Oddly cheap emergency lighting

It is 14 watts.   If they do a 17 watt + version, compare the price?

Hi Alcomax - that range has nothing else bigger that I can see, but similar products on the website at higher wattages still have that sort of price range - certainly nothing close to the type of cost I am used to seeing with emergencies.

Price is good. But I expect you want advice from someone who has supplied and fitted those.

It depends on quantity. If your using one or two and they fail, then not such a big deal. But if it is a much larger number and a high failure rate, you lose the saving.


I am still the physical wholesaler type person; like to be able to eyeball the people selling me the stuff. Though will still use online for tried and trusted materials.

Thanks for that, problem is that there are a couple of floors to do and this client is trying to buy all the electrical kit himself instead of the sparks so he can free issue to them and save money.


I don't really trust this guy and don't want to approve stuff just because he thinks it will be OK. If the stuff is junk I know exactly where the finger will be pointed. 

Sounds more like a contract issue. A variation would be appropriate to nail down responsibility. However, the lights are advertised as fit for purpose, perhaps you are just being asked to verify that a change in the make of light is satisfactory? You can surely limit that to its purpose as advertised.

From an electricians perspective, a client supplying lights can be a win win situation, as you can then charge to remove and refit, if it fails within a few days or months.

See what the electrician thinks, if possible. Those lights seem to be a usual derivative that many wholesalers "rebrand". Generally those I have found reliable, but the wattage is unusual to me.

No doubt they will be only to happy to provide your with a Declaration of Conformity from an independent test house if you request it? I would want to see a UK test house used for the independent testing not a Chinese one! Or a Turkish one that also tests medical PPE!


While you are at it ask for the full details of their warranty and see if it includes the battery?

If these fittings are going to be used for emergency lighting is there a design for this installation and has the designer specified these fittings? Will the installation meet the requirements of the Fire Risk Assessment? Who is going to install the fittings and who will lnspect and test the completed installation and issue the Completion Certificate?


I would want to ensure the designer, the installer and the inspector to be BAFE registered and listed on the BAFE site as registered for each of the above activities!


Or will it be the usual sh*te non compliant job with no design, cheap fittings dotted around no certification just another Grenfell Tower waiting to happen?

Or will it be the usual sh*te non compliant job with no design, cheap fittings dotted around no certification just another Grenfell Tower waiting to happen?


I agree with the sentiment, but in the end it is mostly the client that dictates the standard. Badges and registration can be a good start, but generally mean someone has paid someone else some money for the privilege.  I have seen many B..E   badged  installers work on maintenance contracts for Emergency lighting and the installation standard, particularly connection of conductors and the basics of it actually staying on the fabric of the building beggars belief.

If in doubt...get an electrician to do it.

Thanks John and Alcomax


John, the design is there with appropriately located fittings, the usual spec requirements and the original fittings are a known brand in Thorn.


Problem is this client trying to be a hero and change the design by bullying the designer who is quite rightly unhappy about it.


Just have to push back with as much as possible in terms of certification and ICEL as well.


Hopefully we can make the client see the error of his ways - unless the product miraculously turns out to be the real deal. 

Ask the client for a Declaration of Comformity of the equipement that HE has supplied for a start, In fact Cheeky Blighter I`d steer clear of him anyway.

Normally I dont allow customers to supply their own fittings unless i`ts say a particular light fitting etc etc If he supplies any fittings he is responsible for any returns and subsequent work installing, fixing etc.