Emergency Light Testing
Emergency lighting is an essential part of any building's safety systems. It is designed to provide illumination in the event of a power outage or other emergency, allowing occupants to safely evacuate the building. In order to ensure that emergency lighting systems are working properly, regular testing is necessary.
The testing of emergency lighting systems is typically carried out by a qualified electrician or a professional who is trained in emergency lighting systems. The testing process typically includes a combination of visual inspections and functional tests.
The first step in testing emergency lighting is to conduct a visual inspection of the system. This involves checking that all emergency lighting units are present and in good condition. This includes checking for any damage or wear and tear, such as cracked lenses or damaged casings. The electrician will also check that all emergency lighting units are correctly installed and properly wired.
Once the visual inspection is complete, the electrician will then conduct a series of functional tests. These tests are designed to ensure that the emergency lighting units are working properly and will activate in the event of a power failure. The tests include:
Full load test: This test simulates a complete power failure and checks that all emergency lighting units are working correctly.
Duration test: This test checks that the emergency lighting units will remain lit for the required duration, usually between 1.5h to 3h.
Battery load test: This test checks that the emergency lighting units' batteries are capable of powering the units for the required duration.
Automatic test: This test checks that the emergency lighting units are able to automatically activate in the event of a power failure.
After the testing is complete, the electrician will provide a report outlining any issues or problems that were identified during the testing process. This report should be kept on file as evidence that the emergency lighting system has been tested and is in good working order.
It is important to note that the frequency of emergency lighting testing is determined by the regulations of the country and the standard in force, in the UK, The BS 5266-1:2016 recommends that emergency lighting systems should be tested annually, and a monthly functional test is also advisable.
Testing emergency lighting systems is an essential part of maintaining the safety of a building. Regular testing helps to ensure that the system is working properly and will activate in the event of a power failure or other emergency, allowing occupants to safely evacuate the building.
A monthly functional test for emergency lighting is a quick, simple test that is designed to check that the emergency lighting units are working properly and will activate in the event of a power failure. The test typically involves the following steps:
Simulate a power failure: The electrician will simulate a power failure by disconnecting the power supply to the emergency lighting units. This can be done by turning off the main power switch or using a test key switch.
Check that the emergency lighting units activate: Once the power has been disconnected, the electrician will check that all emergency lighting units are activated. This includes checking that the emergency lights are lit, and that any self-test or monitoring systems are functioning correctly.
Re-connect the power: The electrician will re-connect the power to the emergency lighting units, and test that they turn off.