Electrical Emergency – Supply & Installation

Emergency lighting plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of occupants in a building during an emergency. We offer a wide array of EM’s including test, self-test and wireless/wired addressable test

There are four widely used ways to test emergency lighting:

• Manual test
• Self-test
• Wireless addressable test
• Wired DALI addressable test

Manual Testing

Manual testing is one of the most common methods used, particularly for smaller installations. This process involves using a key switch to disconnect the permanent live supply to the emergency fitting, simulating a power outage. If the fitting functions correctly, it will switch to battery mode, and the LED indicator lamp (included with all emergency fittings) will turn off. Once power is restored the LED indicator will illuminate again, showing that the batteries are recharging. Some fittings offer an alternative method with a built-in test button, which is often found on emergency exit signs and twin-spot fittings.

The primary advantage of manual testing is that the fittings are the most cost-effective. However, the downside is that the testing process requires significant manual effort. Monthly checks, recording results, and generating reports can be time-consuming and costly. Additionally, there is always a risk that testing may be overlooked or not performed thoroughly.

Self-Testing

Self-testing fittings operate independently, eliminating the need for manual key-switches or additional wiring. These fittings automatically conduct tests at regular intervals as required by BS5266-1, without needing external input or communication with other units. Many UK manufacturers use a tri-colour LED indicator to display the status after testing—green for normal operation, yellow for an LED fault, and red for a battery or charging issue.

Self-testing offers key advantages, including reduced labour costs and ensuring that routine tests are not accidentally skipped. However, there are two notable drawbacks. Firstly, the tests cannot be scheduled, meaning they may take place at inconvenient times—such as during a lesson in a school or a medical procedure in a clinic. Secondly, although the tests are automated, recording and reporting still require some manual effort, leading to ongoing labour costs.

Wireless Addressable Testing

Wireless addressable testing systems utilize mesh networking technology, allowing emergency fittings to communicate with an app on a smartphone or tablet. The installer sets up a testing schedule through the app, and each fitting conducts its own tests accordingly. The results are then transmitted to the app, where the responsible individual can monitor the status of each fitting.

This method offers several benefits. It eliminates the labour costs associated with manual testing, removes the risk of missed routine tests, ensures testing occurs at convenient times, automates record-keeping, and simplifies fault reporting. Additionally, it does not require extra wiring, making installation quick and straightforward.

Although wireless addressable systems have higher upfront costs, they usually provide a fast return on investment by automating the entire testing, recording, and reporting process.

Wired DALI Addressable Testing

This method involves a centralized control system connected to all emergency fittings via a DALI network. Each fitting is assigned an address, and at scheduled intervals, the central module triggers a test. The results are logged and made available for review or download by the designated personnel.

Wired DALI testing is particularly beneficial for large-scale projects, such as hospitals, universities, business parks, and other distributed estates. While this system requires a higher initial investment and installation cost compared to other methods, it provides unmatched reliability and control, making it a preferred choice for extensive facilities.