Emergency Lighting Maintenance

Emergency Lighting Servicing

Regular servicing is “Essential”

The “Responsible Person” must appoint a competent person to supervise the system. That person needs to be given the authority to carry out any necessary work.

Batteries

As per the manufacturers instructions

If electrolyte batteries are fitted, they need to be kept topped up and the terminals kept clean.

It is unusual to find many of these today.

Battery replacements must be compatible i.e. High Temp Nicads

Any replacement charger must be compatible with the batteries.

Generators

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Routine inspections and tests

Servicing should be carried out at a time when the risk is a minimum.

Servicing Intervals

Daily

1. Any fault in the logbook has been attended to.
2. Maintained lights are still lit
3. If a generator is used that it is operating properly
4. Any fault found is recorded in the log book

Monthly

Tests should be carried out as follows;

1. A simulated power failure should be carried out and all lights checked for operation
2. The test should not exceed 5 minutes.
3. When the power is restored all the charging lights are working.
4. Each central battery system has a simulated failure and tested as above
5. If all lights are not checked after a recharging period the remainder need to be checked.
6. All generators start up on power failure and are then run for 1 hour
7. All fuel tanks battery cells and coolants are checked

Six Monthly

As well as the monthly service;

1. All 3 hour lights must be powered down for one hour
2. All 1 hour lights must be powered down for 15 minutes
3. Inspect all lights for correct operation
4. Reinstate power and then check all charging lights

Central battery systems are checked the same way for the same durations

Generator systems should be checked as per the monthly service.

Three Yearly

As well as the monthly service;

1. The system must be checked to ensure the system meets the code.
2. All lights need to be tested to the full duration (or use a test device)
3. After testing and power reinstated check all lights are charging
4. Central battery or generator system to be checked to specified duration

Subsequent Annual Test

For all lights with sealed batteries, after the first three-year test, further annual test must be the same as the three yearly tests.

The alternative is to change the batteries every four years.

The details here are taken from B S 5266: Part 1: 1999 which should be purchased for fuller details of the code.

These notes in this manual are the personal interpretations of the author.