Whether you own a commercial building or have emergency lighting installed in a residential area, it is important to ensure that the lighting is functioning properly. Testing your emergency lighting regularly ensures that it works as intended when you need it most. In many cases, emergency lighting is not something that is always on and instead only comes on when the power is off. For this reason, testing your emergency lighting is something that you can easily forget to do.
At Penfold Electric, our customers regularly asked us about the maintenance of their emergency lighting and other preparedness concerns. In this article, we outline how often to test emergency lighting as well as some other helpful suggestions to ensure you are well prepared in the event of a power outage.
How Often Should I Test Emergency Lighting?
Commercial spaces and residential spaces such as condominiums and apartments require emergency lighting to be installed. This is mandatory under the Ontario Fire Code and not something that can be avoided. Most often this lighting is in hallways and stairwells that direct building occupants to safety. To ensure that the building is safe, and occupants protected in the event of an emergency, regular testing of the emergency lighting is required.
In Ontario, emergency lighting must be tested monthly for proper light function as well as annually to ensure the lighting functions for the required amount of time. It is always a good idea to check with your local regulating body to ensure that your lighting is adequate and performs in accordance with legislation. You may wish to obtain a checklist of all testing requirements from your local fire department or hire an outside inspection agency to support you in ensuring your obligations are met.
Do I Need a Backup Generator for Emergency Lighting?
A generator is not a necessary component of an emergency lighting system though it may be a valuable piece of equipment for your business or residence. If you do not have the ability to operate emergency lighting through a wired system, battery-operated emergency lights are an acceptable option.
When Should I Consider a Generator?
If your business relies on electricity you will want to consider having a generator. The loss of power to your business or residence can be costly. From losing hours of productivity to the destruction of supplies or property, not having access to electricity can be a major issue for many businesses. If you rely on electricity a Generac generator might be your best option. Our guide and FAQ about Generac generators as well as our post, How Much Does a Generator Cost, may be useful in helping you decide whether or not generator installation is right for your space.
Can You Assist Me with Installing Emergency Lighting?
When you need emergency lighting installation for your commercial or residential space, we can help. We have helped countless businesses ensure that they have adequate emergency lighting installed throughout their space. We are here to help you ensure that your business is safe and well prepared to handle any loss of power situation.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with preparing your business for an unexpected loss of power. We are here to help you feel confident and safe making your life easier when the unexpected happens. You can expect tenfold from Penfold.