self test emergency lights in london
What is a Self-Test emergency light?
Building managers have their work cut out for them as far as building maintenance and the maintenance of building safety measures are concerned. They have to contend with endless plumbing concerns, breaks, and electrical faults. At least emergency light testing can be one less thing to worry about with self-testing emergency lights.
In a building that has emergency lights as well as lighted exit signs, such as public buildings and places of commerce, the law requires the official testing of these emergency lights, every month with a longer test ( Of up to 90 minutes) every year. These tests are usually performed manually on all emergency lights as well as every exit sign in the building and can really prove quite time-consuming and inconvenient for building managers.
Luckily, a self test emergency light eliminates the need for this activity by automating this process.
How self test emergency lights work
You may be wondering how self test emergency lights work .Unlike conventional lights which require a manual re-setting, self-testing lights are programmed to automatically test on pre-scheduled dates. If there is a fault within the light, a warning will be issued on the screen as well as an audio signal to let you know what needs work. Luckily, with self-testing emergency lights you are warned in advance if a part may need fixing or replacing in the near future. This is not only more efficient for building managers, but safer for all.
The results of the test may need to be manually recorded to be monitored or with certain lights, the data is automatically collected and displayed within the system control panel.
What exactly is tested in the self- test of the emergency light?
- Status of battery power
- Status of battery charging
- Duration test
- Emergency light functionality test
Before the scheduled test, it is required that the battery of the emergency light has been charged uninterrupted for at least 24 hours to ensure testing efficiency.
What is the cost for building managers to have self-test emergency lights?
Self –testing lights can greatly reduce the emergency testing procedure cost for building managers by eliminating the need for a manual test. This is especially true in larger buildings with numerous emergency lights, located in places that are more difficult to reach.
Manual testing can sometimes require the assistance of a professional to carry out. Not only this , but a manual switch test requires a the power supply of the building to be switched off. This is not good news for any business as it can eat into valuable business time and pose numerous inconveniences. Self-testing emergency lights eliminate the need for this and so work and other activities can continue as usual.
It can also prove safer as manual testing is subject to human error. Although the initial installation and setup is an investment, the money saved in time, through the elimination of manual testing will more than make up for it. It will prove a valuable investment over time in all time, convenience and of course, safety.
