Lights in east and west elevator-tower stairways (52 total) were replaced =photo top. Same round shape—slightly brighter.
Hidden change: wiring now heat-resistant. Fire-code rules for evacuation lighting tightened—20-minute battery rule became 60 minutes by end of November; heat-resistant cable is an alternative—we chose cable.
Separately, four emergency stairwells also required updates—
here we installed 60-minute battery lights instead of heat cable. Round types =photos right top= became slim units =photos right bottom.
These stairs are rarely used, so unlike elevator towers they need not stay lit. With the code change we adopted motion-sensor
switching. Repositioning cut total fixtures from 150 to 75 (including some basement)—safer and saving power.
All passed fire department inspection in late November.
Emergency doors are normally locked; push hard to open in panic mode.
We estimate hourly load fell from 5.25 kW to 1.80 kW—about 30,222 kWh and 11.5 tons CO2 saved yearly (desk calculation).
Palaceside will keep pursuing safety and energy savings.