HOW THE STANDARDS RELATE TO EMERGENCY LIGHTING TESTING

Subject to a risk assessment the requirements should be (extracted from BS 5266-8.2005 - technically  this is the EN 50172):

7.2.1 General
Because of the possibility of a failure of the normal lighting supply occurring shortly after a period of testing of the emergency lighting system or during the subsequent recharge period, all full duration tests shall wherever possible be undertaken preceding time of low risk to allow for battery recharge.
Alternatively, suitable temporary arrangements shall be made until the batteries have been recharged.

The following minimum inspections and tests shall be carried out at the intervals recommended in 7.2.2 to 7.2.4.  (The regulating authority may require specific tests.)

7.2.2 Daily
Indicators of central power supply shall be visually inspected for correct operation.
NOTE This is a visual inspection of indicators to identify that the system is in a ready condition and does not require a test of operation.

7.2.3 Monthly
If automatic testing devices are used, the results of the short duration tests shall be recorded.
Tests shall be carried out as follows:
a) Switch on in the emergency mode each luminaire and each internally illuminated exit sign from its battery by simulation of a failure of the supply to the normal lighting for a period sufficient to ensure that each lamp is illuminated.
NOTE The period of simulated failure should be sufficient for the purpose of this clause whilst minimising damage to the system components e.g. lamps.
During this period, all luminaires and signs shall be checked to ensure that they are present, clean and functioning correctly.
At the end of this test period, the supply to the normal lighting should be restored and any indicator lamp or device checked to ensure that it is showing that the normal supply has been restored.
b) In addition to a), for central battery systems, the correct operation of system monitors shall be
checked.
c) In addition to a), for generating sets, refer to the requirement of ISO 8528-12.

7.2.4 Annually
If automatic testing devices are used, the results of the full rated duration test shall be recorded.
For all other systems the monthly inspection shall be carried out and the following additional tests made:
a) each luminaire and internally illuminated sign shall be tested as per 7.2.3 but for its full rated duration in accordance with the manufacturer's information;
b) the supply of the normal lighting shall be restored and any indicator lamp or device checked to ensure that it is showing that normal supply has been restored. The charging arrangements should be checked for proper functioning;
c) the date of the test and its results shall be recorded in the system logbook;
d) in addition, for generating sets, refer to the requirements of ISO 8528-12.

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