Ilford opened The Kenneth More Theatre in 1974. The actor made various appearances there. Today, it hosts a variety of musicals, plays, concerts and pantomimes.
Safety of visitors is a top priority for the London Borough of Redbridge, which owns and maintains the building. The Kenneth More Theatre’s technical manager, Rob Mitchell-Gears, says: ‘With 358 seats and additional wheelchair spaces, we need to ensure that we have systems in place that enable us to react appropriately in the event of a fire. In such circumstances a fast, effective and controlled evacuation is vital, which is why we rely on an emergency lighting system.’
Having been originally installed in the 1980s, the theatre’s emergency lighting was nearing the end of its life and Rob recognised that a new one was needed. After liaising with Redbridge, its life safety product installer, Tann Synchronome, was asked. Based in Monmouthshire, close to the Severn Bridge, the Tann Synchronome has a history dating back to the 1800s and has public sector and blue chip clients.
Tann Synchronome’s managing director, Will Jones says: ‘We were called in by the London Borough of Redbridge who had carried out an audit of the existing infrastructure. Like many installations of the 1980s, the emergency lighting system relied on a central battery system, which was becoming increasingly unreliable and needed replacing due to its age. What’s more, some of the luminaires were not as bright as those that are available today and we felt that a new system could improve this considerably. I’ve been working with Hochiki Europe continuously for the last 13 years and I’ve never failed to be impressed with the quality, flexibility, reliability, ease-of-use and design excellence of its products. If there’s a better light emitting diode (LED) based emergency lighting system on the market I haven’t seen it.’
FIREscape is described by the makers as an EN50172 compliant intelligent low voltage system that comprises an addressable emergency lighting control panel with battery back-up, and features addressable, self-contained LED luminaires and signage connected via low voltage (40V) cabling. The luminaires and signage also come with battery back-up, while the units fit directly onto a standard Hochiki Europe sensor base.
Hochiki Europe’s deputy marketing manager, Paul Adams, adds: ‘It is self-programmable and its control panel continuously monitors and tests the functionality of the system. It can also be pre-programmed to carry out specific monthly, six monthly and annual tests and the results can then be download from the control panel, alongside servicing and test schedules. This makes the system fully compliant with the requirements of BS 5266.’
Although the wiring also needed replacing, Tann Synchronome was able to use the existing containment and wiring architecture. ‘The old cable was removed and the new cable was simply fed through the existing tubes, saving both money and time. It also meant that day-to-day activities could continue as normal. Rob Mitchell-Gears said: ‘Due to the urgency of replacing the system, work was carried out whilst the building was in use with minimal disruption to us, which I was very impressed by’.
As with most entertainment venues, lighting must not detract attention from a performance and the installed FIREscape system has been configured with three modes. The first is an emergency mode, where lights are operated at maximum illumination if there is a power failure. Normal or maintained mode means that it can be used as part of the permanent lighting of the building in five levels of illumination, to enhance the general ambiance of various areas of the building. Finally, in show mode specific lights are used at a lower level of illumination.
Due to its LED technology, the makers add, FIREscape system will also cut battery replacement costs, testing labour, recycling costs and general energy use. LED also has a long life and requires only one per cent of the bulb changes required with traditional lighting. If a luminaire does need replacing, in house personnel can carry out the operation due to extra low voltage at the device, cutting maintenance costs.
Tann Synchronome is carrying out a second phase of the project and adding luminaires to the system. Rob Mitchell-Gears says: ‘I’m incredibly impressed that FIREscape was able to address all of our needs and provide The Kenneth More Theatre with an emergency lighting solution that significantly enhances the safety of theatregoers and employees alike.’
For further information contact Hochiki Europe on 01634 266566, email: [email protected] or visit www.hochikieurope.com
