How Often Should You Test Emergency Exit LED Lights A Practical Guide

1. How Often Should You Test Emergency Exit LED Lights? A Practical Guide Emergency lighting is often taken for granted until it’s needed. Whether it's a small office block or a sprawling industrial site, emergency exit lights must be tested regularly to ensure they’ll work when everything else fails. Regular testing isn't just about compliance with Australian standards, it's about keeping people safe and avoiding preventable hazards. This guide walks through how often to test, how to use test switches correctly, and why good record-keeping makes all the difference. How Often Should Emergency Lights Be Tested? Under AS/NZS 2293.2, emergency and exit lights, especially LED fittings, must be tested every six months and once every year for specific discharge durations. These scheduled tests are critical for identifying battery degradation, LED failure, or circuit faults that may otherwise go unnoticed.

2. Six-monthly test: This involves simulating a power failure to ensure the light operates in emergency mode for at least 90 minutes. It can usually be done via a built-in test switch. Annual test: The yearly inspection typically repeats the 90-minute test but includes a more thorough visual check and confirmation that the battery and lamp can still deliver adequate performance under stress. Where fittings include more complex luminaires, like, this annual test is especially important to confirm the coverage and orientation remain correct. Using the Test Switch Most modern emergency light fittings come equipped with a manual or remote test switch. Activating this switch interrupts the power supply and allows the unit to run off its backup battery, simulating a real-world emergency. The process is straightforward but must be done properly. Activate the switch, time the discharge period, then verify that the unit maintains light output for the full duration. Once completed, the unit should automatically recharge over the next 24 hours. While it's tempting to “spot check” multiple fittings quickly, resist the urge. Skipping the full duration can miss early signs of battery failure—one of the most common causes of non- compliance. Record Keeping: More Than Just a Checklist Testing emergency lighting without proper documentation defeats the purpose. Australian standards require a detailed log of each test, which should include: The date and time of each inspection • The name of the person conducting the test • Results of the test (pass/fail) • Any faults identified and actions taken • These records must be kept onsite and made available during audits or inspections. A simple spreadsheet or logbook will often do the job, but some facilities now use cloud-based systems for added reliability. Keeping clear records is especially important for larger buildings or sites that buy LED floodlights wholesale or maintain a wide range of fittings across multiple locations. With more equipment comes a higher risk of oversight—strong documentation helps keep track.

3. Reporting Faults Promptly Any fitting that fails a test should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Once a fault is found, it's best to tag the light out of service and schedule immediate corrective work. Delays increase liability and could compromise evacuation safety if a fire or power outage occurs in the meantime. For facilities purchasing emergency exit led lighting wholesale, it’s smart to keep a few spares on hand to minimise downtime. Staying on Top of Safety Regular testing doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a consistent routine, accurate records, and prompt fault resolution, building managers can meet safety obligations and keep their emergency lighting systems ready when it matters most. LED twin spot lights wholesale are reliable by design, but like any system, they still need routine attention. Staying ahead of the schedule not only supports compliance—it helps ensure every person in the building can find their way out when it counts.