This ultimate guide to emergency lighting is brought to you by our team of dedicated electricians and engineers. As the leading choice for electrical systems and emergency lighting services in Wales, we’re always answering questions.
In this article, we will explore emergency lighting certificates, emergency light testing, the purpose of emergency lighting, any legal requirements and help with troubleshooting any issues or repair worries. We have created this ultimate guide to emergency lighting to share the answers for these commonly asked questions about emergency lighting. Whether you’re a business owner, or simply curious about safety using emergency lighting, this ultimate guide has you covered.
Emergency Lighting Certificates
What is an Emergency Lighting Periodic Inspection and Testing Certificate?
The emergency lighting periodic inspection and testing certificate are issued following a thorough examination of the emergency lighting system. This certificate should be provided by a certified person who conducts regular inspections, this will keep your business in compliance with safety standards. The certificate confirms that the system has been inspected, tested, and is in compliance with relevant regulations.
Who can issue an Emergency Lighting Certificate?
Emergency lighting certificates are issued by qualified and accredited professionals. A team of licensed electricians or electrical contractors, such as Total Electrical Engineering. Choose a reputable company that employs NICEIC and CHAS-approved commercial electricians who can safely issue these certificates.
Emergency Light Testing
Who can Carry Out Emergency Light Testing?
Emergency light testing should be conducted by a competent person, often a qualified electrician or an individual with relevant training and expertise. Total Electrical Engineering offers a complete emergency lighting service, including testing, to ensure the proper functioning of the system.
How Often Should Emergency Lighting be tested?
Emergency lighting should be tested on a monthly basis to make sure it’s working correctly. Additionally, an annual duration test, usually lasting three hours, is recommended. A yearly test is recommended to check the system’s working correctly during an extended power outage.
At Total Electrical Engineering, we can offer both monthly and annual tests as part of our emergency lighting service.
Emergency Lighting’s Purpose and Legal Requirements
What are the legal requirements for emergency lighting?
Legal requirements for emergency lighting include regular testing, compliance with safety standards (such as BS 5266), and the issuance of relevant certificates. These measures are in place to guarantee the safety of occupants in commercial buildings.
This includes checking the luminaires, signs, and the entire system to confirm that it meets the legal requirements.
What is the purpose of emergency lighting?
The primary purpose of emergency lighting is to provide illumination during power failures, ensuring a safe evacuation in commercial buildings. It is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order of 2005.
What Types of Emergency Lighting are There?
In order to understand the purpose of emergency lighting systems, we need to understand the different types of Emergency Lighting. There are different types of emergency lighting: maintained, non-maintained, and combined.
Maintained Emergency Lighting
- Works in conjunction with the main lights and is connected to the regular lighting system.
- Controlled with the normal lighting, it stays on through a battery that charges when the mains are operational.
- Can be turned off when not needed, even when the mains are on.
- The battery emits about 10% of the normal light levels.
Non-Maintained Emergency Lighting
- Solely for emergency use and activates only when there is a power failure.
- The battery is charged by the mains, and a small LED light indicates its readiness with a green light.
- Requires regular testing to ensure functionality, as it does not switch on under normal circumstances.
- Typically used for exit signs.
Combined Emergency Lighting
- Integrates both maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting.
- Involves two or more lights, with one running on the emergency lighting supply and the other on the mains.
- This combination can be either maintained or non-maintained.
- Allows emergency lights and exit signs to coexist as one system.
What is the Purpose of Emergency Light Testing
Peace of Mind
Regular testing ensures that emergency lights operate as intended during power failures or emergencies. Verify the readiness of non-maintained lights, which remain inactive under normal conditions.
Battery Health Check
Check that batteries are charged and capable of sustaining emergency lighting for the required duration.
System Integrity
Tests the entire emergency lighting system, including exit signs, is functioning cohesively.
What is the legal requirement for emergency light testing?
The legal requirement for emergency light testing is stipulated in safety regulations. Current regulations necessitate monthly functional tests and an annual duration test, ensuring the ongoing reliability of the emergency lighting system.
Where is coverage required?
Emergency lighting must cover specific areas to facilitate a safe evacuation. These areas include:
- Each exit door
- Emergency exits with luminaires above doors
- Areas with trip hazards, such as stairs
- First aid equipment locations
- Fire alarm triggers and call points
- Fire extinguishers
- Power supplies
- Escape routes, including lifts
- Intersections of corridors
- Outside each final exit and on external escape routes
- Stairways, ensuring each flight receives adequate light
- Changes in floor level
- Windowless rooms and toilets exceeding 8m²
- Areas with fire fighting equipment
- Equipment that would need to be shut down in an emergency
- Areas in premises greater than 60m²
What Lighting Standards are there?
Emergency lighting systems should operate at a minimum of 1 lux. Lux is a measure of light based on the square meters from the distance of a lit candle. This standard allows people to safely evacuate if needed. Normal office spaces are usually lit at around 500 lux. In specific areas like lifts, corridors, and stairs, the standard is 100 lux.
What does a red light mean on an emergency light?
A red light on an emergency light may indicate a fault or issue with the system. Total Electrical Engineering advises promptly addressing any such indicators to ensure the continued reliability of the emergency lighting system.
At Total Electrical Engineering, we are the top choice for emergency lighting services in Cardiff, and it’s surrounding areas in Wales. Our team of experienced electricians and skilled CCTV experts, put together this guide to help you understand emergency lighting certificate, test process, legalities and different types of emergency lights.
The Total Electrical Engineering team have been answering questions about emergency light systems and business electrical safety questions for years. If you are deciding on an emergency lighting system installation or a maintenance schedule for an existing emergency lighting system, please do not reach out to us. Your building’s safety is top priority, we’re here to help your business space stay secure and well-lit.
Reach out to one of the team online, email us on enquiries@tee-uk.com, give us a call or stop by the Cardiff Office on Ipswich Road today.