Overview of the BS EN50171 standard
BS EN50171 is the European standard outlines general requirements for central safety power supply systems for an independent energy supply to essential safety equipment.
A more detailed scope for BS EN50171
The BS EN50171 standard specifies the essential performance criteria and requirements for central power supply systems (CPSS) which are used to support emergency lighting for commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
It details guidelines for the design, installation, testing and maintenance of CPSS intended for supporting emergency lighting systems. Covering multiple aspects of the central power supply system, the BS EN50171 looks at source of power, fixtures and distribution.
Meeting particular safety and performance standards ensures the reliability of CPSS solutions which are supporting emergency lighting systems.
Is it compulsory to comply with BS EN50171?
Unfortunately, compliance with BS EN50171 varies and in many industries it is only recommended. Having said that, it is important for sectors such as healthcare and other critical infrastructures, following the guidelines set out in BS EN50171 is highly advisable.
Compliance with BS EN50171 is also often specified within contractual agreements and tenders to ensure the resilience of emergency lighting systems. Some testing and certification bodies will use the BS EN50171 standard as a foundation for their certification criteria.
Who needs to consider BS EN50171?
Anyone that works with, installs or uses emergency lighting should consider BS EN50171. Emergency lighting is particularly critical for industries such as healthcare, data centre, manufacturing sites and other facilities where they rely on emergency lighting in the event of a power outage. Emergency lighting often enables these businesses to continue to carry out their operations and safeguard employees and customers/patients.
Manufacturers such as Borri and Legrand have designed their central supply systems to comply with the specific safety, quality and performance standards outlined in EN50171. Power Control’s engineers are expertly placed to install CPSS solutions making sure that all installation, testing and maintenance procedures are followed.
How can businesses comply with BS EN50171?
Power Control works with organisations to ensure that any central power supply solution is designed and installed in accordance with the regulations set out in BS EN50171. This includes providing reliable uninterrupted power supply to emergency lighting luminaries during any power disturbance or outage. This backup power supply must run for a minimum duration, which is typically 2-3hours, depending on the type of facility and will require redundancy solutions to guarantee power continuity.
With decades of experience in designing, delivering and maintaining CPSS solutions, Power Control understands the importance of ensuring that emergency lighting luminaries provide the necessary voltage and current required for them to operate effectively when a CPSS is called upon.