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The UK's first low voltage, intelligent LED emergency lighting system

14 September 2011

FIREscape is the UK's first low voltage, intelligent LED emergency lighting system. Stuart Davies, Hochiki Europe's marketing manager, outlines its features.

FIREscape is a unique, highly cost effective and environmentally friendly emergency lighting system based on LED technology and is the UK’s first to be fully intelligent. It is based around an addressable, emergency lighting control panel with battery back-up and features addressable, self-contained luminaires and signage connected via low-voltage (40V) cabling.

The main benefits are:

  • Low voltage – No 230V mains present at luminaire, therefore qualified electrician not required for installation, service or maintenance
  • Intelligent – unique intelligent addressable technology allows control and testing of individual luminaires
  • LED technology – low energy consumption – less than 5% energy and CO2 compared to traditional lighting
  • Manufactured in the UK – built and tested by Hochiki Europe in UK and just like our fire detection products we offer a 3 year warranty period
  • Low maintenance – less than 5% lamp changes when compared to traditional lighting
  • Graphics software – allows instant overview of complete system and assists in maintenance costs
  • Simple installation – luminaires fit onto the standard Hochiki Europe sensor mounting base
     
FireScape products
 The FIREscape range from Hochiki

Manufactured in the UK and BS5266 compliant, Hochiki's FIREscape emergency lighting system comprises an addressable emergency lighting control panel with battery back-up. The unique features of this system mean significant cost, energy and maintenance savings.

The lighting units fit directly onto the standard Hochiki Europe sensor base, providing the installer with a brand new and easy solution to the installation of emergency lighting and signage.

FIRESscape was the winner of Best Means of Escape Product at the Fire Excellence Awards 2011.



A greener solution
The system is based on LED (Light Emitting Diode) solutions that consider the useful life of the entire emergency lighting system, from its installation to the recycling of the equipment at the end of the life-cycle. It uses fully recyclable materials that do not place an unnecessary burden on the environment.

The environmentally friendly values of FIREscape are specifically evident in the energy costs and CO2e (Carbon Dioxide Equivalent) emissions associated with using and maintaining the system.

Table 1 below compares the energy consumption and CO2e emissions of emergency light systems using traditional mains-powered fluorescent technology, a mains powered LED equivalent, and the low voltage FIREscape system, on an annual basis in a 100-luminaries installation.

Pollution graphCosts graph
Table 1: CO emissions and energy consumption comparisons Table 2: Total  cost of ownership comparisons


FIREscape has also been designed with operational safety and user-friendliness in mind. An internal control system constantly controls the condition of the LEDs and batteries. If necessary, the system will provide specific information on the status, either locally on a keypad or by representing it graphically at the control centre of the service provider, using an IP or GSM network. By using the optional PC-based graphical software, the luminaire status information can be linked with floor plans showing the alarm locations.

A FIREscape exit sign luminaire consumes less than 0.5W, including the power loss. A similar 8W fluorescent light exit sign luminaire will consume approximately 12W. When compared to 230V LED lights, FIREscape products save more than 5% of energy. The lower energy consumption directly correlates with lower CO2e emissions. For example, replacing 100 230V fluorescent exit luminaries with FIREscape LED-based exit lights, CO2e emissions would be reduced by 2,100 KG annually.

Table 2 shows a total cost of ownership comparison based on a 1000 luminaires, 80% non-maintained 20% maintained, emergency lighting system for manual test, self-test and Hochiki’s
FIREscape system, over a 10 year period.
 

Free emergency lighting BS5266 guide
UK fire safety legislation states that people in premises must be able to find their way to a place of total safety if there is a fire by using escape routes that have sufficient lighting. Hochiki Europe offers a free A6 guide to BS5266, the code of practice for emergency lighting.

BS5266 provides guidance for the maximum viewing distances and luminance conditions for safety signs, the positioning of emergency luminaires, minimum height levels, Lux levels, acceptable glare levels and minimum routine testing schedules.

Hochiki's new guide to BS5266 is an invaluable reference tool for anyone involved with the installation, design and specification of emergency lighting systems. The correct positioning of exit signage and emergency lighting is essential in saving lives and by explaining the key elements of this important standard we hope to encourage a greater understanding of it.

Visit the FIREscape micro site

Download our BS5266 Guide

 

Lighting the way at Teesside University

Teeside University exterior
Enlightened learning: FIREScape has been installed at Teesside University

Currently home to over 28,000 students, Teesside University has become renowned for the quality of its facilities and it has made a £120m investment to provide a top-class learning environment.

The university’s 11-storey Middlesbrough Tower has been undergoing refurbishment. It it houses the main reception area and administrative facilities, as well as teaching areas including newly equipped labs to support forensic and analytical sciences, environmental sciences and food technology.

The building’s previous emergency lighting system had been in place since the late 1960s.

The university’s electrical services manager, David Newton, said: “The central battery system which had been installed in the basement area had become expensive to run and maintain, and it took up quite a lot of space because it was supplied by two large 110 volt battery cubicles.

"Also, the 8W luminaires that the old system used needed the fluorescent lamps to be changed frequently and this took a lot of time as well as being costly. Therefore, in line with the University’s energy reduction targets, I wanted to install a system that would reduce overheads, while utilising the latest technology.”

Installed by TCS Fire Safety Services Ltd, the system comprises an addressable emergency lighting control panel with battery back-up, and features addressable, self-contained LED luminaires and signage connected via low voltage (40V) cabling. The luminaires have also been equipped with battery back-up.

A total of 120 LED luminaires were installed during phase one and these were linked to an addressable controller using existing cabling.

About Hochiki
Hochiki is the largest independent manufacturer of life safety systems in the world and our name is synonymous with premium performance and reliability. We focus on the total cost of ownership, a drive to minimise our environmental impact and a commitment to outstanding product reliability, providing our customers with the reassurance that Hochiki offers a world class solution.

A Hochiki partnership encompasses first-rate technical expertise, exceptional service, supreme business support and, ultimately, the best protection to property and lives.

Your Safety, Our Technology


 


     
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