This bulkhead’s remarkably small size delivers an economical, low profile, emergency option suitable for internal environments. It contains high output LED’s with a moulded polycarbonate base and is fitted with a fresnel diffuser. The X-GSA is suitable for use on escape routes (850 degrees C hot-wire test, defined by ICEL) and can be equipped with a universal legend kit making it suitable for use as an exit sign. The X-GSA is also a duo fitting enabling it to be switched between maintained and non-maintained.

There are many situations where temporary emergency lighting is required, especially at this time of year when many wedding marquee’s are being used. A marquee even though a temporary structure must be treated as any other building and with added measures.

For large marquee’s

• You need to consider that the ground may be uneven or over temporary boarding.
• There should be at least two evenly distributed illuminated exits.
• The escape route should be away from the marquee to avoid the guy ropes and stakes.

BS 5266-1:2011 gives recommendations and guidance on the factors that need to be considered in the design of, and the installation and wiring of, electrical emergency escape lighting systems, in order to provide the lighting performance needed for safe movement of people in the event of the supply to normal lighting failing. It also gives recommendations for lighting in areas with fixed seating. This is a full revision of the standard.

If you need advice on placing your emergency lights please give us a call. Or if you need to get the standard in full see the BSI website

You can now view our latest online catalogue. Click the image to view

Exit signs can be either internally illuminated or externally illuminated.

Internally illuminated signs have a light source, control gear and battery such as the ES8M or the LED MPL3M, they need their own electricity source.

Externally illuminated signs are generally a printed sign attached to the wall or hung from the ceiling that has a secondary light source illuminating it during an emergency situation such as a CS8M.

Depending which version of sign you use dictates the maximum viewing distance.

Internally Illuminated Exit Sign
The maximum viewing distance is 200 x the panel height

Internally illuminated emergency exit sign

Therefore if the sign is 175mm high then the maximum viewing distance is 35000mm or 35 meters.

175mm x 200 = 35000 mm (35 meters)
or
12 inches x 200 = 2400 inches (200 feet)

Externally Illuminated Exit Sign
The maximum viewing distance is 100 x the panel height

Externally illuminated emergency exit sign

Therefore if the sign is 175mm high then the maximum viewing distance is 17500mm or 17.5 meters.

175mm x 100 = 17500 mm (17.5 meters)
or
12 inches x 100 = 1200 inches (100 feet)

Conclusion
Greater viewing distances are achieved through internally illuminated exit signs. Externally illuminated signs are easy to install but they still need an emergency light to illuminate it during power loss. If you have limited space above an emergency exit door and can only use a smaller sign, but the room is bigger than the viewing distance, then you will need more than one sign to indicate the direction of travel.

This is for guidence only and whatever your specific situation it is always best to seek advice from a qualified electrical installer and your local fire officer to ensure that you comply with the local and national laws.