Emergency lighting test

[Mushy]

Questions questions...one of them days...

can someone tell me if E/L is still tested daily (visual check) quarterly, six monthly and annually under 5266-2005 as it was with 1999...sorry I haven't got a copy with me!!

Thanks

[nearlythere]

Questions questions...one of them days...

can someone tell me if E/L is still tested daily (visual check) quarterly, six monthly and annually under 5266-2005 as it was with 1999...sorry I haven't got a copy with me!!

Thanks

7.2.2 Daily
Indicators of central power supply shall be visually inspected for correct operation.
NOTE This is a visual inspection of indicators to identify that the system is in a ready condition and does not require a test of
operation.
7.2.3 Monthly
If automatic testing devices are used, the results of the short duration tests shall be recorded.
Tests shall be carried out as follows:
a) Switch on in the emergency mode each luminaire and each internally illuminated exit sign from its
battery by simulation of a failure of the supply to the normal lighting for a period sufficient to ensure
that each lamp is illuminated.
NOTE The period of simulated failure should be sufficient for the purpose of this clause whilst minimising damage to the
system components e.g. lamps.
During this period, all luminaires and signs shall be checked to ensure that they are present, clean
and functioning correctly.
At the end of this test period, the supply to the normal lighting should be restored and any indicator
lamp or device checked to ensure that it is showing that the normal supply has been restored.
b) In addition to a), for central battery systems, the correct operation of system monitors shall be
checked.
c) In addition to a), for generating sets, refer to the requirement of ISO 8528-12.
7.2.4 Annually
If automatic testing devices are used, the results of the full rated duration test shall be recorded.
For all other systems the monthly inspection shall be carried out and the following additional tests made:
a) each luminaire and internally illuminated sign shall be tested as per 7.2.3 but for its full rated duration
in accordance with the manufacturer's information;
b) the supply of the normal lighting shall be restored and any indicator lamp or device checked to
ensure that it is showing that normal supply has been restored. The charging arrangements should
be checked for proper functioning;
c) the date of the test and its results shall be recorded in the system logbook;
d) in addition, for generating sets, refer to the requirements of ISO 8528-12.

[Mushy]

Thanks once again nearlythere...

[TickityBoo]

In public premises that are open 365 days a year, I've been told that carrying out the annual full duration discharge test is not feasible as it takes 24hrs for the batteries to recharge - and so the premises cannot be reoccupied until the batteries are fully charged, the next again day. 

I have suggested testing a proportion of the lights on a rolling basis so that all are tested once a year without a whole area being without cover during the recharge period.  This may be achievable where test facilities are available but what about those lights which do not have test facilities? Testing from the fuseboard will take out the lights in a whole area which would mean insufficient emergency lighting is available in these areas during the recharge period.  Any thoughts?

[AnthonyB]

I've seen recharge times documented as 14 hours not 24, but that still doesn't help.

If it's summer areas with borrowed light could be tested & charge up during the daylight hours, but even that's pushing it.

The potential consequences of premature EL failure (as happened in some notable fires) is such you'd be hard pressed to justify no full duration tests.

If your installations were put on on the cheap with no test facilities then the only option left is to progressively upgrade and install test points to allow the solution you propose.

It will be more expensive than if thy were fitted during first install, but that's the way it is sometimes - short term saving against long term pain!

[Dragonmaster]

My understanding is that it takes 8 hours to put back 1 hour of use into a luminaire, therefore as this is the minimum for 'escape' lighting', not emergency lighting (which has an application for continued use of a building during a lighting/power failure), then surely a full duration discharge in the summer can be acheived i.e. 3 hour discharge plus 8 hour recharge (for 1 hour escape use) = 11 hours, therefore if you start the test at 8am, it would have sufficient charge after 7pm when it's still light - assuming borrowed light of course! Phew.

[nearlythere]

What about windowless accommodation where escape lighting is required?

[Mr. P]

How about some hired temporary lighting strings? i.e. same as a builder would use.  RA it and pass on to all concerned etc. If it's somewhere with staff/public ratio need, how about some decent torches as temp measure, again RA...

[Mushy]

It is really feasable for a daily emergency lighting check in a large hospital?.....this would be like painting a big bridge...once its finished its time to start again...also it sounds like the annual discharge test would also be a bit of a mare with the loss of lighting while recharging...that would be a hell of a lot of 'tempory strings'

[kurnal]

There are intelligent monitored fittings available out there. But other than that I agree with you mushy- its written in the BS but I have never yet come across any premises where daily checks are carried out.

[AnthonyB]

It is really feasable for a daily emergency lighting check in a large hospital?.....this would be like painting a big bridge...once its finished its time to start again...also it sounds like the annual discharge test would also be a bit of a mare with the loss of lighting while recharging...that would be a hell of a lot of 'tempory strings'

True - in this environment pre planing on design would be better - maintained slaves off a central generator or battery bank would be more appropriate as bulb testing is easy by a visual walk around to see if any are off/blown and the central battery/generator can be tested without having to cut off the lighting

[colin todd]

The only daily check is of indicators on a CB control panel. It takes 10 seconds even in large hospital, assuming they had CB, which they normally dont.

[Mushy]

CB?

Circuit Board..Circuit Breaker...Current Bun?


probably be an embarrassingly simple answer 

[Wiz]

Mushy, my guess is Central Battery.

[AnthonyB]

I'd say CB is Central battery & to clarify my comment above I was referring to the whole series of different test intervals, not the daily (which of course is easy & non disruptive regardless of the type of system)