A test for the full duration (usually three hours) of the emergency lights must be carried out once a year.

Fish switches and em. lights | Screwfix Community Forum Fish switches and em. lights | Screwfix Community Forum

But even then there was times (hotels etc) when you could not switch the normal lighting off for safety reasons. As a school is only occupied during the hours of daylight, emergency lighting is not therefore required. However, should the school be used out of hours, in the hall for example, then emergency lighting should be installed in the hall and the exit routes from it. Simple system would be you switch the main lights on as normal, then operate the test key switch which simulates a power cut - so you can visually see the EL works.

Special consideration should be given to homes for the elderly, hospitals, crowded areas such as pubs, discos and supermarkets and to whether or not the premises are residential. If you have a system that can only be tested by switching the lighting power supply off altogether you would only be able to do your tests when the building is empty and if you have suitable portable light or suitable daylight in all locations you are checking. Complete fitting and installation of this product may require a 1 Gang 25mm Galvanised Metal Back Box and Flex Cable.

DP Key Operated Fused Spur with Neon Metal Clad 13A DP Key Operated Fused Spur with Neon Metal Clad

In the long run LED light are more economical than fluorescent tubes as they save electricity not only when the light is on but even during the trickle charging of the batteries. The period of simulated failure should be sufficient for the purpose of this test while minimising damage to the system components, e. If sufficient open area emergency lighting is in the vicinity of a fire exit, non-illuminated fire exit signs can be sufficient in locations of minor importance.I am not a sparky so I am not sure about the technical matters but if the test switch was located closer to the junction rose, you could get one switch operating both EL's which would be easier when testing and having a test switch for every EL would mean test switches everywhere I would sooner have one test switch controlling a group of EL's. British Standard BS 5266-1: 2011 provides clear guidelines about the design and installation of emergency lighting. Standby lighting is used to continue normal work during a powercut and, as it is not a legal requirement, is not covered in this guide. The result must be recorded and, if failures are detected, these must be remedied as soon as possible.

Switches, Key Switches, Rotary Switches | RS Selector Switches, Key Switches, Rotary Switches | RS

The ‘responsible person’ should have the final say on this and might want to consult the local fire officer. The actual degree of illumination should be closely related to the nature of both the premises and its occupants.

Hi Jim I agree no tests should be carried out by tripping the supply at source because you would lose the normal lighting in a non-maintained system but you say" escape lighting should be on its own circuit" in a non maintained where do you get the feed from? An emergency lighting system should be installed by an electrician who specialises in emergency lighting. Now the refurbishment on the ground floor seems to be wired up in the 'new' way - does not extinguish power to mains. Competent can be defined as someone who has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities that allow them to maintain the system properly.