Shining a light on Midland Fire’s emergency lighting maintenance at the University of Birmingham

Thanks to our niche expertise, Midland Fire Security Services have been contracted by the University of Birmingham for the ongoing maintenance of their emergency lighting system, Scanlight AT.

Informed by years of experience in the field, our team has developed a deep understanding of the Scanlight AT system, and so boasts niche expertise on how to maintain it. We are able to offer clients like the University of Birmingham service and repair work on their existing lighting systems, as well as cost-effective solutions to phasing it out when the time is right for them.

Many large buildings, such as hospitals and universities, have extensive installations of Scanlight, as it was a widely used and commonly specified lighting system following its initial release. However, Scanlight has now been superseded by SmartScan, meaning that many components that make up the system are now obsolete and no longer supported by Thorlux Lighting. But that doesn’t mean that Scanlight is no longer fit for purpose. Which is why we’re working with the University of Birmingham to ensure they’re able to maintain a fully functioning and top quality lighting system, without the immediate need for a complete upgrade. And we’re one of the few service providers to offer that solution.

“We understand the cost implications, as well as the disruption that may occur in upgrading a large institution’s entire lighting systems. So our team has developed a series of fixes for Scanlight AT, which have proved an effective solution at the University of Birmingham.”

George Goodings, Midland Fire Engineer

The University of Birmingham

A world top 100 university and part of the prestigious Russell Group, the University of Birmingham boasts a diverse and vibrant academic community, providing state-of-the-art resources for both students and staff.

The University’s facilities are extensive, encompassing over 672 acres of land across its main Edgbaston campus as well as the Selly Oak campus and other properties. The uni owns more than 200 buildings across their sites, housing a wide range of facilities including teaching spaces, research centres, student residences, libraries, sports facilities and administrative offices.

Such an expansive infrastructure poses significant complexities when it comes to the implementation of safety measures, so Midland Fire is committed to working with them to provide flexible solutions.

The Role of Scanlight in Supporting Campus Safety

Why Scanlight?

The University’s community-first approach supports the safety of its staff and students by implementing only the most reliable and comprehensive health and safety systems.

Scanlight AT is the original Thorlux emergency lighting testing and monitoring system, designed to ensure safety during power outages and emergency situations. In these events, emergency lights are automatically activated, providing reliable illumination to facilitate safe evacuations. The system features self-testing capabilities, regularly monitoring and reporting the status of each luminaire to ensure proper functionality. Its integration with building management systems allows for centralised control and real-time diagnostics.

Offering sophisticated performance, easy maintenance, and energy-efficient operation, Scanlight remains a high-quality system and is fully compliant with the latest safety standards.

How we maintain the Scanlight system

“It’s been really rewarding to work at such a prestigious institution, and we’re happy to be able to help the client stick to their planned upgrade goals. Our maintenance solutions allow continued top-quality emergency lighting across the University.”

Pete Walker, Midland Fire Site Manager

In the last few years, Thorlux Lighting UK began phasing out Scanlight and introduced SmartScan, its newest wireless lighting management system. The move to SmartScan was largely driven by the transition from fluorescent lighting to LED technology, which is more advanced and energy efficient.

With Scanlight no longer supported, this has prompted institutions like the University of Birmingham to question what they would do if parts of their existing system fail or need replacing.

Switching singular faulty fittings from Scanlight to SmartScan is not possible, due to differences in technology and the need to integrate the new system with the site’s existing building management systems. And the move to SmartScan, the long-term goal for most institutions, is a complex job and not one that all clients are ready for yet.

What is possible is to maintain the existing emergency lighting system, allowing our client to keep in line with their planned upgrade goals. So how has our team at Midland Fire achieved that at Birmingham?

Sourcing alternative hardware

• Working closely with Thorlux and also the manufacturers of hardware within the luminaires, we have been able to source replacement components, including batteries and luminaires, that remain compatible with the Scanlight system.

Keeping the system website updated

• The Scanlight system can be monitored by accessing a dedicated website for the University of Birmingham. By keeping our own physical records up to date, we’re able to advise our client on how to update site map drawings on their web page and which luminaires need readdressing.

Fault-finding strategy

• We’ve developed a strategy to highlight issues which may be causing the system to incorrectly report information back to the website. This has allowed us to detect and repair hardware malfunctions or wiring faults due to system alterations at the University.

The BAFE Fire Safety Register

Midland Fire is BAFE registered and has gained Third-Party Certification for Emergency Lighting Systems (BAFE SP203-4). So you can be confident that we’re fully competent to deliver design, installation, commissioning and maintenance services for your emergency lighting system.

Looking for emergency lighting maintenance in Birmingham?

We provide both emergency lighting installation and emergency lighting maintenance in Birmingham city centre as well as the surrounding towns and villages across the Midlands.

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.