Self-testing emergency lighting checks itself automatically to ensure that the battery and lamp in each emergency light are fully operational. If a problem is detected by the self-test the system will display a visual warning and sound an audible warning. This technology is in compliance with BS5266.
The self-test feature replaces the manual tests carried out monthly and annually. The removal of the need for manual testing makes self-test emergency lighting a more cost-effective solution and creates less disruption in the building. The intelligent warning technology will indicate the type of fault that has been found so that the problem can be dealt with accordingly.
How they work
Whereas traditional lighting systems often require manually operating key switches or cutting power to an entire building, self-testing lights are able to manage the process completely on their own. This is usually in the form of either monthly functional tests or annual duration tests.
For monthly tests, the lighting unit automatically performs brief diagnostic checks at scheduled intervals to ensure everything is working as planned. With annual duration tests, once a year, the light fully discharges its battery to ensure it can supply power for the legally required duration.
Why we need them
BS5266 is the primary British Standard governing the design, installation and maintenance of emergency lighting systems in non-domestic and public premises. Its core aim is to ensure safety in the event of a failure of the normal lighting supply, so that people can safely exit or remain in a building during emergencies.
It covers core requirements such as the minimum levels of illuminate required in escape routes, minimum activation time (within 1 second of lights failing) and the required duration time (1 hour at minimum).
The standards also set out requirements for testing and maintenance. The standards dictate that emergency lighting must undergo regular check-ups through both monthly functional tests and annual duration tests. Having lighting products that are able to do this themselves and alert to faults takes out the stress of doing it yourself and ensures you are always complying with fire safety standards.
You can find out more about emergency lighting design considerations here.
Mount Lighting’s self-testing emergency lighting options
Whatever your emergency lighting need is, Mount Lighting offers innovative solutions for any commercial lighting project. As emergency lighting is a statutory requirement, it is vital that all businesses have sufficient and dependable lighting installed. With Mount Lighting’s products, they not only offer compliance, but also stylish, simple and safe designs.
Mount Lighting provides a wide range of products, from illuminated exit signs to self-contained escape route lighting. To ensure every backup lighting need is covered, we also supply conversion kits that complement our range of adaptors and standalone emergency lighting. Here are just a few examples:
Brick – IP65 LED bulkhead emergency lighting is a popular and robust option that is specified widely across commercial premises. They are ideal for final escape routes such as corridors, stairwells and external fire doors, but they are also highly effective in larger spaces such as storerooms and warehouses. In emergency mode, it provides up to three hours of output and illumination with a 25m viewing distance to remain highly visible in the dark and aid safe evacuation. Self-test versions can be remote controlled, allowing functional and duration tests to be carried out on demand, monitoring battery status and scheduling automated self-tests at required intervals.
Razor – The Razor LED emergency exit sign can be surface, suspended or wall mounted. To align with the structure and exit route, arrow direction legend options are available, as well as a choice of finishes to complement different interiors. The Razor has a 25m viewing distance and an illuminated double-sided face to provide optimum visibility in normal and low light conditions. It delivers three hours of output to provide safe access and exit.
Surfaspot Eco – Surface mounted and equally suited for open areas or corridors, the Surfaspot Eco has been designed to blend in seamlessly with an exposed ceiling. In emergency mode, the luminaire provides three hours of output at 165 lumens and can be put in an IP65 certified housing if protection against water jets is required. The Surfaspot Eco is housed within a durable and lightweight polycarbonate enclosure with a snap-in fixing base plate to offer ease of installation.
View the rest of our emergency lighting range here.
Contact Mount Lighting today to discuss your next project’s self-testing emergency lighting needs.
