Emergency lighting is lighting that kicks in when there is a mains supply failure. It is a failsafe measure to ensure continued on-site safety and protect the occupants of a building.
Maintained emergency luminaire: a luminaire in which the emergency lighting lamps are on at all times.
Non-maintained emergency luminaire: a luminaire whose emergency lamps only come on when the power supply to the normal lighting fails. Non-maintained is the typical mode in a workplace or similar environment in which other lighting is normally in place during everyday use whilst the premises are occupied.
Emergency escape lighting – This part of an emergency lighting system, provides illumination for the safety of people leaving a location or premises.
Escape route lighting – identifies an escape route and keeps it sufficiently lit. This includes illuminated fire exit signs but also emergency lighting such as emergency lighting bulkheads or emergency lighting pin spots.
Monthly emergency lighting tests - All emergency lighting systems must be tested monthly. The test is a short functional test in accordance with British standards BS EN 50172 / BS 5266-8.
The period of simulated failure should be sufficient for the purpose of this test while minimising damage to the system components, e.g. lamps. During this period, all luminaires and signs will be checked to ensure that they are present, clean and functioning correctly. The result of the monthly tests must be recorded and, if failures are detected, these must be remedied as soon as possible.
Annual emergency lighting tests - A test for the full rated duration of the emergency lights (e.g. 3 hours) must be carried out. The emergency lights must still be working at the end of this test.
The result of the monthly and annual tests must be recorded and, if failures are detected, these must be remedied as soon as possible.
Emergency Lighting is a legal requirement, if you require more information, or you require emergency lighting / led upgraded emergency lighting please get in touch and we will be happy to help.