Question: Can we adjust the fire stair’s lighting to come on only when a door is opened or a sensor detects movement? We are a 46 story tower with two stairwells, so the savings could be substantial.
Are there fire regulations that say general lighting to fire stairs must be on at all times day and night, or can we install sensors and door switches so the fire stair lights only come on when required?
I am not referring to the ‘EXIT’ or direction signage and emergency lighting that, I assume, must remain on at all times. I’m asking about the general fluro / LED lights. We are in a 46 story tower with two fire stairwells, so there are substantial savings if lighting is only on when someone uses the stairs. Can we adjust the stairwell lighting to come on when a door is opened or a sensor detects movement?
Answer: There is provision for permitting lighting control settings, however, it sets strict conditions around activation times.
There is provision for permitting lighting control settings in BCA/NCC 2019; however, it sets strict conditions around activation times.
The success of such a system is contingent on the following:
- Edition of BCA/NCC applicable (older editions may not permit this)
- LED vs. Fluro currently fitted? Switching regularly destroys fluros in weeks rather than years, whereas LEDs are much less impacted.
- How are the current lights wired? It may not be possible if the lights are wired together with emergency and exit lights. Switching will also isolate the battery charging function and make the stairs non-compliant.
I recommend the owners contact 2020 Fire and arrange a site inspection to assess the property. We can quote on the maintenance of the fire systems and work towards the best outcome for the building.
Rob Broadhead
2020 Fire Protection
E: rob.broadhead@2020fire.com.au
P: 1300 340 210
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