How often should emergency lighting systems be tested?

Emergency lighting systems are critical for ensuring safety during power outages or other emergencies. They are designed to illuminate escape routes and provide visibility to facilitate safe evacuations. To ensure that these systems function properly when needed, regular testing is essential.

Monthly testing of emergency lighting systems is mandated by various safety standards, including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101). These standards require that facilities conduct monthly inspections to check the operation of lighting units, ensuring all lights are functional and ready for use in an emergency. During these monthly tests, a quick check should be performed to verify that the lights turn on and stay lit for a specified duration, which is often a minimum of 30 seconds.

In addition, a more comprehensive test should be performed annually, where the emergency lights are powered for a longer duration (typically for 90 minutes) to simulate a real power outage. This two-tiered testing approach ensures readiness and maintains compliance with safety regulations.

The other options suggest longer intervals between tests, which may increase the risk that a malfunctioning emergency lighting system could fail at a critical moment, thus compromising safety. By adhering to monthly testing protocols, the likelihood of a successful response during an emergency is greatly enhanced.