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Emergency lighting and exit signs

In workplaces (factories, offices etc) or open to the public environments (shops, hotels, offices etc), the emergency lighting is required by most regulations. The exit signs are supposed to ensure a light intensity of 5 lm / m² for at least an hour. In fact, specific appliances (such as autonomous safety lighting) automatically start in case of power outages or electrical emergencies (fire, evacuation). They prevent people from panicking by allowing them to locate themselves in space and they indicate the evacuation paths.

Lighting plays an important role in the efficient organization of the evacuation of a building. When normal lighting fails, it is replaced by the security lighting, helping people orientate towards the emergency exit.

But emergency lighting and exit signs cannot be installed, handled or maintained by unqualified personnel, because there is a set of legislatives rules and requirements that need to be taken into account and applied.

Legislative Requirements

The Building Code of Australia requires that an Exit Lighting System must:

- be installed to meet the requirements as outlined in the applicable Australian Standard.
- be clearly visible to persons approaching an exit.
- be located in positions where exits are not readily apparent, i.e. corridors, hallways and lobbies, and have arrows directing occupants to an exit.
- be located on, above or adjacent to each door providing egress.
- be identified with clear and legible writing using letters and symbols of adequate size.
- be automatic in operation in the event of a failure of power supply to the main lighting system.

The following Building Codes and Australian Standards apply to the installation and maintenance of Exit Lighting systems:

- AS2293.1, 2005 Emergency evacuation and lighting in buildings. System design, installation and operation.
- AS2293.2, 1995 Emergency evacuation and lighting in buildings. Inspection and maintenance.
- AS2293.3, 2005 Emergency evacuation and lighting in buildings. Emergency luminaries and exit signs.
- Building Code of Australia (as amended to date). Class 2 to Class 9 Buildings, Section E.

Maintenance Obligations

Maintenance to the system should be carried out every six months by persons having appropriate qualifications and experience applicable to this type of work.

At the completion of any inspection, any deficiencies in the system must be rectified as soon as practical.

Maintenance Procedures for Single Point Systems

The testing intervals for the system are every six months. Note however, units that are not operational between the test intervals should be checked out and repaired on an ongoing basis. The most common problem will be the failure of the lamp, which is normally illuminated within the fitting.

Record Keeping

Record all Service Reports. A manufacturer’s hardbound logbook, or an alternative system approved by the Responsible Authority (building surveyor), is required for the recording of maintenance information. This logbook must be kept on site and must be available for inspection and audit by a representative of the Responsible Authority. The Responsible Authority can impose fines and other penalties if this is not done.

Our electricians are fully qualified to undertake the following procedures:

Six Monthly Procedures

Replace any faulty lamps prior to the test procedure. Note, when replacing a faulty lamp it is advisable to replace the lamp starter also.
Operate the fitting from their battery supply by turning off their normal power supply.
You will see one tube within the fixture go out and the other tube illuminate.
The light must remain alight for at least 90 minutes.
Replace any faulty lamps or fittings. Note, depending upon the nature of the fault, fittings can be repaired. But the cost of fault diagnosis and repair in-situ can, more often than not, exceed the cost of the provision of a new fitting.
Turn on the normal lighting power supply and check that the battery charger indicator light on the fitting functions correctly.
Record details of the test and correct operation of the system. Record the replacement of faulty lamps and the repair or replacement of fittings.

Maintenance Procedures for Central Systems Checks should be carried out on the system every six months. The checks should cover:

Batteries
Battery chargers
Inverters
Distribution and control equipment
Lights

The system in total

Batteries

Lead acid batteries only
Each cell should be checked for electrolyte density and the state of charge.
All types of batteries
Check the electrolyte level in each cell and top up low cells
Record any cells, which require topping up in the log book
Inspect all cell containers for electrolyte leakage. Mop up any split liquid and neutralise as necessary.

Battery Chargers

Visually inspect all components for signs of malfunction
Remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated within the cubicle
Check the battery is working within the normal float voltage limits and record the reading in the log book
Check all connections for tightness

Inverters

Visually inspect components for signs of malfunction
Note and check dc input voltage and current against tolerances set down in the maintenance manual.
Note and check ac output voltage and current against tolerances set down in the maintenance manual.

Distribution and Control Equipment

Visually inspect parts for malfunction
Check all connections for tightness
Remove any accumulated dust in equipment enclosure
Isolate the coil circuit of all sensing relays or contractors from the ac supply and observe correct operation to bring on the exit lighting

Luminaries

All exit luminaries should be checked to ensure they function satisfactorily
Any defective lamps should be replaced
For indirect lighting systems, carry out the following checks:
Check the finish of the major reflecting surfaces (e.g. walls, ceilings) have reflectance of not less than those on which the design of the system was based.
Check that emergency luminaries of the directional beam type, if used, are aimed in such a manner that the beam will not be directed into the eyes of persons moving through the designated area.

System Operation Check

Turn the battery charger off and carry out a partial test discharge at 100 percent of the installed load.
Allow the test to continue until the operation of all exit luminaries has been checked.
During the test discharge, check that the charger failure alarm operates satisfactorily.
Disconnect the load, turn the battery charger and recharge the battery.

Automatic discharge test facilities
Where automatic discharge test facilities are provided, a visual check shall be made of the operational status of all emergency luminaries and exit signs by means of the indications given at the controller or associated indicator panel.
Those units, which failed the previous discharge test, shall be either repaired and restored to normal condition or replaced.

Twelve Monthly Procedures

Batteries
Lead acid batteries only

Each cell should be checked for electrolyte density and the state of charge.

All types of batteries

Check the electrolyte level in each cell and top up low cells.
Record in the logbook any cells, which require topping up.
Inspect all cell containers for electrolyte leakage. Mop up any split liquid and neutralise as necessary.
Inspect all cell connections for corrosion and tighten any loose joints.
Treat all exposed metal surfaces with a battery terminal preservative.
Measure overall battery voltage and individual cell voltages.

Battery Charger

Carry out six monthly test.
Check voltmeter calibration.
Check satisfactory operation of battery earth-fault detection system, if fitted.
Check satisfactory operation of the battery low-voltage alarm, if fitted.

Inverter

Carry out six monthly test.
Check voltmeter calibration.

Lights

Carry out six monthly test.
Clean all light emitting and reflecting surfaces.

Total System

Using all the installed exit lighting, test discharge for at least 90 minutes. Check battery voltage on completion of discharge test.
If battery voltage is below acceptable limits re-service or replace the battery.
Measure the time taken for the battery charger to change over automatically to the“float charge” mode, after:
Disconnecting the load;
Turning on the battery charger;
Manually selecting “boost charge” mode.
Automatic discharge test facilities
Where automatic discharge test facilities are provided, a visual check shall be made of the operational status of all emergency luminaries and exit signs by means of the indications given at the controller or associated indicator panel.
Those units, which failed the previous discharge test, shall be either repaired and restored to normal condition, or replaced.