Test requirements within British Standards

[deaconj999]

The Test requirement for Emergency lighting went from the BS 5266-1:1999 to BS 5266-1:2005 which then sends you to BS EN 50172/BS 5366-8  2004. There is no longer a six-monthly; three-yearly; or subsequent annual test as per BS 5266 in 1999. Since 2004 the requirement is only a daily (visual) indicators; Monthly tests and an Annual.

Q. Does this mean that if a system fitted prior to 2004 should be tested IAW the current schedule thereby removing the requirement for a six monthly?

Q. Would a certificate quoting the older 1999 test schedule be acceptable for systems installed prior to 2004?

Thoughts please!

[John Webb]

In my past experience of being on a BS committee, a new edition of a standard is not retrospective. For example a building with an electrical system wired to the previous version of BS7671 doesn't have to be rewired because a new edition has come out - just that any additions/alterations then have to be to the new edition's requirements.

In your case re the emergency lighting test schedule, I would have thought that any change in the testing regime should be (if you are a contractor) agreed with your client. I would have thought if it saves you a bit of work and he a bit of money you'd agree on it. Then delete that particular item on the test schedule on the form?

[deaconj999]

Hi John,

The certificate issued by this contractor quotes BS EN 1839:1999 and BS 5266-1:1999 when it should say either
BS EN 1838:1999/BS 5266-7:1999  and/or  BS EN 50172:2004 and/or  BS EN 50172/BS 5266-8. Thats one issue.

The second is that they are doing six monthly checks on EEL and I am trying to find where it says the current test schedule must be used from the current BS even if EEL systems are not modified or replaced since first installation which may be prior to 2004.

Cheers

[John Webb]

Sorry - can't help you any further on this one, not having access to full copies of any of the BSs involved, past or present.

[Auntie LIn]

Have you thought about posing this question to the relevant committee at BSI?   You might not get a quick answer, but you should get the distilled wisdom of at least the committee chairman.

[deaconj999]

Auntie Lin,

Yes, but the clock is ticking and I have put new batteries in it just in case.......

[AnthonyB]

A lot of contractors doing EL testing, either via ignorance or deliberate intent (to make money) or even a combination of the two, test and certify to old standards and retain the defunct 6 monthly part duration test.

And most of the time the only reason a client is instructing that is because the contractor tells them that's the regime.

Some just do a 1 hour every 3 months when they also 'service' the fire alarm, with no other testing of the EL carried out.

[deaconj999]

Auntie Lin,

Yes, but the clock is ticking and I have put new batteries in it just in case.......

BSI have now today  4 Nov put me onto http://www.theiet.org/               ...............brilliant

[deaconj999]

A lot of contractors doing EL testing, either via ignorance or deliberate intent (to make money) or even a combination of the two, test and certify to old standards and retain the defunct 6 monthly part duration test.

And most of the time the only reason a client is instructing that is because the contractor tells them that's the regime.

Some just do a 1 hour every 3 months when they also 'service' the fire alarm, with no other testing of the EL carried out.

Good Point which i am well aware of I even have a contractor quoting BS 1839:1999 on their EEL Certs....how good is that !!!!!! but as usual the maintenance organisation that contracted them to do the work doesn't have a clue....