Emergency Lighting Batteries

[micks17]

Hi i been asked to carry out some maintenance on a emergency lighting system which is in a nightclub and was installed around 2006. I've told the customer that he will need to change all the batteries as they are older then 3 years. Am i correct is saying this?

Any help would be great

 

[grantr37]

lead Acid units? what size are they? would say that Lead Sulphate build up lowers storage capacity, depending on size they could be reconditioned by a professional but can be expensive, Gel batteries Lithium etc have different service lifecycles......are they large size batteries in a battery area in a plant room? Google Alber Battery, its a company in the USA (Florida) that I have had dealings with before, they have a lot of information available about Battery maintenance and servicing, manuals etc.....they hold a big battery conference in the USA every year ......they do testers like the Celcorder unit, Battery electrolyte Hygrometer etc, they can post you free handbooks/ battery information and software on DVD etc from the states......you can print out information from their website to use for reference and show your customers etc showing reasons for changing/maintaining industrial batteries...

 

[micks17]

Hi Thanks for that


I guess i should've stated this:

Self contained units with Nickel cadmium 2.4v and 3.6v batteries.

I was told by the NICEIC that they should be changed every 3 Years.

 

[ayjay]

if theyre the nicad ones inside individual fluo e/lts the should be changed every 3 years ive just changed some in a stairway they were manifactured on the 11/03
and totally kaphut
btw take some small nylon tie wraps to secure the new ones to the backplate

 

[micks17]

I dont think the customer will go for changing all the batteries as they have 100 units. Thanks for the advice and tips.

 

[Engineer54]

I don't think the customer will go for changing all the batteries as they have 100 units. Thanks for the advice and tips.

They don't have any choice in the matter, not as this is a business of a ''place of public entertainment''!!
Very strict rules as i remember....

EDIT.... I wouldn't mind betting, that they have had an inspection recently and TOLD to get these EM lights sorted under threat of they're operating licence being suspended/withdrawn!! lol!!

 

[micks17]

Well i know the manager, who got me in to do some maintenance. It's a large leisure company which has a number venues around the uk. I don't know how they get away with it. I know for a fact there is a venue which is 9 years old and never had the batteries replaced. only replaced a few fittings which have failed.

 

[UNG]

Would be interesting if the fire brigade visited, your customer might like to read this before he finds himself closed down and in court and possibly gets a stay at one of Her Majesties Hotels

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 section 14 sub section 2h covers emergency lighting

Went to an interesting and informative presentation by Shropshire Fire Brigade on this subject with a mate who had a visit from the fire officer at his business, very interesting how they have moved the onus of compliance from the fire brigade inspection and issuing certification to the premises owner / operator doing all the leg work and producing and keeping up to date all the necessary documentation and safety manuals ready for inspection if / when they visit

 

[ayjay]

also if you get involved(sucked in) by this "manager" it will be on your shoulders!
tell him to pi-- off

 

[micks17]

I had a phone call a few days ago from the companies head office, from a guy in charge of maintenance. He pretty much said I was full of s**t because they've had electrical contractor (smiths) test there venue for several years and he's never heard of the battery change.

I think I'm going to avoid this job as I don't have the time or energy to deal with people like that.

Thanks for your helps guys

Micks