The Use of Central Battery Systems in Emergency Lighting

There are different types of power systems for emergency lighting, but the two main types are self-contained or central battery systems. Self-contained emergency lighting consists of all the components being a part of the luminaries (light fixtures), while central battery systems provide power to the light from a different location.

One of the best options, particularly for larger buildings, is the central battery system. These are becoming increasingly popular and it's easy to see why. They supply the location with reliable and long lasting emergency lighting, which in turn provides the building owner with real peace of mind.

There are many reasons why central battery systems are a lot better than the self-contained option. Investing in central battery systems for emergency lighting has many benefits, and below is a short, informative guide to some of the top advantages.

When many people think of batteries this is immediately what pops into their mind. However, disposable batteries are nothing like a large central battery system used for emergency lighting

Image source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Duracell_AA.jpg

Versatile
One of the best things about central battery systems is that they can be used to provide power to a variety of light voltages. Whether you're looking for bright lighting or energy saving bulbs, a central battery system can provide you with exactly what you need.

It is very easy to achieve high levels of light with central battery systems. This is particularly useful with emergency lighting because you can be sure that enough power will be on hand to illuminate stairwells, corridors and exits if the need arises.

Battery Life
Battery life in central battery systems is prolonged by special technology. This allows the battery to usually last at least 10 years and sometimes up to 25 depending on the type of battery and how much it is used.

This is a lot longer than the self-contained lighting systems and is very beneficial for the customer as it means less battery maintenance is needed. When the batteries do eventually need changing the process is very simple and easy to manage. This is also a significant advantage compared to the self-contained systems, as there is no complicated dismantling necessary.

Cost Effective
As a result of the fantastic battery life which, as mentioned above, is far superior to other systems, the customer saves considerable money, as they don't have to replace the batteries very often. The larger batteries are also cheaper per unit of power, so it will cost less overall to have a central battery system for the emergency lighting.

The luminaries (or light fixtures) that go with the central battery systems are also a lot less expensive than the self-contained lights, another great money saving advantage.


Emergency lighting in smaller buildings or areas may sometimes look like this

Image source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/NewEmergencyLight.jpg

Easy to Maintain
Finally, another of the benefits of central battery systems is that they are extremely easy to maintain. This is partly due to the fact that there is only one location to consider when any routine testing or maintenance needs carrying out.

However, it is also due to the fact that the batteries last longer so there is less maintenance needed. Central battery systems can also be routinely checked automatically, which will save valuable staff time and money. With routine checks running automatically the central battery systems are a lot easier to maintain.

Conclusion
There are many unparalleled advantages to using central battery systems for emergency lighting including versatility, longevity, cost effectiveness and maintenance ease. With so many great benefits it's easy to see why using a central battery system for emergency lighting (such as those from Effekta central battery systems) are the perfect choice.

Guest Article by Natalie Moody