Central Battery Systems
Central Battery Systems provide reliable backup power for critical life and fire safety systems, specifically emergency lighting but often CBS will also provide power back up for fire alarms, and smoke extraction.
These systems play a vital role in safety by ensuring essential equipment remains operational during power failures, aiding safe evacuation as well as any potential emergency response.
Building Types
Centralised battery systems are typically used in large buildings like office complexes, hospitals, malls, airports, stadiums, and industrial facilities.
Key Features of Central Battery Systems
- Optimised for Emergency Lighting: Purpose-built to support emergency lighting applications.
- Scalable Capacity Options: From compact battery units to advanced three-phase static inverter systems.
- Smart Battery Management: Intelligent charging optimises battery lifespan and performance.
- Reduced Maintenance: Lower upkeep requirements compared to traditional legacy systems.
- Advanced Digital Control: Multi-functional display for easy system monitoring and management.
- Full Compliance: Meets all relevant British Standards, including BS EN 50171: 2021, EN 60896-21, and EN 60896-22.
- Expert Installation & Certification: Designed, installed, and commissioned by our in-house electrical specialists, certified via NICEIC accreditation.
- Remote Monitoring & Testing: Optional alarm monitoring and automated testing for enhanced reliability.
What does the legislation say?
While a centralised battery system isn't explicitly stated as a legal requirement in the UK, installing an emergency lighting system with adequate power backup, which often means a centralised battery system, is mandatory by law under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and must comply with British Standard EN 50171, making it essentially a legal requirement for most buildings with public access to have a central battery system to power emergency lighting.
Emergency lighting is mandatory: UK law requires all buildings with public access to have emergency lighting to ensure safe evacuation during power outages.
BS EN 50171 compliance: Defines the general requirements for central power supply systems that provide an independent energy source for essential safety equipment.
BS 5266-1:2016 compliance: Provides guidance on emergency lighting in buildings, including requirements for battery systems that power emergency lighting.
Building type considerations: Depending on the building type and usage, a centralised battery system is often the most reliable way to meet the legal requirements for emergency lighting.
Central Battery Systems vs Uninterruptible Power Supply
Central Battery Systems (CBS) and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) serve distinct but complementary roles in building safety and power continuity. CBS is primarily used for emergency lighting, ensuring illumination in critical areas during power failures, especially in commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, and public spaces. It provides a reliable backup for escape routes and essential signage, meeting strict safety regulations. UPS, on the other hand, protects sensitive equipment from power disruptions by providing instantaneous backup power. It is commonly used in hospitals, data centres and industrial settings to prevent data loss, maintain life-saving medical equipment, and safeguard operations from outages or voltage fluctuations. While CBS focuses on controlled, long-duration lighting support, UPS delivers immediate, short-term power to bridge gaps until generators activate or power is restored.
Speak to a Ventro specialist today to determine which system would be best for you.
Ventro are proud members of the NICEIC Approved Contractor Scheme, to provide our customers with complete confidence in the quality of our work, and provide all relevant certification on completion of works undertaken via our fully trained 18th edition electricians, M&E design technicians, and senior supervisors.
The UKAS approved NICEIC Approved Contractor Scheme means Ventro’s electricians have been assessed as competent to carry out electrical work against the requirements of the IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671.
The NICEIC Approved Contractor Scheme allows Ventro to undertake the following work :
- Commercial and industrial installations
- Domestic installations
- Installation condition reporting (including testing, inspection and PIRs)
