Emergency Light Manufacturers : Necessary Test For Emergency And Exit Lights

Most emergency lights installed in an enterprise are simple lighting devices that contain small batteries. The device is connected to the building's power source to provide a constant charge to the battery. In the event of a power failure, the circuitry in the luminaire activates the light so that the passenger can see the building leaving. Most emergency lights are designed for a minimum of ninety (90) minutes of battery power required by the code.

　　

Emergency light and exit sign

　　

The internally illuminated exit sign operates in much the same way as the emergency light. Because they are always there, many of them have two sets of bulbs. One group is usually open and operates at 110 volts building power. The second group is only activated in the event of a power failure and is a low voltage bulb that operates only on the battery. Therefore, during a power failure, the exit sign that appears to be working properly may not work at all because the low voltage bulb has burned out.

　　

In some larger buildings, emergency generators provide emergency power for exit signs and emergency lights. Emergency lighting tests in these facilities are usually performed while the generator is being tested, usually by an electrical or mechanical contractor or a full-time building maintenance person.

　　

What type of testing does the fire code require?

　　

The fire code requires that the emergency light or the illuminated exit sign be checked at least once a month. The test must include a thirty-second test of the lamp.

　　

An annual test is also required and the lamp should be operated for at least ninety (90) minutes under emergency power. A written record of the record test must be retained and reviewed by the Los Angeles National Fire Brigade or your insurance company.

　　

How can I test?

　　

Most emergency lights or exit signs have a small "press test" button somewhere in the housing. You can test the lamp and battery by pressing and holding this button for thirty seconds. This works fine if you have easy access to a small number of devices. The light should illuminate and maintain the same brightness level for a full 30 seconds. If the light dims immediately, or if some of the bulbs do not work, you should contact us to replace the bulb and/or battery in the fixture.

　　

For the exit flag, you should also check that the flag is lit correctly in normal power mode. For a large number of devices or annual ninety (90) minute tests, a second option may be better. Find a circuit breaker or fuse that supplies power to the emergency light or exit sign. (If the electrician is not properly marked, you may need to contact an electrician.) Turn off the circuit breakers and observe the lights to determine if they are working during the 90-minute (annual) or 30-second (monthly) test.

　　

CAUTION: If your computer or similar device is connected to the same circuit, you may want to make sure that the data is first saved on your computer or similar device.

　　

Why do I need to test the bulb for 30 seconds?

　　

The     Emergency Light Manufacturers    answers: Many defective batteries will hold enough power to fully illuminate the bulb for a few seconds, but they will quickly lose power. If you haven't tested for thirty seconds, you may find that each month's lights work, just find them in a matter of seconds when you need them. By testing the light for at least 30 seconds, you can be sure that the battery not only has this "surface charge."

 

 

https://www.linsheng.com