Monthly emergency lighting tests
All emergency lighting systems must be tested monthly. The test is a short functional test in accordance with BS EN 50172 / BS 5266-8.
The period of simulated failure should be sufficient for the purpose of this test while minimising damage to the system components, e.g. lamps. During this period, all luminaries and signs shall be checked to ensure that they are present, clean and functioning correctly.
A test for the full rated duration of the light should be carried out annually,
The result of the monthly and annual tests must be recorded and, if failures are detected, these must be remedied as soon as possible.
We usually aim to carry out the annual emergency light ‘drain’ test at the same time as they carry out fire alarm system maintenance, as this fills the waiting time of the ‘drain’ test with useful activity and cost saving.