Understanding the common mistakes made during emergency lighting testing can help facility managers and safety officers better protect their buildings and occupants and maintain compliance with safety regulations.

Failing to properly monitor the lighting is one of the most common mistakes facility managers face. Rather than just noticing if lights are illuminated at the end of the test period, you should be looking out for any dimming, flickering, or intermittent failures throughout the 90-minute test. This can signal early problems with batteries or wiring.

It is crucial to check the lights at 10–15 minute intervals to ensure they remain bright and steady. Regular monitoring can catch minor issues before they turn into major failures during an actual emergency.

Testing for illumination is important, but neglecting the physical condition of emergency light fixtures is another frequent error. Over time, fixtures can develop problems like cracked housings, corroded terminals, loose wiring, or worn-out bulbs, all of which can impact performance.

During the 90-minute test, take time to visually inspect every fixture for physical damage or deterioration. Fixing these problems immediately ensures the lighting system is fully operational and reliable when it matters most.

The accuracy of your testing results depends heavily on the quality and condition of the equipment used. If tools are outdated, uncalibrated, or malfunctioning, they can provide misleading information about the state of your emergency lighting system.

To ensure reliable data, it’s important to use high-quality instruments that are routinely calibrated. Devices such as voltage testers and multimeters should be maintained on a set schedule and replaced when necessary to maintain consistent and trustworthy performance.

Simply pressing the “test” button on emergency light fixtures does not replicate an actual power outage. This method might briefly light the fixture but does not test the fixture’s ability to stay illuminated for the full 90 minutes on battery backup.

To properly test emergency lights, it is necessary to disconnect the main power, typically by shutting off the relevant breaker in the electrical panel. This forces the lights to rely entirely on backup power, accurately simulating an outage and revealing any hidden weaknesses in the system.

Neglecting to document testing results is a frequent mistake that can lead to significant risks. Accurate recordkeeping is vital for spotting recurring issues, maintaining a clear maintenance history, and demonstrating compliance with safety standards such as those set by OSHA and the NFPA. After every test, details like the date, time, fixture performance, any identified issues, and corrective measures taken should be thoroughly logged. Maintaining organized records supports compliance during inspections and helps ensure the ongoing effectiveness of your life safety lighting system.

Trust Experts for Life Safety Lighting Testing and Upgrades

At Action Services Group, we specialize in life safety lighting testing and emergency lighting upgrades for commercial facilities across all industries. Our experienced teams ensure that your testing is performed thoroughly and accurately, using calibrated equipment and following all regulatory guidelines.

Partner with a team prioritizing precision, compliance, and safety in every project. Contact us today at 610-558-9773, via email at [email protected], or schedule a call by clicking the button below.