emergency lighting

[Kelec1]

im wiring a room atm with emergency lighting. they are wired into a one way switch with no k/s. Am I right in thinking you take a live to switch (l1), with your n and e to first klik. bring a switch line to first klik (which is emergency) and onto next fitting. do I need to link all emergencys in circuit. all advice taken, thanks

 

[Outspoken]

kelec....Yes, but to make it easier and to save typing... (The Key switch is mandatory unless you have a self testing system that is approved)


Thought this would make it easier for you to visualize.

 

[KINKY]

key switches are not mandatory.

BS just says suitable means of testing shall be provided.

 

[MDJ]

I always break feeds and neutrals via double pole switches when installing key switches for testing emergency lights myself, but maybe thats jut me

 

[yellowvanman]

I always break feeds and neutrals via double pole switches when installing key switches for testing emergency lights myself, but maybe thats jut me

But if you do that the other lights won't work as well. Thats if you wire it the same as the daigram above.

 

[MDJ]

But if you do that the other lights won't work as well. Thats if you wire it the same as the daigram above.

which I wouldn't

 

[Outspoken]

key switches are not mandatory.

BS just says suitable means of testing shall be provided.

Give me one other suitable means of testing for a standard lighting circuit and not one with a controller that does the testing for you?

 

[Outspoken]

But if you do that the other lights won't work as well. Thats if you wire it the same as the daigram above.

Normally I would wire the output of the key switch to the input of the normal switch so operating the key switch kills all power to the lights, far easier to ensure they are working, although in some situations that is not practical so do it as above.

 

[KINKY]

Turn the MCB off during the day or fit any kind of switch.

Doesn't have to be a key switch.

Switch should be located in an area only accessible by authorised personnel.

What I was trying to say in my first post was BS5266 does not say key switches are mandatory.

 

[Outspoken]

Turn the MCB off during the day or fit any kind of switch.

Doesn't have to be a key switch.

Switch should be located in an area only accessible by authorised personnel.

What I was trying to say in my first post was BS5266 does not say key switches are mandatory.

And an MCB is not designed as a Test switch and thus should not be used as such. The ACOP for Emergency Lighting and the NICEIC Guidance notes all recommend the use of key switches or similar for the periodic testing of such circuits.

 

[7029 dave]

me use key or dp switch

 

[D Skelton]

Recommendations from private organisations do not constitute mandatory regulations IMHO.

Key switches are good practice in most cases but it depends entirely on the set up. This is how I wire them 9 times out of 10:

 

[scotsparky]

An MCB can be used for Functional switching,local isolation and emergency switching

Have a look at BGB section 5.3 there a big chart

 

[scotsparky]

Outspoken just seen your tag line. I suggest you read the Bible again as on the beginning there was dark and God said let there be ligh. Light was on the First day not the 6th

 

[Outspoken]

Outspoken just seen your tag line. I suggest you read the Bible again as on the beginning there was dark and God said let there be ligh. Light was on the First day not the 6th

I cannot agree because the Big bang, which clearly occurred even before the iron Age Sky demon, created Light in the Universe, so there was plenty of light going about, however here on earth we had no control until God gave us Light Switches. They should have arrived on the first day, but the wholesalers where bloody useless back then, even more so than today, so they arrived late!!

 

[MDJ]

An MCB can be used for Functional switching,local isolation and emergency switching

Have a look at BGB section 5.3 there a big chart

very true, but a decent spark would use a double pole local test key switch :ihih:

 

[scotsparky]

I agree any decent spark would put a key switch in. That is good practice and pride buy not required in the publications.

 

[KoFi]

I have done work in Eire (RECI Registered) they use a push button auto timed unit size of a single pole mcb din rail mounted item,to test will up details and pictures need to dig one out

 

[Outspoken]

An MCB can be used for Functional switching,local isolation and emergency switching

Have a look at BGB section 5.3 there a big chart

Functional switching every month...speak to the manufacturers, they state quite clearly that MCB's are not designed for this, so what the BGB states is as irrelevant as comments and promises from Nick Clegg.

 

[scotsparky]

If your ever in court for bad practiceand say "the regs are irrelevent" expect a single room in HM hotels.
The regs are a B.S the manufacturers make to a B.S Dritish standards toke precident.

 

[yellowvanman]

Functional switching every month...speak to the manufacturers, they state quite clearly that MCB's are not designed for this

Not so sure, I've heard manufacturers say that MCB can make/break 15,000 times (I think it was Crabtree)!

 

[guest119]

Agree with DS, no lack of normal lighting during occasional 3 hour discharge testing.