Emergency Lighting

[Mushy]

Hi

Can I just confirm that under BS 5266 Part 1:2005  there is no requirement to carry out a 6 monthly discharge test of E/L  and that it is done on an annual basis for the full rated duration.

I don't have a copy to hand...ok I dont have a copy!  

Thanks

ps..or does testing come under BS 5266-8:2004?

[Davo]

Mushy

Its part 8, and yes, six monthly no longer exists.

7.2.4 b) refers

davo

[Mushy]

Thanks Davo...appreciated mate

[Davo]

No probs, just make sure they kill the lighting circuits rather than flick test


davo

[Mushy]

I work in a hospital and the quote for the job includes a 6 monthly discharge test of one hour as well as annual discharge test of 3 hours

I can't understand why the testing comes under  BS 2004 and general rules and guidance comes under BS 2005 though

someone has nicked me copies

[Davo]

Mushy

See below


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.

For further explanation is suggest you locate your nicked copies

davo

[Mushy]

cheers again davo....

no chance of finding it....it's probably filed away under 'this is mine keep off' by now

[AnthonyB]

There is a lot of ignorance about with customers as well as contractors (but more often the latter) still using the long defunct 6 monthly test.

The again there's a lot of RP's paying out for quarterly testing of their EL when they could 'flick' in house (so to speak) and only pay for the annual (although they could do that themselves too if they had the time).

It's all about actively seeking out the changes in guidance & BS - too many do their initial training/buy an initial guide and years later still rely on that despite things having changed in the interim rather than taking an interest in their job and researching for changes regularly.

[Psuedonym]

There is a lot of ignorance about with customers as well as contractors (but more often the latter) still using the long defunct 6 monthly test.

It's all about actively seeking out the changes in guidance & BS - too many do their initial training/buy an initial guide and years later still rely on that despite things having changed in the interim rather than taking an interest in their job and researching for changes regularly.

I find it's a combination Anthony, of the customer relying on his past knowledge and the service provider not passing the updated info on. They (the contractor) often simply look at a tender (outdated) and quote for that rather than having the bottle to approach the client and explaining their fault for fear of losing a tender 

[Mushy]

Mushy

See below


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.

For further explanation is suggest you locate your nicked copies

davo

Can I just confirm that the above is BS 5266-8:2004

The contractor has stated that because the E/L is over 3 years old then a 6 monthly test must be carried out and I need to find out where this is written (if it is!)

[hammer1]

Think they maybe referring to BS5266:1999

Discharge test - The luminaires must be tested for their full rated duration period and checked for satisfactory operation. The supply must then be restored and the charging indicators rechecked. This test must be performed at least annually and the results logged

Note: BS 5266-1: 1999 allows a one hour test to be performed as an alternative every six months for the first 3 years of the system, but the guidance document to the Fire Precaution Regulations calls for the annual test at all stages of equipment life.



I have recommended 6 monthly tests still where our sites are unmanned. A 1 hour drain down/function test, along with the annual goes some way to compensate the non monthly checks. Seems the IO was ok with this regime.

You work in a Hospital? Obviously E/L is essential and maybe the FRA for whatever reason may have warrant the increase in test regimes...or as mentioned contractors misleading you with old BS guidance to earn a extra few quid.

[Mushy]

Thanks hammer

can anyone confirm that the above quote from Davo is BS 5266-8:2004

With ther large number of E/L units in the hospital what is the forums opinion of carrying out a six monthly test instead of the monthly check?

[hammer1]

Mushy

See below


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.

For further explanation is suggest you locate your nicked copies

davo

Can I just confirm that the above is BS 5266-8:2004

The contractor has stated that because the E/L is over 3 years old then a 6 monthly test must be carried out and I need to find out where this is written (if it is!)

Must admit the way I understood the BS5266:1999 was that systems 3 years or less could have the 1 hour drain down, function test 6 monthly. If it was over 3 years old then the annual checks would kick in..

[kurnal]

Yes Mushy the extract Davo posted  is from the current standard BS 5266 part 8 2004 which sets out the minimum standards for the  testing of emergency escape lighting.

[Mushy]

Thanks Kurnal