Do I Need anEmergency LightingTest Switch?

A Test Switch installed on site.

In today's building and safety industry, fire contractors and building managers need efficient solutions for emergency lighting systems. Many are asking, "Do I need an emergency lighting test switch?" The answer increasingly points towards modern solutions like Elumen's Self-Test and Networking lighting products. These systems eliminate the need for traditional emergency lighting test switches and wiring entire dedicated circuits for old non compliant buildings, simplifying installation and reducing maintenance costs while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

The Traditional Challenge

Conventional emergency lighting systems depend on dedicated circuits and the installation of a manual emergency lighting test switch for routine checks. Contractors and facilities are often required to install extra wiring and equipment to meet safety standards, increasing costs and labor. Running a new emergency lighting circuit can cost thousands of dollars, and an emergency lighting test switch will cost between $500 to $1000. Manual checks also leave room for error and place a greater burden on maintenance teams.

According to AS/NZS 2293.1:2018 Section 3.3.1:

"Facilities shall be provided for conducting a discharge test on all emergency luminaires and exit signs without necessitating disconnection of supply to the normal lighting."

Circuit Breaker

Normal Lighting

Emergency Light

Test Switch

Sub-Circuit Sensing Device

The biggest issue with traditional emergency lighting systems is that a separate circuit is required.

Normal Lighting Circuit

Dedicated Emergency Lighting Testing Circuit

Expensive infrastructure is needed to add a standard emergency light to an existing system.

The Self-Test Advantage

Elumen's Self-Test system provides a test switch alternative by offering automatic discharge testing without the need for a dedicated test switch or circuit. As referenced in AS2293.1 Section 3.3 and AS2293.3 Section 4, automatic discharge testing systems like Elumen's Self-Test fittings can be directly added to existing lighting circuits.

Key benefits include:

  • Cost Savings: Don't just save time installing, save money on expensive cabling for an entire new circuit.
  • Easy retrofitting: The most cost effective and compliant way to add new emergency lights to an existing building.
  • Minimal Disruption: Allows automated testing without disrupting normal lighting.

Circuit Breaker

Self-Test Emergency Light

Normal Lighting

Elumen's Self-Test removes the need to add extra lighting circuits.

Normal Lighting Circuit

Elumen's Self-Test emergency lights easily integrate into existing systems.

No Dedicated Circuits or Test Switches Required

Both Self-Test and Networking systems offer alternatives to emergency lighting test switches by removing the need for manual testing and dedicated circuits. This results in fewer wires, lower installation costs, and more streamlined maintenance processes. These systems are ideal for both new installations and retrofit projects.

  • Lower Installation Costs: Fewer components are needed, reducing time and expense.
  • Simplified Maintenance: Automated testing minimizes manual checks.
  • Flexible Integration: Easier to incorporate into existing infrastructure.

Why Contractors and Building Managers Should Switch

Switching to test switch alternatives like Elumen's Self-Test and Networking products offers fire contractors and building managers significant advantages:

  • Councils are now issuing fire orders (legal mandates) to older buildings to upgrade their emergency lighting system to conform with the current standards.
  • This means that the building must put in additional test switches and cabling into their existing infrastructure.
  • Buildings are now only asking for Self-Test because it is much cheaper and easier to add in Self-Test fittings to their existing infrastructure compared to new dedicated circuits and test switches.

Elumen's modern solutions are designed to enhance emergency lighting safety while minimising complexity. By adopting these systems, contractors and building managers can improve overall operational efficiency and reduce time and costs associated with maintenance.

Conclusion

Elumen's Self-Test and Networking products revolutionize emergency lighting by providing test switch alternatives that simplify installation and maintenance. These systems ensure compliance with safety standards while minimising complexity and reducing costs. Stay ahead of the curve by switching to Elumen's advanced systems, and say goodbye to the traditional emergency lighting test switch. Stay ahead of the curve with these advanced systems to reduce costs and enhance safety.

For more details, visit Elumen's pages on Self-Test and Networking .