What’s the Difference Between Thorlux Standard, AutoTest and SmartScan Emergency Lighting?

At Midland Fire, we work closely with Thorlux Lighting, the market leader in cutting-edge intelligent emergency lighting. That means we’ve got more Thorlux expertise than you can shake a stick at, so we’ve written this handy article to show off all that knowledge.

Emergency lighting is a key piece of kit to keep your business property and staff at their safest, providing illumination in the event of a power failure for safe evacuations. Whether you have an existing emergency lighting system that may need maintenance or an upgrade, or you’re after a brand new install, it’s first important to understand the differences between the three types of Thorlux emergency lighting systems.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Thorlux’s Standard, AutoTest and SmartScan systems, and let you know how Midland Fire can choose and fit the right one for your business.

Let’s dive right into the three systems:

Thorlux Standard Emergency Lighting

Emergency luminaires (Thorlux prefix E) are the most basic option that Thorlux offers, meeting all the relevant emergency lighting regulations. Each luminaire requires manual testing and must be physically observed to make sure it works. The required tests are a manual monthly function test and annual duration test, and the results must be manually logged for compliance with BS 5266.

The Standard emergency lighting system is the most cost effective of the three initially, but it can be time consuming to manage.

Thorlux AutoTest Emergency Lighting

AutoTest luminaires (Thorlux prefix T) differ from the standard types in that they automatically perform their own monthly function test and annual duration test at randomly set times to ensure full coverage. The status of these luminaires is shown by a coloured LED indicator light on each unit. Each luminaire then needs to be visually inspected each month to check for failure lights.

The AutoTest system is a kind of middle ground between manually tested systems and a fully smart system, which we’ll go into next.

Thorlux SmartScan Emergency Lighting

SmartScan Emergency luminaires (Thorlux prefix W) are the most advanced luminaires going. They automatically perform their own monthly and annual tests, sending the results to a secure online dashboard on the SmartScan website. Through this platform, the user can access a full record of the testing history as well as luminaire health status, and they can also customise their testing schedules. This way, tests can be scheduled outside business hours to minimise disruption.

They say that SmartScan is the future of emergency lighting – and we say they’re right. Automatic testing, online reporting and flexible scheduling are a winning combo that saves time and simplifies compliance.

Which Emergency Lighting System is Right for You?

Which system is right for you depends on a number of factors, including the size of your business premises and your staff availability to carry out any tests needed. Generally, the Standard emergency system could be best suited to smaller buildings needing fewer lights, whilst SmartScan is ideal for larger, busier sites where full automation is a necessary option for efficiency.

To make sure you’re choosing the right system for you, the first step is a fire risk assessment, which Midland Fire would be happy to carry out for you.

A Note on Scanlight AT and Upgrading to SmartScan

As you may be aware, in 2023, T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes were phased out in favour of LED lighting, meaning that the Thorlux Scanlight AT system is no longer supported.

But don’t worry – all is not lost. Our experienced team is one of the few in the country to have worked out a number of fixes for Scanlight AT. By extending the lifespan of the existing system in this way, we’re able to save our clients thousands in upgrade costs that may have come sooner than planned.

We can do the following:

• Offer extended support for your existing system.
• Source alternative hardware for isolated faults.
• Keep your dedicated web page up-to-date.
• Implement a fault-finding system to detect and repair malfunctions.

When the time comes, plan a gradual SmartScan upgrade for minimum disruption, allowing you to spread the cost over time.

Need an example? Take a look at our work at Aston University, where we’ve maintained their existing Scanlight emergency lighting system, allowing for a gradual upgrade to SmartScan at a pace that suits them.

Why Choose Midland Fire for Emergency Lighting Services?

We’re a BAFE-accredited fire safety contractor, specialising in emergency light installation and maintenance, and we’re an authorised Thorlux installer. Choosing us means choosing an accredited specialist, so you can be sure that your emergency lighting system is fully compliant and will keep your staff and customers safe. Our approachable team of engineers has extensive experience working with businesses of all sizes across all industries.

25 years of experience
We’ve been protecting people and businesses since 1999.

Expert engineers
Each of our 30 engineers is a time served electrician and a fully qualified fire alarm engineer.

Full support from start to finish
We’ll effectively manage each stage of your project from consultation and design to installation, certification and maintenance.

Quality products
Midland Fire only supplies products from reputable brands that we know will future proof your business.

Expert Emergency Lighting Installation and Maintenance from Midland Fire

At Midland Fire, we do it all. We can install Thorlux Standard, AutoTest and SmartScan emergency lighting systems, and we offer maintenance packages to keep your existing or new systems in top nick. If you have an existing Thorlux Scanlight AT system, we can maintain that too, as well as managing your upgrade to SmartScan.

Our friendly engineers are on hand to advise you and offer expert guidance on which emergency lighting system is best for your business. We offer fire risk assessments as well as a whole range of fire safety and security services too.

At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for your free consultation.

Your Burning Questions Answered

Which emergency lighting system is right for me?
To answer that question, your first step should be to book a fire risk assessment with a BAFE-accredited contractor (like Midland Fire). Expert engineers will take a look at the type and size of your business and advise on the type of emergency lighting to best suit you.

What does the LED indicator mean on AutoTest luminaires?
The colour of the LED shows the status of the light, for example, green for OK and red for fault. Our engineers can decode and action any issues if you need help.

Can I upgrade from AutoTest to SmartScan?
Yes, we can phase in SmartScan across your site or plan a full upgrade. As part of our service, we’ll help you spread the cost and minimise disruption.

Do SmartScan tests meet emergency lighting standards?
They sure do. SmartScan performs fully compliant monthly and annual tests and stores a full digital history for audit purposes – that’s one less thing to worry about.

Can SmartScan tests be scheduled outside of working hours?
Absolutely, that’s one of its key benefits. Our engineers can configure the system to test during evenings or weekends for minimal impact to your business.

Do you still support the older Scanlight AT system?
We do. Midland Fire offers extended emergency lighting maintenance for Scanlight AT, including sourcing parts, software updates and fault-finding services, so that you can upgrade when the time is right for you.