Protecting your business with annual emergency system tests - by John Szwyd

John Szwyd, Interstate Electrical Services Corp.

A good idea anytime you are looking to add space or upgrade your facility is to test your emergency and exit lighting systems. Why? Because a system that isn’t tested might as well be disconnected and on a shelf. If you have an untested system, you can turn a minor accident into a major catastrophe in a flash.

So what’s the barrier to getting it done?

The excuses are all over the map. In many states, including Rhode Island, it’s not a mandatory test, like the quarterly fire alarm test is. It can also be a chore to find the right technician, and you can always justify not spending money on a “nice to have.”

The reality is somewhere in between. Understanding what to look for in a fire alarm and emergency lighting system test company—and how they do this critical job—is important. Your business and your employees count on it.

Failure Happens

The term “life safety systems” applies to any system in a building whose purpose is the protection and preservation of human life during an emergency or failure of a critical building system. This would include fire alarm and emergency lighting systems.

In a power failure or state of emergency, your life safety systems become a lifeline for your building and people. They help provide valuable aid in evacuation and boost your efforts to prevent potential injuries and property damage.

Emergency systems can fail, however, particularly if they are not driven by an emergency generator. Without generator power, emergency lighting is powered by batteries. By regulation, if battery powered, they are required to provide illumination for 90 minutes. Batteries should be replaced routinely every three years, but tested at least annually to make sure no other problems exist that could result in excessive battery drain and premature failure.

Hire the Professionals

Understanding what to look for in a qualified test company is important. Not all fire alarm technicians are licensed electricians, and as such are not legally able to test or service the emergency lighting systems which are considered part of the electrical system.

Emergency lighting, including emergency exit lighting systems, are part of a building’s electrical system and should only be tested by a licensed electrician. This includes components such as emergency generators, elevator override systems and the emergency communication systems.

Fire alarm systems are a different matter and can be tested by a fire alarm technician or a licensed electrician. Look for a company that meets the standards set by Underwriter Laboratory – one of the most universally recognized safety authorities in the world.

Buildings are also full of other systems, so choose a service provider who can handle more than just fire alarms and emergency lighting systems. You will save in the long run. Qualified firms should be able to offer you single-point responsibility for inspecting, testing and maintenance of every point in the fire alarm and safety lighting system. Qualified firms can do the same for all of your other associated systems, including emergency and standby power, uninterruptible power systems, security and access control and emergency public address.

Understanding what to look for in a fire alarm test company – and how they do this critical job – is important. The cost of annual inspection is worth the peace of mind, and insurance considerations may encourage testing.

In business since 1966, Interstate Electrical Services Corp. is the premier provider of electrical services, electrical construction, voice/data network systems, building and process controls, design/build, energy services, building information modeling (BIM), fire alarm installation, testing, service, and central station monitoring in New England.

John Szwyd is project manager/estimator, RI Service, for Interstate Electrical Services Corp.,  East Providence, R.I.