Midland Fire’s lightbulb moment: working out a temporary fix for Scanlight AT at Aston University
As part of an ongoing partnership with Aston Uni, Midland Fire Security Services are working on a university-wide upgrade of their emergency lighting systems to SmartScan.
But what happens when a problem arises with their existing Scanlight system in an area not yet due for upgrade?
That’s where we come in. Midland Fire not only offers full upgrades to the new and revolutionary SmartScan system, but we’ve developed a number of quick fixes for Scanlight AT, allowing our clients to save money and stay on track with their planned upgrade process, whatever happens. And we’re one of the few service providers to offer that fix.
Back in 2016, Thorlux lighting uk began the phase-out of the Scanlight AT system due to advancements in technology and evolving customer needs. Scanlight was designed primarily for use with fluorescent tubes, which are less energy-efficient and have shorter lifespans compared to LEDs.
The move to SmartScan was largely driven by this transition from fluorescent lighting, which is now obsolete, to LED technology.
What is SmartScan?
SmartScan is the future of emergency lighting. It’s an innovative wireless lighting management system that enhances energy efficiency through LED technology, and automates emergency lighting testing and record keeping.
The system allows the user to monitor energy performance and operational data for standard and emergency luminaires. This information is accessible through the SmartScan website, which provides a comprehensive overview of the entire lighting system, as well as detailed insights into the performance of individual luminaires through an intuitive graphical user interface. In summary: the system is cutting-edge, efficient and user-friendly all rolled into one.
The SmartScan system offers four main features:
SmartScan Internal
Intelligent lighting management best suited for internal applications, designed to maximise energy savings through movement detection and daylight sensing.
SmartScan External
Lighting management tailored for the outdoors, maximising energy savings through movement detection in a similar way to the internal system, as well as offering daylight switching with timed override.
SmartScan Radar
Sophisticated sensor technology used to monitor occupancy and movement within a space, providing highly accurate and reliable data for controlling lighting levels. This maximises energy saving by ensuring lights are only on when needed.
SmartScan Emergency
Fully automated emergency lighting, with self-testing luminaires and centralised web-based reporting options to ensure compliance with local safety standards.
Maintaining Scanlight
“The vast experience and knowledge we have allows us to source alternative hardware to keep the Scanlight system working as it should. This has been achieved by working closely with Thorlux and also the manufacturers of hardware within the luminaires.”
George Goodings, Midland Fire Engineer
Identifying Issues with Scanlight at Aston University
At Aston University, during their planned SmartScan upgrade, our team has been faced with issues in the existing Scanlight system. Similar to SmartScan, the system automatically tests luminaires and sends reports back to a web page. Luminaires are assigned a number and plotted on a site map, so we can clearly identify healthy fittings (shown in green) and fittings presenting a fault (shown in red).
However, switching the faulty fittings from Scanlight to SmartScan is not as straightforward as it may sound. A single blown bulb may mean having to replace several different components, as well as reconfiguring and integrating the new system with the building’s existing management systems. This can prove costly, as well as disruptive for the upgrade process, meaning that significant work has to be carried out reactively rather than as part of the pre-planned upgrade.
Temporary Fixes to Keep Scanlight Operational
This is why our team has worked out a number of temporary fixes for Scanlight, aiming to provide ongoing maintenance to the existing lighting system – an approach that’s proven effective at Aston University.
By sourcing alternative hardware, our team is able to provide replacement batteries and repair existing Scanlight luminaires. We can also recommend updates to site map drawings on the client’s dedicated web page that may have changed with ongoing alterations over the years.
Addressing Fault-Finding and Reporting Issues
We’ve developed a fault-finding strategy to highlight issues causing the system to incorrectly report information back to the website (or not report information back at all) due to malfunctions within hardware or wiring faults when the system is altered.
Upgrading to SmartScan
Midland Fire is fully qualified to install the SmartScan system across any large site, and ultimately this is where every business is headed.
At Aston University, our team has worked closely with the client to plan the upgrade process ensuring they’re in control of their budget and can spread the cost over time, whilst causing minimal disruption to staff and students.
To achieve this, our team keeps the Scanlight system running whilst replacing individual luminaires onto the new system using the same wiring. Gradually the components of the Scanlight system are replaced until the new SmartScan emergency lighting system is complete. This includes re-programming and commissioning, as well as a physical install.
Looking for Comprehensive Fire Safety Solutions Tailored to Your Needs?
At Midland Fire, we’ll work with you to plan and deliver the optimum fire safety solution for your premises, including ongoing maintenance, support, and fire safety training. At Midland Fire WE PROTECT.
For more information and a free consultation contact Midland Fire Security Services Ltd.
