Your Guide to Central Battery Luminaires and Central Battery Systems.

What is a Central Battery (Slave) Luminaire?

A central battery luminaire is an emergency light that does not have its own internal battery. Instead, it is powered by a central battery system, which supplies power to multiple luminaires throughout a building. This central system ensures that all connected luminaires receive power during a mains failure, allowing them to illuminate escape routes, exits, and essential areas for safety.

Where Are Central Battery (Slave) Luminaires Used?

Central battery luminaires are commonly found in:

• Large Commercial Buildings – Offices, shopping centers, and hotels benefit from a central emergency lighting system to reduce maintenance costs and simplify compliance.
• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities – Reliable emergency lighting is crucial for patient safety and operational continuity.
• Industrial Sites and Warehouses – These environments require durable emergency lighting solutions that can function in harsh conditions.
• Transport Hubs – Airports, train stations, and underground systems require large-scale emergency lighting solutions to ensure safe evacuation during power outages.
• Educational Institutions – Schools and universities need effective emergency lighting in case of power failures.

Benefits of Central Battery (Slave) Luminaires

Central Battery luminaires offer several advantages over self-contained emergency lighting units:
✅ Lower Maintenance Costs
Since slave luminaires do not have individual batteries, there’s no need to regularly check and replace batteries across multiple units. This significantly reduces maintenance time and costs.

✅ Longer Lifespan
Batteries in self-contained emergency luminaires degrade over time, requiring frequent replacements. With a central battery system, the batteries are better maintained, leading to a longer lifespan.

✅ Consistent Performance
All central battery luminaires receive power from the same source, ensuring consistent illumination and reducing the risk of failure due to battery degradation.

✅ Easier Testing and Compliance
With self-contained units, each luminaire must be tested individually. A central battery system allows for easier testing and monitoring, making it more efficient to comply with emergency lighting regulations.

✅ Scalability
For large facilities, central battery luminaires are ideal as they allow centralised control over multiple emergency lights, making them a scalable solution for expanding buildings.

Considerations and Disadvantages

While central battery luminaires offer many benefits, there are some factors to consider before implementing them:

❌ Higher Initial Cost
A central battery system requires a larger upfront investment compared to self-contained luminaires. However, the long-term savings on maintenance and replacements can outweigh this cost.

❌ Dependency on Central Battery System
If the central battery system fails, all connected slave luminaires will lose power. Proper system maintenance and regular testing are essential to prevent this issue.

❌ Installation Complexity
Setting up a central battery system and connecting all slave luminaires requires careful planning, proper wiring, and skilled installation.

Is a Central Battery (Slave) Luminaire System Right for You?

If you manage a large facility, need a reliable emergency lighting solution, and want to reduce long-term maintenance costs, a central battery luminaire system powered by a central battery system is an excellent choice. However, it is important to ensure proper system design, maintenance, and compliance with regulations.

At BLE Lighting & Power Ltd, we offer a range of high-quality central battery luminaires and central battery systems designed to keep your facility safe and compliant. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your emergency lighting requirements!

Need help choosing the right emergency lighting solution? Contact us today! 01246 432325.