LIGHTING
Automatic testing can save significant time and money, especially in large buildings such as this (photo by Orbik).
INTENANCE IS NG IS MORE ED TECHNIQUES
This traditional method can be time consuming, especially as building services and systems become ever more complicated. Several reliable and experienced trained staff may be needed and, especially in very large buildings, this can become very labour intensive, expensive, difficult to manage and disruptive. In addition, people can make testing errors, the process may not be reported correctly, and it can sometimes be forgotten entirely.
Automatic testing – Automatic testing can solve these problems cost- effectively and reliably by regularly checking, without human intervention, that the emergency lighting batteries, lamps and luminaires are working as they should. Such ‘self-test’ systems automatically advise whether there is a fault that requires remedial action. In operation, the system regularly checks the luminaire, that the lamp will strike correctly when required, that the battery is connected and receiving charge, and that it can run the lamp for the rated duration.
Since EN 50172 emphasises the need for emergency lighting systems to be correctly tested, and also promotes the use of automated testing to EN 62034 (which specifies the basic performance and safety requirements for individual products and components), this is a driver for the take- up of such systems, which bring peace of mind to those responsible for ensuring the safety of their buildings and occupants. Building owners will also be interested to learn that automated testing can be more cost-effective than manual testing, especially as EN 50172 requires testing adjacent luminaires at least 24 hours between each set of tests, so manual testing will double the site time needed for full duration testing. The higher capital investment is offset by the need for fewer testing devices and greatly reduced labour; this is especially important in large buildings.
AUTOMATIC TESTING EQUIPMENT There are two main types: 1) Self-test emergency luminaire – There are systems designed for every operational requirement, but the simplest is the ‘stand-alone’ form, which is not connected to any other device. Here the
results of automatic tests are typically indicated through a single bi-colour LED on the luminaire. Anyone near an emergency luminaire indicating a fault can report this to the responsible person; corrective action must be carried out within a reasonable time. However, monthly visual checks will still be needed to monitor any fault indication and to ensure that emergency luminaires are un-obscured and able to work as intended. The test results still need to be recorded manually into a logbook. However, the person recording the information does not need to put installations into test and wait to see whether the rated
discharge duration is achieved, and need not be electrically qualified. 2) Automatic Test Systems (ATS) – To avoid manual recording, ATS interconnects to a control panel where the results are collected either via data cabling or wireless link. More complex systems allow the programming of tests from the control panel, or through connection to a PC, on which visual installation representation can be displayed, including that of connected luminaires under test and those showing faults. Luminaire locations can be pin- pointed graphically and accurately. Some systems can be monitored and controlled via an intranet or Internet connection. The responsible person can monitor test results status using the remote panel, but the monthly walk-round check is still necessary. Reporting is automatic, which minimises the risk of forgetting or neglecting to do so. All test results are recorded and logged at the main panel, to be stored digitally and printed out when needed. This alone can save much time and worry, as well as making the building safer when the results of the tests are acted upon.
Beyond PC based emergency lighting test systems, fully featured systems that can be monitored and controlled via an intranet or Internet connection are also available.
All such ATS can be invaluable to
maintenance engineers, who can respond effectively, armed with replacement components required.
IN CONCLUSION
Automated testing helps ensure that emergency escape lighting testing is scheduled and carried out in a timely way, without disrupting any other electrical services. It assists responsible persons in managing premises risk, and provides early notification of failures or reduced performance. Even the most complex systems often show payback in two to four years, so are clearly cost-effective as well as being safer. Beyond the payback period, very substantial savings can be shown for building owners and facilities managers, even taking account of the routine replacement of batteries and lamps.
Automatic emergency lighting testing is, therefore, usually the better, safer and more cost-effective option, providing a lower total cost of ownership as well as peace of mind for building owners and occupiers in the knowledge that they have carried out their ‘duty of care’. ICEL recommends that consideration should always be given to installing an automatic emergency lighting testing system conforming to BS EN 62034. Tel: 020 8677 0718
Email:
info@icel.co.uk www.icel.co.uk PUBLIC SECTOR SUSTAINABILITY • VOLUME 3 ISSUE 5 31
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