New Emergency Lighting Installed at Barnton Bunker
Improving Safety Underground
Barnton Bunker was built during the Cold War as an underground command centre designed to operate during a national emergency.
Today the bunker is being carefully restored by volunteers working to preserve this unique historic site while making it safe for visitors to explore.
The latest improvements underground focuses on emergency lighting and fire safety.
The Challenge of an Underground Site
Unlike most buildings, Barnton Bunker has no windows and no natural light. We’ve always had a backup generator in case the power and lights were to go out.
Once inside the tunnels, visibility relies entirely on electrical lighting. If the power supply were to fail, navigating the corridors could quickly become difficult.
Because of this, emergency lighting is essential in underground environments like ours.
New Emergency Lighting System
As part of ongoing restoration work, new IP rated emergency lighting has been installed throughout the bunker to provide and additional level of safety in case the back up power were not to come on.
Each light fitting contains a built-in battery system. If the power fails, the lights automatically switch to battery power and remain on.
The system keeps the lights running for up to three hours, providing enough time for people to safely move through the tunnels if all other systems were to fail.
Fire Safety Improvements
Before
After
Alongside the IP-rated emergency lighting installation, new fire doors have also been updated as part of wider safety improvements taking place across the site.
The local Fire Brigade also paid a visit to the bunker recently to get familiar with the space. Read more about it here (link to fire brigade blog).
These upgrades help ensure the bunker moves closer to modern safety standards while restoration work continues.
Restoration in Progress
Team from the local Scottish Fire Service
Barnton Bunker remains an active restoration project. Volunteers continue to repair, upgrade and maintain the site while preserving its Cold War history.
Every improvement, from emergency lighting to structural repairs helps make the bunker safer for the people who work here and the visitors who come to explore it.
Come and experience it for yourself, tours run every weekend.
