Emergency lighting is a crucial aspect of any building’s safety plan. If there’s ever a power outage or an emergency, these lights help guide people to safety.
However, like any other equipment, emergency lighting requires regular maintenance. This ensures your emergency lighting functions properly when needed.
In this article, we’ll discuss some essential tips for effective emergency lighting maintenance.
Regular inspections
The first step in maintaining your emergency lighting is to conduct regular inspections. We recommend you do this at least once a month, and more frequently in high-traffic areas.
During these inspections, check for:
- any damaged or burnt out lights
- loose connections, or
- signs of wear and tear
It’s also important to test the battery backup to ensure it’s working properly.
If you find any issues during these inspections, you should address them immediately.
Cleanliness
Keeping your emergency lights clean is crucial for their proper functioning.
Why? Because lights attract a large amount of dust and debris, reducing their brightness and effectiveness.
Regularly wipe down the lights with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grime. It’s also important to clean the light covers to ensure maximum light output.
Battery maintenance
The battery is the most critical component of emergency lighting, as it provides power during a power outage. So, it’s important to regularly check the battery’s charge and replace it if necessary.
Most emergency lights have a test button that allows you to check the battery’s charge. If the battery isn’t holding its charge, replace it immediately as you never know when you’ll have an emergency.
Proper placement
The placement of emergency lights is also crucial for their effectiveness. They should be strategically placed in areas where people will need guidance in the event of an emergency. This includes stairwells, hallways and exits.
It’s also important to ensure that the lights aren’t obstructed by any objects, as this can reduce their effectiveness.
Regular testing
It’s important to conduct regular testing of your emergency lighting. This is in addition to the regular inspections mentioned above.
We recommend you test your emergency lighting at least once a year. In high-traffic areas, test your emergency lighting more frequently.
During testing, turn off all lighting to simulate a power outage. The emergency lights should then turn on and provide adequate lighting. If you find any issues, address them immediately.
Professional maintenance
Regular inspections and testing can help identify and address any issues with your emergency lighting. But it’s also important to have regular professional maintenance to check and service your lights.
Why? Professionals have the expertise and equipment to thoroughly inspect and maintain your emergency lighting. This ensures it’s in proper working condition.
By following these essential tips to take care of your emergency lighting, you can rest assured that your emergency lights will function properly.
Need some professional expertise for your emergency lighting?
With over 25 years’ experience, we’ve helped a wide range of businesses and residential buildings with their emergency lighting needs.
