Light has always been one of the best deterrents to crime and its importance is growing as the trend for CCTV systems continues. But as the use of security lighting increases, so has an awareness of the need to make better use of low energy systems as well as reduce the effects of light pollution.
In an article in Security Installer, Gerard Honey advocated the need for lighting installers to be more aware of light pollution, not only because it spoils the natural effect of the night sky, but also because it creates a nuisance, as well as requiring greater power consumption. Lighting installers, says Honey, should pay more attention to installing environmentally friendly systems and concentrate on the minimum lux levels required. Now he has written a book entitled Emergency and Security Lighting giving installers a practical guide to specifying, choosing and installing better lighting systems for both requirements.
The book provides some essential tips on current thinking for installers who have long been involved in lighting systems as well as those considering a move into this sector as an added source of revenue. While the growth of crime reduction initiatives continues to require 24-hour CCTV systems to provide identifiable pictures of criminals, there is also a greater requirement for emergency lighting systems in line with new building regulations.
An understanding of the working problems
Honey’s book covers both aspects well, but the reference material relating to emergency systems is better catered for, since they follow most of the requirements specified by workplace directives, building regulations and more recent amendments to the fire precautions (workplace) regulations. The section on security lighting does not have any specific standards governing its content due to its diverse and wide nature of activities when installed as a system. Thus installers are encouraged to pursue further reading on the standards relating to the individual electrical components that comprise the system. (Oddly, however, while the author has added nearly five pages on definitions and terminology for the emergency lighting section, there isn’t a corresponding section for security lighting systems.)
Nevertheless, having been an installer himself, Honey is practical and understands the technical limitations and working problems that installers face. He even identifies the problem of cutting down on nuisance activations of demand lighting. While false alarms from lighting systems are not quite as serious as the false alarm problem endured by electronic alarms, he does give advice on how best to ensure demand lighting systems are energised only when called upon.
In 20 short chapters, which include good diagrammatic illustrations as well as reference tables, the book also underpins the SITO/City and Guilds qualifications providing all the knowledge required by installers to gain NVQ level 3. Busy installers will find it a highly practical guide.
Emergency and Security Lighting (0750650370) by Gerard Honey is in paperback (224pp) and published by Newnes (Butterworth Heinemann), priced GB pound 19.99.
e-mail: www.newnespress.com or order your copy by phone on 01865 888 180.
