The level of competence required will depend on the complexity of the situation and the particular help that is required. The new refurbished areas the key switch does not cut power to the lights, and with some EL units being part of the main lights this poses a problem to actually see if they are working or not. If the fitting has a fluorescent tube the life will depend on whether the unit is maintained or non-maintained. As a further question (new-wired system), if a mains light unit houses 3 tubes, one of which is the EL tube, would flicking the test switch still discharge the batteries and finally that tube go out after 1, 2 or 3 hours depending and leave only the remaining 2 tubes illuminated as normal?

MK Fish Key - Emergency Light Switch Keys - Office

To give you a broader understanding of emergency lighting, this blog compiles thetypical queries and answers raised through the forum. It should be remembered that the British Standards specify the best practice for standard situations, however, a higher standard may be required for a particular installation. The supply to self-contained luminaires should be such as to prevent unauthorised disconnection, but should incorporate suitable means for simulating a mains failure for test purposes. lighting you must fit a key switch and or replace all EML's within that area bringing them all up to the proper standards. Emergency lights are powered by rechargeable backup batteries which are either located inside the emergency light or in acentral battery location with connections running to each emergency light.

It's swings and roundabouts in the building as some areas the key switch shuts off the power to the lights (per room, location) and illuminates the EL.

Emergency Lighting Guide – Safelincs Blog Emergency Lighting Guide – Safelincs Blog

I would think so once the battery is flat, there would be no power supply to operate the EL tube but the normal tubes would still be fed from the sub lighting circuit and the emergency circuit would be isolated by the test switch. We have keypad entry systems but a contractor has wired up the power feed to it from the Emergency lighting system - IE: when you do a key test on the EL the keypad loses power and so can't be used to gain entry into the office (this is also the case for 3 other doors into our office). When it comes to repair of failing emergency lights it would most likely that an electrician would be needed unless the caretaker has sufficient qualifications to replace batteries and lamps.

Alternatively, single ‘stand-alone’ escape lighting units may be sufficient in small premises and these can sometimes be combined with exit or directional signs.