Fire detection and emergency lighting engineers, ADS Group
The function test
A short test that simulates failure of the normal supply and confirms each luminaire and exit sign illuminates. It is quick, low-disruption and carried out routinely.
The annual duration test
The luminaires are run on battery for their full rated duration. Any unit that dims or fails before the end of the period is recorded and its battery or the unit replaced.
Because the batteries are fully discharged, the system needs a recharge period afterwards. Schedule the test when the building's risk of needing the lighting is lowest.
Self-test systems
Self-test luminaires carry out and log their own tests, which reduces manual work and produces a consistent record across a large site. The log still needs to be reviewed and retained.
References
- National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), Publisher of I.S. 3217, which sets the testing regime for emergency lighting.
This guide summarises publicly available information. It is general information, not legal advice, and it does not reproduce the text of any standard. For your own building, request a survey.