Who Designed the Layout for Emergency Lighting?

The design of emergency lighting layouts is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety of occupants in the event of an emergency. Proper illumination can guide people to safety, prevent panic, and reduce the risk of accidents. Over the years, various organizations and individuals have contributed to the development of emergency lighting design guidelines.

British Standards Institution (BSI)

* **BS 5266-1:2016** – Code of practice for emergency lighting. This standard provides comprehensive guidance on the design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems in a wide range of premises. It covers topics such as light levels, luminaire spacing, and battery capacities.
* **BS EN 1838:2013** – Lighting applications – Emergency lighting. This European standard harmonizes national standards for emergency lighting. It specifies the performance requirements for emergency lighting systems and provides guidance on planning, installation, and testing.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

* **ISO 3864:2011** – Safety signs and safety markings – Safety lighting. This international standard specifies the requirements for the design and installation of safety lighting, including emergency lighting. It covers aspects such as light levels, color rendering, and luminaire positioning.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

* **NFPA 101: Life Safety Code** – This code includes requirements for emergency lighting systems in buildings. It specifies minimum light levels, coverage areas, and battery capacities.
* **NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC)** – The NEC contains regulations for the installation of electrical equipment, including emergency lighting systems. It covers aspects such as wiring methods, overcurrent protection, and grounding.

Other Notable Contributors

* **Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA)** – IESNA has published numerous technical documents and application notes on emergency lighting design.
* **International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD)** – IALD promotes the advancement of lighting design and has developed guidelines for the design of emergency lighting systems in specific applications.
* **Consulting engineers and lighting designers** – Individual professionals have also made significant contributions to the development of emergency lighting design principles.

Layout Considerations

The design of an emergency lighting layout involves several key considerations:

* **Occupancy type and size** – The type of occupancy (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial) and the size of the space impact the required light levels and coverage areas.
* **Escape routes** – Emergency lighting should illuminate all escape routes, including corridors, stairwells, and exits.
* **Obstructions** – Obstructions such as furniture and equipment should not impede the visibility of emergency lights.
* **Light levels** – Emergency lighting should provide sufficient illumination to allow people to see their surroundings and avoid obstacles.
* **Uniformity** – The light distribution should be uniform to prevent dark spots and glare.
* **Battery life** – Emergency lights should have sufficient battery capacity to provide adequate lighting for a specified duration in the event of a power failure.
* **Reliability** – Emergency lighting systems should be designed to minimize the risk of failure and to facilitate maintenance and testing.

Types of Emergency Lights

Various types of emergency lights are available, including:

* **Maintained emergency lights** – These lights remain on continuously and switch to battery power in the event of a power failure.
* **Non-maintained emergency lights** – These lights only turn on when the main power supply is interrupted.
* **Central battery systems** – These systems provide power to emergency lights from a central battery backup.
* **Self-contained emergency lights** – These lights have built-in batteries and operate independently of the main power supply.

Conclusion

The design of emergency lighting layouts is a multidisciplinary effort involving various organizations, individuals, and industry standards. By following established guidelines and considering the specific needs of the occupancy, it is possible to create effective and reliable emergency lighting systems that enhance safety and provide peace of mind in the event of an emergency.