A central battery system powers a building’s emergency lighting and safety equipment from one battery bank and charger installed in a protected room, instead of a small battery inside every luminaire. It makes testing, monitoring and maintenance far easier on large sites such as factories, hospitals, airports, tunnels, oil and gas facilities and commercial buildings. KPS designs central battery systems in Egypt using Delta Eltek chargers and EnerSys batteries.
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What a central battery system includes
- Charger / rectifier: Eltek Flatpack2 Integrated 19-inch, Flatpack2 Wallbox or IBB industrial systems for 24 to 220 VDC.
- Battery: long-life EnerSys batteries such as PowerSafe OPzV, SBS or Genesis, sized for the rated duration.
- Monitoring and alarms: controllers with automatic battery tests and remote alarms. See battery monitoring.
- Distribution: protected circuits to the emergency luminaires and safety loads.
- Optional AC output: an Integrated Rectiverter supplies backed-up 230 VAC where luminaires need AC.
Central battery vs self-contained emergency lighting
| Aspect | Central battery system | Self-contained luminaires |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | One battery room to inspect and test | A battery in every fitting |
| Battery life | Industrial batteries with long design life | Small batteries replaced every few years |
| Testing | Automatic, central testing and logging | Each fitting tested individually |
| Battery temperature | Controlled room | Heat at ceiling level shortens life |
| Best for | Large and multi-building sites | Small buildings |
Sizing a central battery system
Sizing starts from the total emergency load, the rated duration required by the local code and fire authority (commonly 1 or 3 hours), the system voltage and the minimum end voltage. KPS adds temperature and ageing margins so the system still delivers its rated duration at the end of the battery’s life. Central power supply systems are commonly specified to EN 50171.
Central Battery Systems for Emergency Lighting: FAQs
What is a central battery system?
A central battery system supplies emergency lighting and safety loads from one battery bank and charger in a protected room, instead of a small battery in every luminaire.
What voltage do central battery systems use?
Common system voltages are 24, 48, 110 and 220 VDC, depending on the size of the installation and the luminaires. An inverter or Rectiverter can provide AC output when needed.
How long must a central battery system run?
The rated duration is set by the local building code and fire authority, commonly 1 or 3 hours. The battery is sized for that duration at the end of its service life.
Which batteries are used in central battery systems?
Long-life VRLA batteries such as EnerSys PowerSafe OPzV gel or SBS TPPL are common, or flooded PowerSafe OPzS cells in dedicated battery rooms.
Does KPS supply central battery systems in Egypt?
Yes. KPS designs, supplies, installs and maintains central battery systems in Egypt using Delta Eltek chargers and EnerSys batteries.