How to Test Emergency Lights: A Guide by AMP Fire

At AMP Fire, we understand the importance of safety in the workplace. Emergency lighting is a key factor in this, providing illumination in the event of a power failure or other emergencies, guiding people to safety. In order to ensure that your emergency lights work properly when needed, regular testing and maintenance are essential. Here's a simple guide on how to test your emergency lights:

Please note: these instructions apply to a general scenario. Always follow manufacturer-specific instructions and comply with local safety regulations.

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1. Familiarise yourself with the system: Before starting, you need to understand how your emergency lighting system works. Refer to your installation and maintenance manual. If you have questions or are unsure about anything, don't hesitate to contact us.
2. Safety first: Ensure that testing is carried out by a person competent in this field. The person carrying out the tests should be aware of the normal operational condition of the system so that they can identify any signs of damage or malfunction.
3. Prepare for the test: Make sure the premises will not be in use during the test, or if it's not possible, inform everyone present about the test. This will prevent panic or confusion as the lights will go out during the test.
4. Monthly Functional Test: This can be performed by anyone who’s responsible for the day-to-day safety or maintenance of the building.

You should perform a short functional test monthly. This test involves simulating a power failure to the lighting circuits to ensure that the emergency lights are working correctly.

• Locate your lighting circuit breaker or main power switch and switch it off.

(This should be a special key switch if it is not, make note and inform an engineer)

• Walk through the building and ensure all emergency lights have activated and are providing sufficient light for evacuation.
• Once you have checked all the lights, switch the power back on. This should leave the lights on for approx. 20mins

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5. Annual Full-Rating Duration Test: This should only be performed by a qualified Emergency Lighting Engineer, who is certified under British Standards BS5266, and able to produce the correct BS5266 certification upon completion.

 Once a year, you should arrange for a full-rating duration test. This is a test of the batteries' capacity in the emergency light fittings. It involves cutting the power and letting the emergency lights run on battery power.

• We cut off power to the emergency lighting circuits.
• Allow the lights to run on battery power. The period you should allow them to run depends on the rated duration of the lights, but it will typically be between one and three hours.
• During this period, check that the lights continue to operate and provide sufficient illumination.
• After the test duration, restore power. Check that the batteries start recharging. This is usually indicated by an LED on the light fitting.

6. Record the results: On the monthly test for each light you should record the date of the test, whether it passed or failed, and any work carried out as a result. These records may be required by law and can also help you identify any recurring problems. The Yearly Emergency Light drop test will have a cert produce by your Emergency Lighting engineer.
7. Address any issues: If any lights fail the test, you will need to take steps to address the issue. This could involve replacing bulbs, repairing fittings, or servicing the battery. Remember, at AMP Fire, we're always here to help if you have any issues or concerns.

Following these steps will help ensure your emergency lighting is always ready when you need it, keeping your workplace safer. If you need any assistance or have questions about testing your emergency lights, please don't hesitate to contact us at AMP Fire. We're committed to helping businesses in the UK keep their premises safe and compliant

Our Emergency lighting servicing costs start at just £49.00 and in some situtations are completely FREE. 

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