Because of the possibility of a failure of the normal lighting supply occurring shortly after a period of testing of the emergency lighting system or during the subsequent recharge period, all full duration tests shall wherever possible be undertaken just before a time of low risk to allow for battery recharge. Alternatively, suitable temporary arrangements shall be made until the batteries have been recharged.

The following minimum inspections and tests shall be carried out at the intervals recommended below. The regulating authority may require specific tests.

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.

For all other systems the tests shall be carried out as follows:

a) Switch each luminaire and each internally illuminated exit sign to emergency mode so it uses the battery. This simulates a failure of the supply of the normal lighting and continue for a period sufficient to ensure that each lamp is illuminated.

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.

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 luminaire's and signs shall be checked to ensure that they are present, clean and functioning correctly.

b) For central battery systems, the correct operation of system monitors shall be checked.

c) 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 following tests made:

a) each luminaire and internally illuminated sign shall be tested as per monthly test but 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) For generating sets, refer to the requirements of ISO 8528-12.

Commissioning Certificate

BS5266 and the European Standard both require written declarations of compliance to be available on site for inspection. These consist of

Installation quality.
IEE regulations must have been conformed with and non-maintained fittings fed from the main circuit of the normal lighting system, as required in BS 5266
Photometric performance.
Evidence of compliance with light levels has to be supplied by the system designer.
Declaration of a satisfactory test of operation.
A log of all system tests and results must be maintained. System log books, with commissioning forms, testing forms and instructions should be provided by the installer.

On completion of the installation of the emergency lighting system, or part thereof, a completion certificate should be supplied by the installer to the occupier/owner of the premises. The Building Control Department should insist upon a copy of this certificate which will be retained with the Building Regulations Authority.

Maintenance

Finally, to ensure that the system remains at full operational status, essential servicing should be defined. This normally would be performed as part of the testing routine, but in the case of consumable items such as replacement lamps, spares should be provided for immediate use.

Summary of guidance covering emergency lighting.

British Standard 5266 - Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting is now covered by a series of interdependent standards which can be seen as forming a hierarchy as shown below.

Base guidance document

BS 5266-1- 2005 Emergency lighting-Part 1: Code of practice for emergency lighting of premises.

Gives general rules and guidance on the provision and operation of emergency lighting in most premises other than dwellings

System standards

BS EN 1838:1999/ BS 5266-7:1999 Lighting applications - Emergency lighting. Specifies the illumination to be provided by emergency lighting (including luminance, duration and colour)

BS EN 50172:2004/ BS 5266-8:2004 Emergency escape lighting systems - Specifies the minimum provision and testing of emergency lighting for different premises

Product standards

BS EN 60598-1: 2008 Luminaire's. General requirements and tests. Check out the 60598 series for particular requirements.

BS EN 62034:2006 Automatic test systems for battery powered emergency escape lighting . Specifies a test system for battery powered emergency lighting

BS EN 50171:2001 Central power supply systems. Specifies central power supply systems for luminaire for emergency lighting

Check out your local reference library or purchase copies from BSI Online insert the BS number to see what standards are available and their titles. These links may not be inclusive but do indicate the some of the standards that are available.

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order guides have a "Section 5 Further guidance on emergency escape lighting" which will provide you with additional relevant information. Check out The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order guides

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