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Product spotlight: Low Location Light Measurements

Posted by Nicky Smol on February 21, 2019 in Product information

Low Location Light Measurements

Over the years T-ISS gained a lot of valuable experience in doing Low Location Light measurements on all sorts of vessels. In this article we would like to take the opportunity of telling you more about this subject.

 

Why are Low Location Light measurements needed?

According to several regulations, vessels that carry passengers are obligated to have a Low Location Light system installed. This could be a photo luminescent system as well as an electric system. A photo luminescent system is charged by the lighting on the vessel and will use the energy it collects to light up in the dark. The big advantage of this system is that there are no electric installations that need to be installed. This will save you money in installation costs, as well as the costs of running the system. On the other side we have the electric low location light systems. These systems are connected to the electric network of the ship, and will switch on when the regular lighting of the ship shuts off. In summary; photoluminescent systems require daylight and / or artificial light to run and do not need electric power. Electrical systems do not require daylight or artificial light to run, but require a controlling and electrical system to operate.

The regulations that oblige having an Low Location Light system also state that the installed Low Location Light system should be checked and measured once every five years. This periodic measurement must meet the DNVGL regulations. In order to make sure that these measurements are done by a neutral, impartial surveyor, vessel owners are not allowed to do the measurements themselves. This is where a company like T-ISS comes in.

 

How does a Low Location Light measurement work?

Essentially, the goal of the Low Location Light measurement is making sure the system still has enough light output to ensure its effectiveness. If not, the system’s performance is insufficient and won’t meet the expected standards set by the regulations. The minimal light output the system is obligated to meet is expressed in Lumen. Our engineers are DNVGL approved and use high-end equipment that measures the mentioned light output. Logically, measuring an electric LLL system differs from measuring a photo luminescent system. This due to the fact that electric systems don’t require any light to charge up the system, and can be measured instantly. On the other hand, electric systems must be able to run on battery power for at least 60 minutes. To ensure a representative measurement, photo luminescent systems need to be charged up properly, which will be taken into account by our specialized engineers.

 

Low Location Light measurements by T-ISS

When you consider T-ISS as the right partner for the required measurements on your vessel, feel free to contact us. This way we can advise you and answer any questions you may still have according to LLL measurements. One of our engineers can analyze your specific situation and vessel. This way, he will advise you with substantiated information. After the measurements, the engineer that executed the measurement will report all readings in a clear overview. This will include all the upgrades and / or modifications that, when needed, must be done to meet the required regulations.

 

What if the results of the LLL measurements are negative?

In some cases it may occur that the measured and tested Low Location Light system isn’t meeting the required specifications. In this case, the inadequate Low Location Light needs to be replaced and renewed. This way the system will meet its regulations again. T-ISS is a specialist when it comes down to the installation and renewal of LLL systems on cruise liners, ferries and all other vessels that carry passengers.  If you would like to know more about this subject, please contact us or visit the concerned Product Page.