Public access buildings such as airports, shopping centres, cinemas, libraries, and large hotels operate under a higher level of responsibility when it comes to power resilience.
When mains power drops, visibility can disappear in seconds. Corridors and exits are thrown into darkness. Fire systems must remain active, and communication cannot fail during an evacuation.
This is where a properly maintained UPS system becomes critical.
Emergency Power Requirements in Public Access Buildings
Emergency power in public access buildings is governed by strict standards, including EN 50171 and BS 5266. These standards require UPS systems and central battery systems to be designed around occupancy, building layout, and evacuation strategy.
There isn’t a fixed runtime that applies to every building. However, in high-footfall environments, UPS systems are often designed to deliver up to four hours of emergency standby power.
This extended standby time supports:
- Emergency lighting
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Voice evacuation and communication systems
- Critical life safety infrastructure
For facilities managers, this creates a clear requirement. UPS systems must be able to deliver their designed runtime under real conditions, which is why regular UPS system tests and ongoing UPS system maintenance are essential.
Why UPS Systems Are Critical for Emergency Lighting and Life Safety
When mains power is lost, evacuation depends on visibility and communication. Without emergency lighting, escape routes become difficult to navigate, especially in large or unfamiliar public access buildings.
Fire detection systems, alarms, and communication systems must also continue operating to guide occupants and support a controlled evacuation.
UPS systems and central battery systems keep these essential safety functions powered during a mains failure. Without a reliable UPS system in place, even a short power cut can quickly become a safety and compliance issue.
The Risk of Poor UPS Maintenance in Public Access Buildings
UPS systems don’t usually fail without warning. In most cases, performance declines over time due to a lack of structured UPS maintenance by a UPS technician.
In high-footfall public access buildings, the most common risks include:
Ageing UPS batteries
UPS batteries degrade over time. Without planned UPS battery replacement at appropriate scheduled intervals, the system may not deliver the required standby runtime.
Lack of UPS system tests
Regular UPS system tests, including battery discharge testing, confirm whether the system can meet its design requirements. Without testing, performance cannot be guaranteed.
Undetected UPS faults
Minor UPS faults can go unnoticed during normal operation, but can lead to system failure during a power event – the time you need it most!
Inconsistent UPS maintenance
UPS systems require dedicated care. Without a structured UPS maintenance plan, critical issues can be missed, particularly in complex public access environments.
Incorrect servicing by non-UPS technicians
UPS systems maintained by general electricians can have critical issues overlooked. Without UPS-specific knowledge, faults and battery performance issues may be missed.
These risks increase significantly in buildings with high occupancy, where systems are relied on to support business continuity and safe evacuation.
Real-World Example: UPS Installation and Maintenance in a Central London Hotel
Uninterrupted Power Solutions recently delivered a UPS installation for a leading UK hospitality group, replacing three UPS systems supporting emergency lighting in a flagship Central London hotel.
In a public access environment like this, emergency lighting is a core life safety system. To remain operational, it must meet the requirements of EN 50171, ensuring it can deliver the required standby duration during a power failure.
The project was completed within a live, guest-facing environment, where disruption wasn’t an option and space was limited. Following a detailed site survey, a tailored solution was installed using Riello CSS units, with existing battery frames reused to reduce footprint and maintain efficiency.
Each system underwent a full UPS system test, including battery discharge testing, to confirm it could meet its runtime requirements. Once commissioned, the systems were placed on a structured UPS maintenance plan to support long-term performance.
For the facilities team, this provided confidence that, in the event of a power failure, emergency lighting would remain operational, evacuation routes would stay visible, and the building would remain compliant.
Take Control of Your UPS Systems and Power Resilience
If your building depends on emergency power, it’s worth asking a simple question: Will your UPS system perform when it’s needed most?
Uninterrupted Power Solutions provides UPS system maintenance, UPS battery replacement and UPS installation services for public access buildings across the UK. With over 30 years of experience, our team supports facilities managers with reliable UPS systems, regular UPS system tests, and 24/7 support.
Get in touch today to arrange a UPS system audit and ensure your UPS systems and central battery systems are ready when it matters most.