Midland Fire collaborates with Thorlux Lighting to provide expertise in emergency lighting systems, ensuring businesses have reliable illumination during power outages.
The installation of effective emergency lighting is crucial for the safety of employees and property, aiding in safe evacuations when needed. This article examines the differences between Thorlux's Standard, AutoTest, and SmartScan systems, helping industry professionals make informed decisions on which solution best suits their needs.
Thorlux Emergency Lighting Systems
Midland Fire explains the parts of the Thorlux Standard, AutoTest, and SmartScan systems
Whether maintaining an existing system or considering a new installation, understanding the available Thorlux emergency lighting systems is vital.
Midland Fire explains the characteristics of the Thorlux Standard, AutoTest, and SmartScan systems to help businesses select the optimal solution.
Thorlux Standard Emergency Lighting
Thorlux's Standard emergency luminaires, prefixed with 'E,' are basic yet compliant with all emergency lighting regulations. These units require manual monthly and annual tests, with results logged per BS 5266 standards. These lights are a cost-effective choice initially but involve more management time.
Thorlux AutoTest Emergency Lighting
AutoTest luminaires, identified by the 'T' prefix, automate monthly and annual testing at variable times, displaying status through an LED indicator on each unit. Although inspections are still necessary to note failures, the AutoTest system offers a convenient middle ground between full manual testing and advanced automation.
Thorlux SmartScan Emergency Lighting
The SmartScan system, distinguished by the 'W' prefix, represents the pinnacle of Thorlux technology. These luminaires conduct tests automatically, sending data to a secure online platform. This system enables users to view testing history, luminaire health, and customize testing schedules to reduce business interruptions, streamlining compliance efforts.
Selecting the Right Emergency Lighting System
Selecting a suitable emergency lighting system depends on various factors, such as premises size
Selecting a suitable emergency lighting system depends on various factors, such as premises size and test execution capabilities.
Midland Fire suggests that the Standard system suits smaller spaces, while the automation of SmartScan benefits larger, busier environments. A thorough fire risk assessment is advised to facilitate the decision-making process.
Scanlight AT and Upgrading to SmartScan
Following the phase-out of T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes in 2023, the Thorlux Scanlight AT system is no longer supported.
Midland Fire offers numerous solutions to extend the lifecycle of existing systems, reducing early upgrade costs. Options include sourcing replacement parts and planning gradual SmartScan upgrades to minimize disruptions, as demonstrated at Aston University.
Why Choose Midland Fire?
Midland Fire is a BAFE-accredited contractor specializing in emergency lighting installations and maintenance, and is an authorized Thorlux installer.
Businesses choosing Midland Fire can trust their compliance and safety standards. The experienced team supports a diverse range of industries, ensuring tailored, reliable solutions for all clients.
At Midland Fire, they work closely with Thorlux Lighting, the market pioneer in cutting-edge intelligent emergency lighting. That means they’ve got more Thorlux expertise than they can shake a stick at, so they’ve written this handy article to show off all that knowledge.
Emergency lighting is a key piece of kit to keep the business property and staff at their safest, providing illumination in the event of a power failure for safe evacuations.
Thorlux emergency lighting systems
Whether they have an existing emergency lighting system that may need maintenance or an upgrade, or they’re after a brand new install, it’s first important to understand the differences between the three types of Thorlux emergency lighting systems.
In this article, they’ll explore the differences between Thorlux’s Standard, AutoTest and SmartScan systems, and let you know how Midland Fire can choose and fit the right one for the business.
Let’s dive right into the three systems
Thorlux Standard Emergency Lighting
Emergency luminaires (Thorlux prefix E) are the most basic option that Thorlux offers, meeting all the relevant emergency lighting regulations. Each luminaire requires manual testing and must be physically observed to make sure it works.
The required tests are a manual monthly function test and an annual duration test, and the results must be manually logged for compliance with BS 5266.
The Standard emergency lighting system is the most cost-effective of the three initially, but it can be time-consuming to manage.
Thorlux AutoTest Emergency Lighting
AutoTest luminaires (Thorlux prefix T) differ from the standard types in that they automatically perform their own monthly function test and annual duration test at randomly set times to ensure full coverage.
The status of these luminaires is shown by a colored LED indicator light on each unit. Each luminaire then needs to be visually inspected each month to check for failure lights.
The AutoTest system is a kind of middle ground between manually tested systems and a fully smart system, which they’ll go into next.
Thorlux SmartScan Emergency Lighting
SmartScan Emergency luminaires (Thorlux prefix W) are the most advanced luminaires going. They automatically perform their own monthly and annual tests, sending the results to a secure online dashboard on the SmartScan website.
Through this platform, the user can access a full record of the testing history as well as luminaire health status, and they can also customize their testing schedules. This way, tests can be scheduled outside business hours to minimize disruption.
They say that SmartScan is the future of emergency lighting – and they say they’re right. Automatic testing, online reporting and flexible scheduling are a winning combo that saves time and simplifies compliance.
Which Emergency Lighting System is Right for them?
Which system is right for them depends on a number of factors, including the size of the business premises and the staff availability to carry out any tests needed. Generally, the Standard emergency system could be best suited to smaller buildings needing fewer lights, while SmartScan is ideal for larger, busier sites where full automation is a necessary option for efficiency.
To make sure they’re choosing the right system for them, the first step is a fire risk assessment, which Midland Fire would be happy to carry out for them.
A Note on Scanlight AT and Upgrading to SmartScan
As they may be aware, in 2023, T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes were phased out in favor of LED lighting, meaning that the Thorlux Scanlight AT system is no longer supported.
But don’t worry – all is not lost. Experienced team is one of the few in the country to have worked out a number of fixes for Scanlight AT. By extending the lifespan of the existing system in this way, they’re able to save the clients thousands in upgrade costs that may have come sooner than planned.
They can do the following:
- Offer extended support for the existing system.
- Source alternative hardware for isolated faults.
- Keep the dedicated web page up-to-date.
- Implement a fault-finding system to detect and repair malfunctions.
When the time comes, plan a gradual SmartScan upgrade for minimum disruption, allowing them to spread the cost over time.
Need an example? Take a look at the work at Aston University, where they’ve maintained their existing Scanlight emergency lighting system, allowing for a gradual upgrade to SmartScan at a pace that suits them.
Why Choose Midland Fire for Emergency Lighting Services?
They’re a BAFE-accredited fire safety contractor, specializing in emergency light installation and maintenance, and they’re an authorized Thorlux installer.
Choosing them means choosing an accredited specialist, so they can be sure that the emergency lighting system is fully compliant and will keep the staff and customers safe. The approachable team of engineers has extensive experience working with businesses of all sizes across all industries.
