If in the event of a power outage for household consumers, the problem does not pose a great threat, then during emergency conditions at large industrial facilities, in organizations and places with large crowds of people, there may be a risk of incidents and injuries to people. To prevent such situations, emergency lighting is used.
The main task of such lighting installations is to create the minimum required level of visibility on staircase landings, at exits, near high-risk objects and in other premises. To ensure the safe evacuation of personnel or visitors in the event of a power failure.
Types of emergency lighting
Depending on the assigned tasks, such installations can perform certain functions - some act as alarms for passage places, others maintain the required level of illumination to carry out any technological processes. According to the requirements of SNiP, which regulates lighting standards, emergency lighting is divided into two types: evacuation and backup.
Evacuation lighting
Evacuation lighting is considered to be a category of devices that are installed in tight spaces, passages, and outside buildings for the safe exit of people. This category of lighting devices is included in the event of breakdowns, fires, or natural disasters that cause a drawdown or complete absence of the main source of power supply.
Must be installed:
- In passages and on stairs, at emergency exits, if the calculated number of people moving along them in an emergency is 50 or more.
- In buildings with 6 or more floors.
- If the number of workers is more than 100, the placement of lamps must be carried out in all production premises where there is an increased risk of injury and along the entire route of personnel.
For the correct operation of such lighting installations, special technologies and connection diagrams are used.
Security lighting (backup)
Backup lighting is considered to be a category of lighting equipment that, in the event of a loss of the main power supply, continues to illuminate production areas that pose a potential threat of an accident or where strict compliance with fire safety standards is necessary.
This includes technological processes that need to be completed, even in emergency situations, for example, at power plants, pumping stations, communication points, in children's institutions and others. Therefore, safety lighting must provide sufficient conditions for performing certain operations in production.
It should be noted that such artificial lighting is mandatory for preschool and school organizations, regardless of how many people are in them.
Distinctive features of European standards.
According to EN-1838, emergency lighting is further divided into three categories:
- For rescue routes – provides the ability to safely leave the production area along an established route;
- Anti-panic lighting – provides the ability to get to the exit from crowded places, for which emergency lighting is used;
- For particularly hazardous areas - installed near machines and mechanisms with rotating or other dangerous elements, when the working lighting disappears near which there is a risk of injury.
When comparing the remaining separation criteria according to SNiP and EN presented in Figure 1, you can see their identity regarding the main types of emergency lighting.
Comparison of lighting standards
Requirements and regulations
The main regulatory documents regulating the requirements for design and operation are: GOST R IEC 60598-2-22-99 for emergency lighting fixtures; GOST R 55842-2013 (ISO 30061:2007), SNiP 23-05-95 in the scope of the relevant section; Rules for Electrical Installations in the scope of the relevant chapter. They indicate the requirements for the lamps themselves, as devices, provide a classification of devices and establish rules for placement, connection to the electrical network, and standards for their normal operation.
Based on the above documents, the following regulatory requirements are imposed on emergency lighting devices:
- Autonomous power supply should provide illumination of areas for movement indoors from 0.5 lux, and in open space from 0.2 lux.
- Due to the uneven placement of lamps or LED luminaires, the unevenness of the illumination level along the axis of movement should not exceed the maximum to minimum ratio of 40:1.
- In premises it is permitted to use safety lamps for power supply from backup sources as evacuation lamps.
- The use of evacuation signs is a mandatory norm for such passages and exits from buildings where 100 or more workers may be present at the same time. And in cases where there is no natural light, the minimum number for installing illuminated signs is reduced to 50 people. The same requirements apply for premises larger than 150 m2.
- In addition to light signs, you can install signs that do not light up on their own from an autonomous power supply, but are illuminated by emergency lamps.
- The overall dimensions of the signs must ensure their sufficient visibility, and the distance between them should not exceed more than 25 m. Additionally, they are placed at turns at the junction of other rooms, entrances and exits.
- It is possible to install both those that operate only in autonomous mode, and those that support combustion in conjunction with a centralized power supply.
- Security lighting, as an emergency option, can be performed with any lighting devices, except for those options when the light turns on only when it is triggered. Then only incandescent lamps can be used for electrical installation.
Depending on local conditions, one of the methods for connecting and implementing the system may be used.
Emergency lighting acceptance certificate
Classification and standards
Emergency Lighting. Classification and norms
Date of introduction 2015-01-01
1 PREPARED by the Limited Liability Company “All-Russian Research, Design and Design Lighting Institute named after S.I. Vavilov” (VNISI LLC) on the basis of its own authentic translation into Russian of the international standard specified in paragraph 4
2 INTRODUCED by the Technical Committee for Standardization TC 332 “Lighting Products”
3 APPROVED AND ENTERED INTO EFFECT by Order of the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology dated November 22, 2013 N 1781-st
4 This standard is modified from the international standard ISO 30061:2007* “Emergency lighting” by introducing changes explained in the introduction to this standard. ________________ * Access to international and foreign documents mentioned in the text can be obtained by contacting the User Support Service. — Note from the database manufacturer.
The name of this standard has been changed relative to the name of the specified international standard to bring it into compliance with GOST R 1.5-2012 (clause 3.5)
Design and diagram of the emergency lighting network
Such circuits necessarily include three main elements - an autonomous power source, lighting devices and switching switches. The latter switches between two power sources - the main and emergency.
A power supply circuit with various lighting sources is used for low-power objects.
Diagram with various lighting sources
This includes: incandescent lamps L (1 main and 2 emergency lighting), relay contacts K, fuses PR, rectifier B and battery AB. When the main power is turned off, the relay switches and the emergency lighting lamps are powered from the battery unit.
The emergency circuit includes incandescent lamps of significantly lower power than the main ones, because their task is to provide minimal illumination. And the rectifier is designed to constantly recharge the battery in normal mode. The advantages of this scheme are that the main lighting can use fluorescent lamps, LED lamps or housekeepers.
A single light source power supply (Figure 4) is best suited for situations where, in the event of a power outage to electrical installations, it is necessary to provide the same level of illumination as during normal operation.
Rice. 4. Scheme with one light source
Please note that here the lamp is powered from the main power source in normal operation, and if there is no voltage on it, the relay contacts switch the same lamp to battery power. The autonomous source itself is also constantly recharged from an external network, as in the previous version through a rectifier device. The disadvantage of this scheme is the huge energy costs for powering incandescent lamps.
A solution to this drawback for large facilities and industrial enterprises is possible by including the inverter in the emergency power supply circuit.
Figure 5. Circuit with one source for any lamps
Look at Figure 5, here the DC current supplied from the power supply is converted into alternating current, which allows you to turn on any type of lamp.
The practical application of one or another scheme must be carried out based on a detailed analysis of operating conditions, the power of lighting devices and production features. Also consider how power lines are installed and their type.
Emergency lighting acceptance certificate
This section provides only those data that directly relate to the testing of emergency lighting; the rules and regulations for its design and execution are not affected.
All emergency lamps can be divided into two large groups:
- those providing illumination of escape routes (emergency lamps) must be distinguished from work lighting lamps by signs or colors, for example, marked with a sticker with the letter A.
- must be connected by separate lines; in the case of rental premises, they can be powered from the lessor's network and then are not checked when servicing the tenant's electrical installations.
Checking emergency and evacuation lighting.
- To check emergency lighting, it must be connected to a separate switchboard or a group of switchboards, or have a separate distribution board. If this is not the case, then this is a violation and it is recorded in the Maintenance Act.
- If the emergency lighting is powered from the landlord's network, it cannot be checked for technical reasons when servicing the tenant's electrical installation. This fact must be recorded in each Maintenance Report during an emergency lighting inspection.
- The test is carried out by turning off the circuit breaker of the emergency lighting line. The emergency lamps should light up or not go out depending on the type of connection. Light indicators must always be on and must not go out. In any case, after a power outage, all emergency lighting should work.
- After the inspection, the supply of electricity to the line is restored by turning on the previously disconnected circuit breaker.
- The Maintenance Certificate indicates the total number of lamps, as well as the separate number of those that worked and those that did not work, and the same is true for the signs.
- This information is also indicated in the Maintenance Log
- For all non-working lamps, an additional check is carried out in order to determine the reasons for their failure: the presence of phase and zero at the terminals of the lamp is checked
- the serviceability of the lamp lamp is checked by replacing it with a known good one
- If the emergency lighting line is not allocated, then it can be checked by turning off all electricity at the site, as in the previous case, emergency lights should be on after a power loss. The absence of a dedicated line must be recorded in the Maintenance Certificate.
Below is a sample of filling out a Maintenance Report; in the example given, there are 17 emergency lights at the facility, of which 1 is not working, and 11 evacuation signs, all of which are in working order.
Technologies and equipment for emergency lighting
Emergency lighting technologies provide two options for the operation of lighting devices: switched on only in case of emergency and constantly switched on. The first of them operate from a signal coming from an additional wire that is connected to the distribution panel. It transmits the potential to the logic block, which ensures that the relay is held in the main lighting position, due to which the emergency lighting is in the off state. When the voltage in the switchgear fails, the potential in the additional wire disappears and the relay switches the lighting to emergency.
The second technology offers LED models powered by a battery. Due to their low power, they do not burn out and boast a long service life.
Functionality check
Both during commissioning and during operation, such a system must be tested for serviceability. For this, two options can be used - local and central.
1. Local monitoring provides the ability to check each device one by one. Of course, this method is only appropriate for objects with a small area, where it is possible to bypass each lamp. For this test, a manual test function is used, which is built into some types of equipment or a corresponding button. They forcibly turn off the main power and give a signal to the display or indicator about the health of the device.
The disadvantage of the local method is local peculiarities when inconvenient placement: clutter or high location creates difficulties for verification.
2. Central monitoring collects health information from a group of devices. What are data cables, existing logic circuits or wireless channels used for? The formation of such a monitoring system is appropriate for large industrial or strategic facilities. The advantage of central monitoring is the speed of testing for automatic activation, the ability to obtain detailed test data and reporting.
Based on the results of the inspection, a report must be drawn up with data on the testing of each lamp. If problems are identified, they are eliminated, after which a retest is carried out. Commissioning or subsequent operation with faulty elements in the system is not permitted.
STANDARD SOLUTIONS FOR CHECKING THE SERVICEABILITY OF EMERGENCY LIGHTING
Modern technologies make it possible to implement various methods of testing emergency lighting. Conventionally, the functions of checking the serviceability of emergency lighting can be divided into local monitoring and central monitoring.
LOCAL MONITORING
Local monitoring is used to individually check each lighting device separately. The solution is implemented by using the manual testing button or the automatic testing function built into the light device - AUTO-TEST.
Manual test button
The simplest and cheapest solution. Using the manual testing button allows you to isolate the luminaire from the mains operating voltage. The button is installed on the body of the light device. When the button is pressed, the function of automatically switching the lamp to emergency operation from the battery is checked. At the same time, the brightness of the display or the luminous flux of the lamp is assessed in order to assess the battery charge level. The main disadvantage of this solution is the high level of labor costs when checking the serviceability of emergency lighting, and the inability to accurately test the operating time of the lamp in offline mode.
Auto test
The automatic testing function is a modern solution and allows you to periodically check the serviceability of emergency lighting for each individual luminaire. An example is LUMI TEST, implemented in Teknoware self-contained luminaires. The serviceability check is performed according to predefined algorithms in the form of short and long tests. Short tests are carried out more often; they trigger a short-term disconnection of the lighting device from the operating mains voltage. Long tests are performed every six months and check the performance of the lamp for maximum operating time in autonomous mode or until the batteries are “completely” discharged. The serviceability status is displayed using a corresponding light indication on the body of the lamp or indicator. The advantage of the auto-test is the convenience of monitoring the serviceability of emergency lighting and low operating costs associated with checking and testing emergency lighting. If luminaires are installed at high altitudes or in hard-to-reach places, using the auto-test may not always be convenient.
CENTRAL MONITORING
Central monitoring automates the process of testing and collecting information about the condition and serviceability of emergency lighting. Implemented by combining light priors into one group. Power lines for lamps, additional data cables, and wireless data transmission devices can be used as information collection channels.
Central monitoring via additional data cable
Autonomous emergency lamps and evacuation signs are combined into a network using an additional data cable. Using a data cable, the lamps are connected to a special controller. The data cable is used to transmit telemetric information about the serviceability of emergency lighting. To perform the functions of monitoring the serviceability of emergency lighting, lighting devices must have a special built-in interface for connecting a data cable.
Central wireless monitoring of autonomous luminaires
One of the most interesting solutions for wireless monitoring of the health of emergency lighting is AALTO Control technology. Inside autonomous lighting devices, a special device is used that receives and transmits information via a radio channel. AALTO Control technology is used only to collect information about the serviceability of emergency lighting and does not affect the operation of the lighting device, ensuring its independent operation. Lamps and signs independently form a single network, sequentially transmitting information from one lighting device to another. Signals easily penetrate walls and ceilings. One AALTO Control system can perform emergency lighting monitoring operations for up to 5,000 luminaires and signs, which can be located in several buildings. Information can be transmitted via the Internet or over a local network to the dispatcher’s computer. The user-friendly software allows you to maintain one log, saving all test data for each light fixture.
| Central wireless monitoring AALTO Control. Description and technical information |
Central address monitoring in central battery systems
In centralized emergency lighting systems, the power supply to emergency lamps and evacuation signs is carried out through the central unit. Addressable emergency lighting systems implement technologies that allow monitoring the health of lighting devices in automatic mode. Testing the functionality of emergency lighting is based on the use of unique addresses for each luminaire and sign. Various types of tests are performed, each at a specific frequency. Data exchange about test results is transmitted through the power supply lines of the luminaires. Thus, there is no need for additional data cables to organize monitoring. Together with the luminaire test, the central system monitors the charge of the central unit's batteries and also performs all functions required by the EN 50171 standard.
Various interfaces are used to transmit monitoring data on the health of emergency lighting. Depending on the type of interface, data can be transmitted via the Internet, using wired lines via the RS485 protocol, via BACnet or LON protocols to building automation and control systems.
WEBCM & WEBACM
To perform operations to check the serviceability of emergency lighting, a special web module with its own IP address is installed in the central unit of the system. Monitoring is performed through a regular web browser. To perform monitoring operations, additional software can be used - WebACM, connected via Ethernet TCP/IP. The software allows you to place lighting fixtures on the building plan.
WebCM and WebACM allow you to send notifications by email when an emergency occurs; control multiple address systems; manage tests, keep a log of test results; control access for different users.
| Central monitoring of WebCM/WebACM. Description and technical information about the product |
ACM
ACM is a centralized remote monitoring system that uses a separate network to connect addressable emergency lighting systems. Several address systems can be combined into a separate network and connected to a computer.
Information is transmitted via noise-proof lines using the RS485 protocol. Up to 150 addressable systems can be combined into one network. The length of data transmission lines can reach up to 1 kilometer. The emergency lighting is monitored using additional ACM software.
| ACM Central Monitoring. Description and technical information about the product |
BACNET
BACnet (Building Automation Control network) is a switching protocol for building automation and standardizes the interaction between different building engineering systems. To perform operations for monitoring the serviceability of emergency lighting, a BACnet interface is installed in the central unit of the system, which allows you to transmit BACnet objects about the serviceability of the system and lighting devices.
Using the BACnet interface, you can run various tests at specified intervals. BACnet is an open protocol and allows the integration of addressable emergency lighting systems with building automation systems.
| Central monitoring using BACnet protocols. Description and technical information about the product |
LON
Central LON monitoring is based on the use of COBA Building Operating Systems. COBA is a software environment for unified automated building management and security systems.
A special module is installed in the central unit of the addressable emergency lighting system. The system consists of an open LON (Local Operation Network) network and a server, to which centralized emergency lighting systems are connected.
| Central LON monitoring. Description and technical information about the product |
