Emergency Lighting

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frank112

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Does anyone know how to check the charging system in exit/emergency lighting. I have been asked to replace batteries in an older building with an assortment of Exit and emergency lighting of various brands and ages. I don't want to put a battery in a fixture that's not going to keep the battery charged
 
frank112 said:
Does anyone know how to check the charging system in exit/emergency lighting. I have been asked to replace batteries in an older building with an assortment of Exit and emergency lighting of various brands and ages. I don't want to put a battery in a fixture that's not going to keep the battery charged[/QUOTE
Simple just but an uncharged battery in it,then apply voltage.If after 24 hours you remove power and see if it worked
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Dont think that would go over to well with the customer. they'd have to pay for the time, Two trips to each fixture? And how would I know the battery just won't take a charge. There's got to be a better way
 
Anyone have have any realistic ideas. I'm not going to screw the customer. We do a lot of work for them, and we are a reputable contractor. I'm not going to install a 75 dollar fixture when it only needed a 10 dollar battery
 
Shockedby277v said:
Replace the fixture?? :)
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Exactly Unless it is a high dollar fixture such as an edge lite or recessed hilite. Just replace the fixture with a new one. Your labor will be more than the fixture when your done trying to replace the parts in the old fixture. Example If you trouble shoot the fixture and it doesn't work so you install a battery. Know the next day it doesn't work. Are you going to go back for free? I bet the customer is not going to want to pay 80.00 labor plus 75.00 in parts now after he paid you the day before.

BTW you could probally unplug the leads on the positive and negative going to the battery and put your test leads on it to see if there is voltage charging the battery.
 
JJoyce said:
Exactly Unless it is a high dollar fixture such as an edge lite or recessed hilite. Just replace the fixture with a new one. Your labor will be more than the fixture when your done trying to replace the parts in the old fixture. Example If you trouble shoot the fixture and it doesn't work so you install a battery. Know the next day it doesn't work. Are you going to go back for free? I bet the customer is not going to want to pay 80.00 labor plus 75.00 in parts now after he paid you the day before.

BTW you could probally unplug the leads on the positive and negative going to the battery and put your test leads on it to see if there is voltage charging the battery.
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Why unplug them ? check it with bat in.
I do agree with others that your costing more in the end.If they all are old enough to be having bad batteries just offer them a good deal on replacing all at one time.2 or 3 days work and they are good for a few years.Your way will end up with 10 trips in next 3 years
 
Gel Cel batts are good for 3-4 years.
Float voltage will be about 7 volts.
You don't have to buy batts from EL manufacturer, there are many battery suppliers that can provide if you know volts amp hours and terminal style, Most are standard types and readily available
 
That's what I'm getting at. I just don't know if its a trickle charge, an intermittent charge, or constantly charging. I want to be able to open up the fixture, be sure if its working properly, if not then replace it. I tried to tell them that new LED fixtures would pay for themselves in a few years in electric usage alone , not to mention maintenance, but they say it not in their budget and I have to respect their wishes
 
Jim, I am replacing all the batteries, but I don't want to put a new battery in a fixture thats not going to hold a charge, I need to know if the charging system is opperational, or in a couple months it will be useless
 
OK lets try this.Save time and replace the bat.then let them all run down for an hour.Have them ck them in a few days.Any that dont work need replaced so no time lost to recover the battery .Remove old fixture install new.What they wont like is a bill for trying to check them and then turn around and replace anyways.They must be old if not led.
 
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Frank, if they are following NFPA 101, by replacing all these units with self testing units will save them money in the 1st year.

In their monthly checks (with the self testing unit) all they have to do is look at status of indicating light. Otherwise they have to test each one for a short period of time, which requires either removing power on some units (briefly) or holding a test button in for a short period of time. Doing this 50+ times on a monthly basis and the time involved really adds up.

Most places do not do this though. However one of the law suits inre the World Trade Center was won because management could not provide written documentation that they had done the monthly and annual tests on the emergency and exit lights.

I have heard that some insurance companies will not pay a claim if failed emergency lighting contributed to a death or injury without said documentation.

Good luck! If these are older fixtures, I am guessing you will be replacing them in the near future anyway.;)
 
Measuring the changing voltage should be enough to decide, but you could also measure the current with a Fluke or similar. My Fluke 87 can read up to 10amps DC. Disconnect either battery lead and put the ammeter in series with it. If necessary ask the mfr what the charing current should be.
 
How much does this battery cost ? Can you afford to spend 15 minutes to check it or would it be cheaper to just replace them all then go back in few days and replace only the trouble makers.
 
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