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Emergency lighting in Stevenage blocks of flats.
A 41-block retrofit in 2020, then new emergency lighting, labels and log books in every block we have upgraded since.
Emergency lighting has been part of almost every Stevenage block we have touched. It started in 2020 with a 41-block retrofit, and since then every communal upgrade has included new emergency lighting, a test key switch, labels and a log book: more than 100 blocks in all, plus more than 150 emergency fittings in six sheltered housing schemes.
The 2020 retrofit: 41 blocks
In 2020 Stevenage Borough Council wanted emergency lighting in 41 blocks without replacing lighting that was otherwise sound. So rather than add separate fittings, we fitted emergency gear trays into the Designplan Quadevo and Quadrangle fittings inside and outside, turning them into emergency lights. Each block got a key switch for testing, an ID label on every emergency fitting and a log book. The blocks were on Albert Street, Southend Close, Ingleheim Court, Whitesmead Road, Four Acres, Plash Drive, Hendren Court, Hellards Road and Julians Road.
New emergency lighting since
In the full communal upgrades we fit new fittings throughout: Designplan Quadevo fittings with microwave sensors inside and Quadrangle photocell fittings outside, with emergency versions positioned to light the escape route, changes of direction, the stairs and the final exit. Counted from our orders, that is nearly 2,000 Designplan fittings in Stevenage since 2019.
Labels and the log
Every fitting carries an ID label that matches the drawing and the log book, so whoever tests the lights each month knows exactly which fitting is which. The key switch lets them simulate a power cut without touching the board. We photograph every labelled fitting in the photo audit and leave the log with the emergency lighting certificate.
The 2020 retrofit blocks by street
- Albert Street 13 blocks
- Southend Close 11 blocks
- Ingleheim Court 5 blocks
- Whitesmead Road 4 blocks
- Four Acres 4 blocks
- Plash Drive 1 block
- Hendren Court 1 block
- Hellards Road 1 block
- Julians Road 1 block
For the blocks that had new emergency lighting as part of a full upgrade, see communal electrical upgrades.
Questions we’re asked
Can existing light fittings be converted to emergency lights?
Often, yes. Where the fittings are sound, an emergency gear tray with a battery can be fitted inside, which is quicker and cheaper than replacing them. We did this in 41 Stevenage blocks in 2020.
How long do the emergency lights last in a power cut?
Usually three hours, the normal duration for blocks of flats where people may stay in the building.
Who tests emergency lighting in a block of flats?
The landlord or managing agent is responsible. A short monthly function test and a full-duration test once a year, recorded in the log book. We can do both.
What is the key switch for?
It cuts the supply to the emergency lights so they switch to battery, letting you test them without switching off the board.
How many Stevenage blocks have you done?
41 in the 2020 retrofit, and new emergency lighting in every communal upgrade since: more than 100 blocks, plus more than 150 emergency fittings in six sheltered schemes.
More Stevenage case studies
- All 280+ Stevenage blocks – the full list, street by street
- Minehead Way – door entry and data cabling, 2026
- Sheltered housing lighting – 270+ Tamlite fittings on sensors in six schemes
- Communal electrical upgrades – boards, containment and lighting in 178 blocks
- Door entry and flat handsets – entrance panels, fobs and a handset in every flat
- LD1 fire alarms in high-rise blocks – 452 flats in seven towers
- Designplan lighting – 1,985 Designplan fittings fitted, counted from our orders
- Zelos bollards at Silkin Court – 46 path bollards, featured by Designplan
- SHDF extractor fans – 440 homes for Wates
Written by SEGplc from our orders, job records, photo audits and certificates. Last updated 31 October 2026.
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