Emergency Lighting Testing
Emergency Lighting or Lighted Exit Signs
What type of testing does the fire code require?
The MFB code requires that the emergency lights or lighted exit signs be inspected and tested at least once a month. The test must include a thirty-second test of the lights. An annual test is also required, with the lights being operated on emergency power for the full minimum of thirty minutes. Written records documenting the testing must be maintained and available for review by the fire inspector.
Comtec Electrical perform testing, maintenance, installation, modification on emergency and exit lights. Comtec Electrical respond with reliable urgency in order to solve any emergency lighting situation.
Emergency Lights
Most emergency lights installed in businesses are simple lighting devices that contain a small battery. The device is connected to the building’s electrical supply, which provides a constant charge to the battery. In the event of a power failure, circuitry in the fixture activates the lights, so that occupants can see to exit the building. Most emergency lights are only designed to work for the code’s required minimum of thirty minutes on battery power.
Exit signs that are internally lighted operate in much the same way as emergency lights. Because they stay on all the time, many of them have two sets of bulbs. One set, that is normally on, operates on 110 volt building power. The second set, which comes on only when there is a power failure, are low voltage bulbs that operate on the battery only. Therefore, an exit sign that appears to be working normally may not work at all during a power failure, because the low voltage bulbs have burned out.
In some larger buildings emergency power to exit signs and emergency light fixtures is provided by an emergency generator. Testing of emergency lighting in these facilities is normally done at the same time that the generator is tested, and is usually done by either an electrical or mechanical contractor, or by full time building maintenance staff.
For more information is needed regarding testing of these types of systems, contact us or call us on 0407 502 055.