Blake Fire and Security Systems

Can I Hire An Electrician To Install Emergency Lighting?

Date: 19 October 2023
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This is a common question that we touched on briefly in our guide to installing cheap Emergency Lighting...

Although there is no legislation that states you need to hire a professional installer, there are strict rules and regulations that your system needs to adhere to. Otherwise, you could face a jail sentence or, if you're lucky, unlimited fines.

Whether you're aware of the risk and trying to save some cash, or you were oblivious to the severe repercussions stated above, choosing an unaccredited electrician to install Emergency Lighting in your commercial premises is a bad move.

Read the following cautionary tale to find out why...

emergency-lighting.jpg

Electricians don't always understand Emergency Lighting Legislation

The Emergency Lighting system at a recently opened activity centre in Essex suffered from a number of non-compliance problems because the wrong people were chosen for the job.

Instead of hiring an accredited fire and security installer, like Blake's, the activity centre employed an electrician.

While the electrical work itself was completed to a high standard, the venue was left with Emergency Lighting that was unfit for purpose.

When the owner realised there was a problem and asked Blake's to do an inspection, we found:

  • If any or all of the regular lighting was switched off in the main activity area, the Emergency Lighting would not come on. This required a complete re-wire to fix
  • 20 Emergency Lights that didn’t work. They are supposed to last at least 4 years!
  • Surrounding corridors were only fitted with illuminated exit signs. Using a light meter, the inspection established that the illumination was one tenth of that required by legislation!
  • The building required an additional 30 lights to comply with regulations

The original electrician agreed to do the additional work but, obviously, the major disruption affected business. He had to strip out the previously installed equipment and start the job from scratch.

Why you shouldn't hire an electrician to install Emergency Lighting in your workplace

Electricians shouldn’t be designing and installing Emergency Lighting systems because they don't have the required training.

Inspections by accredited professionals often reveal issues that electricians will not have considered.

Rectifying any mistakes after the original installation can be very inconvenient - as well as expensive for the business owner. Sometimes costing double the original quote!

If these problems go unnoticed and there is a fire, the Responsible Person could face jail or unlimited fines. Not to mention a huge weight on their conscience...

Don't let your business become one of our horror stories!

Remember:

1. Don’t be tempted to just take the less expensive quote!

A short term saving seems appealing, but could end up costing you more when the professionals have to fix the botched job!

2. ALWAYS choose an accredited installer!

Eliminate the risk - pick an accredited installer qualified to install Emergency Lighting.

Blake's know that the bottom line matters in business. Our trained professionals know the laws and regulations you need to comply with. We bring those things together and never try to upsell more than you need. Find out more about balancing safety and budget with our FREE eBook. You'll sleep better at night and keep your accountant happy!

Click the image below and get your copy in under two minutes!

Balancing budget and fire safety for business owners

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This blog post is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. Call Blake's on 01702 447800 to speak to one of our professionals for specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.

Although we make reasonable efforts to update the information on our site, we make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our site is accurate, complete or up to date.

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