Emergency lighting testing

[hammer1]

BS5266 Part 8 2004 deals with testing regime??

Am I right that the 6 monthly tests are no longer required and that monthly, annual full discharge are suffice. Obviously daily where practicable.

In regards to systems less than 3 years old, is the 6 monthly 1 hour discharge still in place or is that too been removed and if so is there any special requirements for such systems.

I ask this to clarify as service providers seem to still insist in 6 monthly checks and sadly I have not a copy of recent BS 5266. I am to obtain a copy in the near future.


Your help in this matter is appreciated.

[nearlythere]

Yes BS5266 Part 8 2004 deals with testing regime.

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.

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.

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 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.

[hammer1]

So these bods are trying to make a quick buck with insisting on the 6 monthly tests.

And to think they are FIA members

[nearlythere]

The 6 monthly test or check is for electrolyte levels of central battery systems.

[StuartH]

I have to say that unfortunately this is no uncommon. I find this a lot. It isn't help by a number of fire log books detailing the old 6 month test.

[hammer1]

The 6 monthly test or check is for electrolyte levels of central battery systems.

So it is advised in the BS then??

[nearlythere]

The 6 monthly test or check is for electrolyte levels of central battery systems.

So it is advised in the BS then??

Can't find it in the maintenance schedules in latest BS5266 but from memory, unless I have lost the plot, I can remember it being mentioned from days of yore. But simply if you don't have a central battery system then you don't have a 6 monthly test regime.

[nearlythere]

BS 5266 Pt1 1999 required the following test regime.
a) daily;
b) monthly;
c) six-monthly;
d) three-yearly;
e) subsequent annual test.
 
Checking central battery system was part of 6 monthly test and electrolyte checking by user was monthly.

[Tom Sutton]

The 6 monthly test or check is for electrolyte levels of central battery systems.

So it is advised in the BS then??

BS 5266-1:2005 (13 Servicing) states "Supervision of servicing is specified in BS EN 50172:2004/BS 5266-8:2004, 7.1." which is followed by information on servicing Batteries and Generators but there is no specific frequency mentioned.

[AnthonyB]

BS 5266 Pt1 1999 required the following test regime.
a) daily;
b) monthly;
c) six-monthly;
d) three-yearly;
e) subsequent annual test.
 
Checking central battery system was part of 6 monthly test and electrolyte checking by user was monthly.

but the testing regime in that publication has been superseded...

you will find a lot of contractors who do a 6 monthly 1 hour as well as an annual 3 hour despite being superfluous on self contained fittings and others still who even do quarterly part & full durations!

[Wiz]

The 6 monthly test or check is for electrolyte levels of central battery systems.

So it is advised in the BS then??

BS 5266-1:2005 (13 Servicing) states "Supervision of servicing is specified in BS EN 50172:2004/BS 5266-8:2004, 7.1." which is followed by information on servicing Batteries and Generators but there is no specific frequency mentioned.

Part 1 of 5266 mentions it.

Part 8 of 5266 details it.

If everything was put in one Part then they wouldn't be able to sell two!

[Tom Sutton]

hammer1 did you receive my pm with additional information, if you did please let me know by pm.

[Mushy]

http://fire.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4521.0

 

[hammer1]

hammer1 did you receive my pm with additional information, if you did please let me know by pm.

Yes, picked up today. Many thanks.

[hammer1]

http://fire.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4521.0

 

A classic case of deja vu here chaps

So many contractors have been shafting clients with old BS and this includes the FIA, BAFE etc members.