Emergency light testing

[Plonker 3]

What are the test frequencies for emergency light testing? Got a few lights to repair in a library but they are only doing a functional test on their em lts at present, so not doing it properly. I know they log the tests but dont actually carry it out correctly.

Am I right in thinking its a hour test once a month, with a full 3 hours test every 3 months?

 

[dazza1981]

Leave it out dill you dont post questions..... you feeling alright??

 

[Badged01]

Always though that BS 5266 ( Part 1: 2011) had you doing:

1) Monthly Test : To just simulate power failure to check each luminaire ( and each illuminated sign ) lights up. No need for the 1 hr bit. Then of course on restoration of power the indicator lamp lights to confirm normal supply restored.

2) Annual Test : To simulate power failure to check each luminaire (and each illuminated sign) lights for its full rated duration (1 or 3 hrs). Then on restoration of power the indicator lamp lights to confirm normal supply restored. Caveat being that if the full 1 or 3 hr test of all luminaires on at once would result in unacceptable risk, alternative luminaires should be checked on different days.

 

[tazz]

Nothing wrong with what you have stated, but apart from bs5266, there is another reason for duration tests, and the is to recycle the nicad batteries, ie prevent memory effect...previously, the old bs consisted of 3 x 30min tests and 1 x 3 hour test a year. Which imo was the best method, on keeping these batteries going for 5 years, with the new test only requiring 1 x 30min and 1 x 3 hour, you will have noticed the amount of battery failures suddenly increase...

 

[Plonker 3]

So they don't even need to do a functional test, just one 30 minute test and one full 3 hour test every year, obviously 6 months apart.

 

[Badged01]

Fair point for extending battery life!

 

[Badged01]

So they don't even need to do a functional test, just one 30 minute test and one full 3 hour test every year, obviously 6 months apart.

Dont think it states 30 mins, just that they illuminate! And also dont think it stipulates at the 6 month point, just 'once' in the year.

 

[tazz]

along with a customer test once a week, basically a quick visual and on/off to ensure they are all ok.....good customer training with caretaker or maintenance guy comes in here, with keeping all tests logged, weekly and Bi annually.

 

[tazz]

Dont think it states 30 mins, just that they illuminate! And also dont think it stipulates at the 6 month point, just 'once' in the year.

Sustained lighting 2hour, maintained 2 hour, non maintained 3 hour, with 6 monthly 30mins test, and weekly visual quick test...if any less, you end up changing batteries every year

 

[Plonker 3]

No caretaker or maintenance bids here lol, it's all done by the librarian, although they do log the test although that's just done on a A4 sheet of paper.may have to sort them out a proper log book.

 

[tazz]

Just a important backside covering exercise......You have taken on the job to maintain the system....so need to survey, number and log locations of all em lighting....then train a responsible person on site to weekly check, and log....then every 6 months you test and log. If Hs or anyone else is called in after an incident, then you, and the customer, have done everything possible, and logged it...to ensure the full operation of the system. No one could ask for more

 

[Brightspark2]

Quite an ironic thread!...I wonder what reply this would have from you...

What does BS5266 tell you to do? or would you rather have other people do the hard work for you?...

Wahey! :mickey: :tongue3: