9 Basic Emergency Lighting Testing & Maintenance Tips to Know

Your business’s emergency lighting is one of your commercial space’s most critical safety features. It is required by law in many states, and for a good reason – in the event of a power outage or other emergency, your employees and customers need to be able to safely evacuate the building.

Whether you’re a business owner or a building manager, it’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest emergency lighting testing and maintenance tips. Emergency lighting is typically powered by batteries, so it’s necessary to regularly test the lights to ensure they are working correctly. By following these basic steps, you can ensure your emergency lighting system is ready to keep people safe in the event of an emergency. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of testing and maintaining emergency lighting so you can make sure your building is always prepared for any situation.

What Is Emergency Lighting?

In an emergency, proper lighting is essential for safe evacuation. Emergency lighting is a system of lights that come on automatically in the event of a power outage or other emergency situations. These lights provide a safe and easy way for people to evacuate a building. There are two types of emergency lighting: exit signs and path lights.

Exit signs are typically placed near exits and doorways and have arrows that point the way to the nearest exit. Path lights are placed along evacuation routes and help people see where they need to go. Emergency lighting must be tested regularly to ensure that it is working correctly. In case it is not, you can visit this site to avail of services like emergency light testing from certified technicians. Here are some tips for testing and maintaining your emergency lighting system:–

Test your emergency lights monthly by pressing the test button. This will turn on the backup battery and light up the exit sign or path light.

– Check the batteries monthly to make sure they are charged and replaced as needed.

– Make sure all bulbs are working and replace any that are burned out.

– Keep your emergency lighting system clean and free of dust to prevent damage.

Why Is Emergency Lighting Important?

In the event of a power outage, emergency lighting is critical for illuminating exits and pathways. Batteries typically power this type of lighting, so it will continue to work even if there is no electricity. Emergency lighting is vital for both commercial and residential buildings. In a commercial setting, it is required by code in many jurisdictions. In a residential environment, it can help prevent accidents and allow people to safely evacuate the premises in an emergency situation.

Here are three circumstances when emergency lighting plays an important role.

1. Emergency lighting is required by law in many commercial and public buildings.
2. Emergency lighting provides a safe means of egress in the event of a power outage or other emergency.
3. Emergency lighting is an integral part of a comprehensive fire safety plan.

How Often Should Emergency Lighting Be Tested And Maintained?

Emergency lighting plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of occupants in the event of a power outage. In order to ensure that emergency lighting is effective, it must be regularly tested and maintained.

How often emergency lighting should be tested and maintained depends on the type of system. For example, monthly testing may be sufficient for a system with simple fixtures and central batteries. However, more complex systems with multiple battery packs and remote fixtures may require weekly or even daily testing.

Additionally, emergency lighting should be inspected regularly for signs of damage or wear. Any damaged or defective components should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

By following these essential tips, you can help ensure that your emergency lighting system is always ready to provide safe illumination in the event of a power outage.

What Are Some Tips For Testing And Maintaining Emergency Lighting?

As required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), emergency lighting must be tested monthly to ensure that it is in proper working order. In addition, emergency lighting should be serviced and maintained on a regular basis to prevent any potential issues. Here are some tips for testing and maintaining emergency lighting:

1. Ensure that all exit signs and Emergency Lighting units are functioning correctly by conducting a monthly test. This can be done by simply turning off the main power supply to see if the backup battery kicks in and powers the unit.
2. Inspect exit signs and emergency lights regularly to ensure they are not damaged or obstructed in any way.
3. If any exit signs or emergency lights are not working properly, replace them immediately.
4. Inspect batteries regularly to ensure that they are charged and in good condition. If batteries need to be replaced, do so as soon as possible.
5. Keep records of all tests, inspections, and maintenance tasks that are performed on emergency lighting systems. This will help to ensure that all requirements are being met and will also provide a reference point in case of future problems.
6. Test each light by activating the test switch or button, which should cause the light to come on.
7. Most self-contained exit signs have an LED indicator that will tell you if the batteries need to be replaced.
8. If the batteries need to be replaced, do so immediately and test the sign again to make sure it is working correctly.
9. Replace any incandescent bulbs with LEDs, as they last much longer and use less energy.

Conclusion

Emergency lighting testing and maintenance is an integral part of ensuring that your emergency lighting systems function correctly when needed. Following the above-mentioned tips can help you save time and money and avoid any potential risks by ensuring that your emergency lighting systems are in top condition.

Knowing how to properly test and maintain your emergency lighting systems is a must for any building safety plan. With proper planning, awareness, and care, you can ensure the safety of everyone who enters your building in case of an emergency situation.