Emergency Lighting
are the most common choice for small to medium-sized projects. Each luminaire contains its own battery but is also connected to the main power supply. In the event of an emergency the luminaire switches over to the internal battery which provides the illumination required. This type of system is popular as it is quick to install and easy to extend or alter at a later date if required. As self-contained luminaires operate independently of each other, another major benefit of this type of power source is that if one unit fails, the operation of other luminaires is not affected. This independence also offers flexibility when it comes to the placement and installation of individual fixtures, making them suitable for a wide variety of building layouts and retrofit projects. Products with pulse charging lithium battery technology offer the highest standards of reliability and lower parasitic load, resulting in lower power consumption and longer lifespans. For larger projects, central battery systems are often the preferred option. With potentially hundreds of emergency luminaires in operation, they offer more efficient battery management and can often provide longer backup power durations. Central battery source systems can also be managed and monitored centrally streamlining the day-to-day burden on facilities managers and other building maintenance personnel.
Testing options
Testing functionality is another key factor to consider when curating an emergency lighting range. The testing of emergency luminaires is a legal requirement in the UK and should be carried out frequently. The British Standard EN 50172:2004 applies to illumination specification and system testing and has recently been revised to advise that emergency luminaires and externally illuminated escape route safety signs should now be tested monthly, bi-annually and annually. This is to ensure that luminaires remain
“To cover most installer requirements, a comprehensive emergency lighting range should include bulkheads, exit boxes, exit signs, twinspots, recessed downlights, surface downlights, wall lights and trackspots.”
functional and are not affected by dirt, dust, visible material degradation or other faults. Most products tend to have either manual or automatic test options and wholesalers looking to maximise their offerings should ensure they incorporate both options. For manual testing, each luminaire is physically tested by an appointed individual. The process usually involves isolating all lighting circuits and luminaires before checks are carried out on each emergency light. The mains supply is then restored and the whole building or circuit must be walked again to check that the emergency lights have returned to being operational. Products with automatic testing functionality offer a much quicker and more convenient option. When these units are first installed, the fitter will randomly select the monthly and annual test dates on the luminaire. Once this date arrives, the luminaire will carry out an automatic test to check if functioning correctly. A small LED button on the fitting will illuminate to show either regular function or that a fault has occurred providing much speedier and more cost-effective testing maintenance.
Quality control
Electrical wholesalers should also ensure that all products stocked are of the highest quality.
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Emergency lighting is potentially lifesaving equipment so reliability, performance and compliance matter. Wholesalers should stock products from trusted, reputable manufacturers with a proven track record, good warranty packages and reliable technical support. It’s also worth offering a mix of price points to cater to both budget-conscious and premium customers. Not only does the right product mix need to be on the shelves but when it comes to securing sales, wholesalers must ensure their teams know how to sell them.
Emergency lighting is a highly regulated and technical field and staff must be well trained and knowledgeable to be able to handle any queries customers may have around compliance, installation, maintenance or product features. Many manufacturers offer training programmes for staff to help them understand the rules around emergency lighting and other product features. Staff who can confidently advise their customers will add value to every sale and build long-term customer trust. It goes without saying that how you present emergency lighting can also have a big impact on how well it sells. Products should be easy to find and clearly labelled with key features such as test type, battery technology and output duration. Grouping complementary products together or offering ready-made bundles can encourage upsells and point of sale displays can be used to highlight key benefits and support the sales process.
The emergency lighting market is driven by safety and compliance and is more than just a ‘tick-box’ product. Electrical wholesalers that recognise this and offer a diverse and accessible range of products will undoubtedly maximise their sales revenues.
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