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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Under UK regulations, emergency lighting systems should be tested regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly and efficiently. Here is a breakdown of the recommended testing schedule:
Monthly: Short functional tests should be performed monthly. This typically involves simulating a failure of the normal lighting supply to check that the emergency lights operate correctly.
Annually: A full-rated duration test should be carried out once a year. This involves simulating a failure and letting the emergency lighting system run on its battery for the full duration it is designed for (usually three hours). This is to check the battery's capacity and confirm that the lights will remain operational for the full period.
How much does it cost? Prices start from just £49.00 but in some situations its completely FREE!
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Please note that all test results should be recorded in the fire safety logbook. If any defects are discovered, these should be rectified as soon as possible. Always consult with a qualified person or professional body if you are unsure about how to perform these tests.
Remember that this is a general guideline and specific requirements may vary depending on the type of premises, the nature of the business, and any specific risk assessments. For exact regulatory guidance, you should refer to the British Standards BS 5266-1:2016 concerning emergency lighting.
At AMP Fire, we are always ready to assist you with your emergency lighting testing and maintenance needs. Our team of experts can help ensure your business complies with all relevant safety regulations.
Understanding the Importance of Fire Alarm Maintenance for Businesses
Fire alarms are an integral part of safety protocol in any commercial establishment. Their importance cannot be overstated; they protect lives, assets, and property by giving early warnings in the event of a fire, giving everyone enough time to evacuate. To ensure that your fire alarm system is always in optimal condition, regular servicing, testing, and inspections are crucial. Here's what you need to know:
Fire alarms should be serviced at least twice a year, according to most fire safety regulations worldwide. This servicing should be performed by a professional fire alarm technician who is certified and knowledgeable about your specific fire alarm system. The main purpose of these regular check-ups is to diagnose and rectify any issues that could impede the alarm's performance in an emergency situation.
What type of fire alarm should my business have?
The type of fire alarm system you need for your business primarily depends on the size and nature of your business operations. Here are a few options:
Conventional Fire Alarm Systems: These are perfect for small businesses. They are cost-effective but provide efficient protection.
Addressable Fire Alarm Systems: These are better suited for larger business premises. They can pinpoint the exact location of the fire, allowing for quick and efficient evacuation and firefighting.
Wireless Fire Alarm Systems: These alarms are flexible and easy to install, ideal for listed buildings or premises where minimal disruption to the infrastructure is a priority.
Aspirating Smoke Detection (ASD) Systems: These are for businesses that need very early warning systems, such as data centers or high-value storage facilities.
How often should I test the fire alarm?
Fire alarm testing is recommended to be carried out every week. This test ensures that the alarm sounders and flashers are working correctly. The designated 'responsible person' at your business can conduct these weekly tests. It's recommended to test a different manual call point during each test to ensure that all areas of your business are covered over time.
How often should the fire alarm be inspected?
Apart from regular servicing, fire alarms should be inspected annually by a professional fire safety company. This annual inspection should include a thorough examination of all components of the fire alarm system, including smoke detectors, heat sensors, sirens, control panels, and backup power supplies. The purpose of these inspections is to validate that the fire alarm system is functioning correctly and in compliance with fire safety regulations.
Remember, your fire alarm system is only as good as its maintenance. Regular servicing, testing, and inspection will ensure that your business is always prepared for fire emergencies, safeguarding your staff, customers, and property. If you need professional assistance with fire alarm maintenance or choosing the right fire alarm system for your business, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at AMP Fire. We are here to help!
The below are the most common questions we get asked about Domestic Fire Alarms.
Why is my fire alarm beeping?
Fire alarms can beep for several reasons. The most common ones are:
Low battery: This is typically indicated by an intermittent beep every few minutes.
Fault in the system: A constant beep may indicate a fault in the alarm system itself, such as a malfunctioning sensor or electrical issue.
Test mode: Some alarms beep periodically when they're in a testing mode.
Smoke or fire detection: Continuous loud beeping usually means the alarm has detected smoke or fire.
End of life: Some alarms have an end-of-life warning to tell you when the alarm itself needs replacing, often after 10 years.
What does a continuous fire alarm mean?
A continuous fire alarm typically means that the device has detected smoke or fire. This is a safety feature to alert the occupants of the building to evacuate. However, if there is no apparent danger, it could also indicate a malfunction in the device.
Here's what you can do to stop a fire alarm from beeping:
If it's a low battery warning, you should replace the battery.
If the device is malfunctioning, try resetting it. This often involves removing the battery, pressing and holding the test button for around 15 seconds, reinserting the battery and then pressing the test button again.
If the alarm is hardwired into your electrical system, you may need to try flipping the circuit breaker associated with the alarm.
If none of these work, you may need to replace the entire device.
How to turn off a fire alarm?
Turning off a fire alarm differs depending on the model and type (battery operated or hardwired). Here's a general approach:
For battery-operated models, simply remove the battery. Remember to replace it promptly; a fire alarm without a battery is useless in an emergency.
For hardwired models, you'll usually need to disconnect it from the mains. This often involves turning off the circuit breaker associated with the alarm. However, be aware that doing so will disable the alarm, leaving you unprotected.
To change a fire alarm battery, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure your safety. Use a sturdy step ladder to reach the alarm.
Remove the alarm from its mounting on the ceiling or wall. There's typically a twist-off mechanism, but it may vary between models.
Once it's off, you should see a compartment for the battery. Open this, remove the old battery, and replace it with a new one, ensuring the positive/negative terminals align correctly.
After replacing the battery, put the fire alarm back in its place and test the alarm to ensure it's working.
Please note that the above instructions might vary depending on the make and model of your fire alarm. It's best to consult the user manual or manufacturer's website for specific instructions.
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