P4's market leading FASTELink computer addressable self-testing emergency lighting system has been installed in the refurbished 4,200 square metre Lanchester Building (No 7) at the University of Southampton. The system was specified for its high reliability, good battery and lamp life, rapid fault identification and capability of remote access. The installation has also enabled the University to compare this system with the more traditional central battery and static inverter alternative, which they have previously used on the estate.The recently refurbished building is a 5 level building containing a mixture of offices, lecture rooms and research laboratories. It is part of a complex which includes the 2,000 square metre Buildings 5 & 9 that will form part of the second phase. The main function of the building is education. However, with the inclusion of research laboratories, the building is a very important part of the University's Engineering Faculty.
The luminaires serviced by FASTELink are installed on primary escape routes, in areas of multiple occupancy, such as large offices, laboratories, lecture rooms, plus additional areas such as WC facilities.
Alan Mitchell, Electrical Engineer at the University, explains: "The primary reason for selecting this type of system is that of Planned Preventative Maintenance and compliance with the revised requirements of BS5266 with respect to periodic testing and monitoring. We were also looking for a solution that would vastly reduce the load placed upon operational staff to satisfy the test and inspection of Emergency Egress Systems, which was reaching a level where staff were becoming fully dedicated to the task.
"Installing FASTELink has enabled us to free up these staff members so that we can improve our efficiency. In the short time that it has been installed we are already seeing an excellent return with reduced labour requirement, whilst fully satisfying the requirements of BS5266. We are also pleased with the ease with which staff are able to understand and operate it, and delighted with the level of service supplied by P4, with whom it is a pleasure to work."
FASTELink has proved so successful, and compares so favourably with the central battery type, that the University is currently installing a second system in a 1,500 square metre 3 level temporary building, and it is also being considered for future refurbishment projects.
