. only on commissioning or take over....so mcb for lux testing...em switch for periodic testing...making life great.

 

[haptism]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

Reason for test switches is 1. to identify unmarked maintained fittings, 2. to isolate em from standard lighting circuit. 3. to identify em fittings that are faulty. 4. to identify the em circuit by switch fitting. (ie DB1/L3/C08) 5. to allow full duration test without switch off normal lighting.
Putting a place in darkness or poor light during the day, is asking for a court case for injury.

1. Its obvious which light is the emergency as its the only bulkhead in the room.
2. Why not use the cb, just make sure its not dark, do it in the morning.
3. Same as no.2 above
4. There is only one lighting circuit, fed from a 5 way cu, will only be one key switch.
5. Same as no.2

This may sound flippant, but its one room and the place closes at 4.30 pm and is not open on a Sunday or bank holidays. Don't get me wrong im all for key switches but do I really need one (and it would be just one), that's what he keeps asking me.

 

[tazz]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

Its your call as the tester, If it was a new install then 100% by BS5266....If existing, make a note on cert, that its only feed from mcb. Whole game here is to cover yourself.

 

[haptism]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

Its your call as the tester, If it was a new install then 100% by BS5266....If existing, make a note on cert, that its only feed from mcb. Whole game here is to cover yourself.

Yeah that seems the most sensible way. Thanks again

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

1. em lighting is 40% less bright when not powered.
2. required to work with switched maintained, exit and non maintained.
3. with normal lighting staying lite....any non lite, must be faulty em fitting
4. All lighting feed from that circuit would be de-powered.
6. only on commissioning or take over....so mcb for lux testing...em switch for periodic testing...making life great.

No. 1, how will that help with maintained, if the non-em lighting is still lit?
No. 2, not aware that it is required?
No. 3, any non lit fitting is faulty, could be em, could be normal.
No. 4, exactly, any still lit will be the em fittings.
No. 6, buildings which contain em lighting are often altered, during the course of their use. New furniture, machines, partitions, new rooms or offices, etc. There is also the fact that dirt and discolouration of finished walls can affect lux levels.
Lux levels may be fine on commissioning, but can drastically change during the course of an installation's life.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

1. Its obvious which light is the emergency as its the only bulkhead in the room.

That would be non-maintained.

 

[baldsparkies]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

Its such a simple fix, and can be fitted local to the E/M light if need be.
There not even an expensive thing to purchase, so not a financial issue, more safety at a modest cost.
It could be a life saver one day, and with a key switch operational maintenance/tests are far more likely to take place.
There's only one common sense approach to this surely !!!

 

[tazz]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

1. and em light will be 40% dimmer, normal fitting will be fully lite.
2. BS5266 requires a facility for testing ie keyswitch.
3. Before using test switch all maintained lighting should be on....on operation of the test switch, any unlit fitting require attention.
4. Putting an office or section of a building in darkness, is a risky business. I would see a no win no fee claim, from Jobbless Joe.
6. BS again, any new, alteration or extension to a building, should be re-tested, re-commissioned, with results documented.
Personally, I would conduct a lux level test on any take over or new contract. Again back side covering.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

No. 1, the fact that the em lighting is 40% dimmer will not help with combined maintained fittings as found in most offices, unless the normal lighting is switched off. With LED lighting that I've installed, there is no difference in brightness between normal and emergency operation.
No. 2, not sure that it requires a facility for testing, more that it requires a testing procedure be in place?
No. 3, not something that can always be achieved.
No. 4, if the em lighting is functioning, and BS5266 is complied with, then there should not be complete darkness.
That aside, a pretty standard RA would indicate that the testing should be conducted out of hours to minimise risk.
No. 5, yes in an ideal world, however that still doesn't allow for deterioration in lux levels do to age, dirt and discolouration of wall and ceiling finishes.
Switching off the normal lighting when conducting the test will allow for verification that the em lighting is adequate, or fit for purpose without having to physically measure lux levels. Something that anyone should be able to do with just standard Mk I eyeballs.

 

[tazz]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

On a pre designed installation you will be requested to install EM lighting to BS5266, you will be requested to install emergency test switches where designed. The schedule will state circuit number, and request that 5266 is followed, so as not to isolate normal operation of lighting (section of BS already stated in post 12). If you are requested to design the system to BS5266. All this must be taken into account......or you will be requested to rip it out and start again.....your choice..!!

 

[mogga]

Re: Does a non-maintained emergecy need a key switch

No. 1, the fact that the em lighting is 40% dimmer will not help with combined maintained fittings as found in most offices, unless the normal lighting is switched off. With LED lighting that I've installed, there is no difference in brightness between normal and emergency operation.
No. 2, not sure that it requires a facility for testing, more that it requires a testing procedure be in place?
No. 3, not something that can always be achieved.
No. 4, if the em lighting is functioning, and BS5266 is complied with, then there should not be complete darkness.
That aside, a pretty standard RA would indicate that the testing should be conducted out of hours to minimise risk.
No. 5, yes in an ideal world, however that still doesn't allow for deterioration in lux levels do to age, dirt and discolouration of wall and ceiling finishes.
Switching off the normal lighting when conducting the test will allow for verification that the em lighting is adequate, or fit for purpose without having to physically measure lux levels. Something that anyone should be able to do with just standard Mk I eyeballs.

Item 1 some commercial shops have 24hr "police" lighting on key switch with EMS so unless identified you could be attempting repair on fitting thats not faulty
Ityem 4 When using discharge lighting there SHOULD be standby lighting so during burn up of lighting there is light