Self-testing emergency lights carry out the monthly function test and the annual duration test automatically, store the result and report faults via a status LED, a central panel or an app. The relevant European standard is EN 62034 for automatic test systems for battery-powered emergency escape lighting. The operator's testing duty does not disappear: visual checks, reviewing results, repairing defects and keeping records remain human tasks.
What is a self-test in emergency lighting?
A self-test is a function built into an emergency luminaire or system that carries out the required tests without manual triggering and displays or stores the result. The requirements for such systems are set out in EN 62034, the European standard for automatic test systems for battery-powered emergency escape lighting. The test intervals themselves come from EN 50172: a monthly function test and an annual test for the full rated duration. National documents add detail, for example DIN VDE V 0108-100-1 in Germany or BS 5266-1 in the UK. More on the intervals in emergency lighting testing intervals.
Self-tests are used mainly in self-contained luminaires, where each luminaire has its own battery. Central battery systems usually have their own monitoring in the central unit.
How does an automatic self-test work?
Function test (monthly)
The luminaire briefly disconnects itself from the mains internally and switches to battery operation. The electronics check that the light source, changeover and battery are working. The test takes only seconds to minutes and barely discharges the battery.
Duration test (annual)
The luminaire runs in emergency mode until its rated duration is reached, for example one or three hours. If it falls short, it reports a battery fault. The battery then recharges; EN 60598-2-22 requires the rated duration to be available again after 24 hours of charging. Good systems stagger the duration tests of neighbouring luminaires or can be programmed to run at low-risk times such as nights or weekends.
Result and reporting
Depending on the system, results become visible in one of three ways:
| Monitoring type | How faults are reported | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Status LED on the luminaire | Colour or flashing pattern, e.g. green for ready, red for fault | Small buildings, easily accessible luminaires |
| Central monitoring (wired bus or radio) | Report at a central point, often with luminaire number and fault type | Larger buildings, many luminaires |
| Bluetooth and app | Luminaires read out via smartphone, test report exported | Small to medium buildings, maintenance by a contractor |
The meaning of LED colours varies by manufacturer. What a flashing or steady red indicator usually means is explained in emergency light flashing red.
What still has to be done manually?
An automatic test system replaces the electrical function and duration tests, not the operator's entire duty. The following remain necessary:
- Visual checks: are luminaires damaged, dirty or obscured, for example by shelving, decorations or refurbishment? Are exit signs and directions still correct?
- Reviewing results: someone must look at status LEDs, the central panel or the app regularly. With LED-only indication, this still means walking the building.
- Repairing defects: reported faults, such as a weak battery, must be fixed promptly by a qualified electrician.
- Documentation: test results, visual checks and repairs belong in the logbook. Automatic reports are an important part but not the whole logbook.
- Periodic inspections: electrical inspections and, where national law requires them, inspections by approved experts still apply.
Practical tip: Set a fixed date for reviewing self-test results and transferring them to the logbook, for example in the first week of every month. A self-test whose fault message nobody reads provides no safety.
Pros and cons of self-testing emergency lights
| Advantages | Disadvantages and limits |
|---|---|
| Tests happen on time, even when nobody has time | Higher purchase price per luminaire than models without self-test |
| Far fewer walk-rounds and working hours, especially for high-mounted luminaires | With LED-only indication, a walk-round to read the status is still needed |
| Faults are detected early instead of at the next walk-round | Visual checks and repairs remain manual |
| Reports are generated automatically, with fewer transcription errors | Systems from different manufacturers are often not compatible |
| Duration tests can be staggered | A poorly programmed duration test may run during occupied hours |
A system with 80 luminaires needs 960 monthly function tests a year without self-testing. With an automatic test system and app readout, the effort comes down essentially to reviewing results, visual checks and repairs.
Self-testing via Bluetooth and app
In app-based systems, each luminaire communicates via Bluetooth with a smartphone or tablet. The maintenance technician sees the status of all luminaires within range, can trigger tests and export a test report. The advantage over wired bus systems is that no additional control cable is needed, which saves considerable work in existing buildings.
NOTLUX Series 19 luminaires work on this principle: a self-contained system with an integrated LiFePO4 battery, automatic monthly function test and annual duration test in line with EN 50172 and EN 62034, and control and test report export via Bluetooth and app. The range includes exit sign luminaires and emergency drivers for existing LED luminaires.
Can existing installations be retrofitted?
Yes, in different ways depending on the starting point:
- Replacing luminaires: old self-contained luminaires are replaced by new self-testing models. This often makes sense when batteries or fluorescent lamps are reaching the end of their life anyway.
- Emergency drivers with self-test: existing LED general lighting is converted into emergency lighting with an emergency driver, provided luminaire and driver are suitable for the combination and the lighting requirements of EN 1838 are met.
- Networking: depending on the system, self-testing luminaires can be monitored centrally via radio, Bluetooth or DALI (described for self-contained emergency lighting in IEC 62386-202).
Which route is economical depends on the age, condition and type of the installation. An overview is given in upgrading emergency lighting; system differences are explained in self-contained vs central battery.
Frequently asked questions
Which standard applies to self-testing emergency lights?
EN 62034 sets the requirements for automatic test systems for battery-powered emergency escape lighting. The test intervals come from EN 50172 and national standards, and the requirements for the luminaire itself from EN 60598-2-22.
Do I still need to test self-testing emergency lights?
Yes. The automatic tests replace the electrical function and duration tests. Visual checks, reviewing results, repairing defects and recording everything in the logbook remain the operator's duty.
When does a self-testing emergency light run its duration test?
Once a year, at a fixed or programmable time depending on the system. Low-risk times such as nights or weekends are advisable, as is staggering neighbouring luminaires, because the battery may need up to 24 hours to recharge afterwards.
What does the status LED on an emergency light mean?
The status LED shows readiness, charging or a fault – often green for OK and red or flashing for a fault. The exact meaning is manufacturer-specific and is given in the operating instructions.
Can old emergency lights be retrofitted with self-testing?
Partly. Replacing them with new self-testing luminaires is often more economical, especially when batteries are due anyway. Suitable existing LED luminaires can be converted into emergency lighting with a self-testing emergency driver.
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