Maintenance of Emergency & Exit Lights - Procedures

The testing intervals for the system are every six months, however, units that are not operational between the test intervals should be checked out and repaired on an ongoing basis. The most common problem will be the failure of the lamp which is normally illuminated within the fitting.

A quick spot check of the fitting can be carried out by pressing and holding the external test switch on the side of the fitting. You should see one tube within the fixture go out and the other tube illuminate.

Six Monthly Procedures:

1. Replace any faulty lamps prior to the test procedure. When replacing a faulty lamp it may also be required to replace the lamp starter also.
2. Operate the fitting from their battery supply by turning off their normal lighting power supply. This is generally done by turning off the electrical switchboard circuit that is controlling the Exit and Emergency lighting. Note: On some older installations this may also affect general lighting, as the exit lights may be wired on the same electrical circuit. In these cases co ordination with building occupants is required to ensure occupant safety during testing.
3. The light must remain illuminated for at least 90 minutes.
4. Replace any faulty lamps or fittings.

Note: Depending upon the nature of the fault, fittings can be repaired, however, the cost of fault diagnosis (there may be one or more components of the fitting that are contributing to the fault) and repair in-situ may be more more costly than the cost of the provision of a new fitting. As such, it is Maintenance Essentials standard procedure to replace faulty exit or emergency light fitting rather than components of the unit (except for the lamps).

5. Turn on the normal lighting power supply and check that the battery charger indicator light on the fitting functions correctly.
6. Record details of the test and correct operation of the system. Record the replacement of faulty lamps and the replacement of fittings.

Twelve Monthly Procedures:

1. Carry out the six monthly procedures.
2. Clean down all light emitting and reflecting surfaces.
3. Record details of the test, cleaning and correct operation of the system.
4. Record the replacement of faulty lamps and the replacement of any fittings.

In addition to the above, a regular programme of inspection should be implemented by the customer or building tenants to check that all maintained exit and emergency lights are operating as required. Light tubes, globes and starters should be replaced in fittings as soon as they are identified.