Navigating building infrastructure and emergency lighting can be a daunting task, especially in the event of an emergency. Knowing where light switches are located, figuring out which fuse to pull, or understanding how to properly turn off emergency lights can be overwhelming when you don’t know what to do next. Don’t worry!
In this blog post on how to turn off emergency lights in building, we will show you exactly how to quickly and safely shut off all types of emergency lighting systems so that you can take control of your building whenever necessary. Whether it’s for maintenance purposes or during an evacuation procedure, follow our step-by-step guide and discover how easy it is to turn off your building’s emergency lights with confidence.
Needed Materials
Given below is a list of materials you might need to turn off emergency lights in your building, based on the type of lighting system installed:
- A Building Map or Blueprint to Locate All Emergency Light Switches and Fuse Boxes
- A Step Ladder (if the Switches Are Located Higher Up)
- A Flashlight (in Case of Power Failure)
- Protective Gear, Such as Goggles and Gloves, if Dealing With Fluorescent Lighting
- A Fuse Puller or a Rubber Glove (to Protect Against Electrical Shock)
- Knowledge of the Building’s Emergency Light System and Its Components.
- Patience and a Level Head to Stay Calm in an Emergency Situation.
Now that you have gathered all the necessary materials, let’s dive into the steps to turn off emergency lights in a building.
11 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Turn Off Emergency Lights in Building
Step 1: Locate All Emergency Light Switches
The first step is to know where all the emergency light switches are located in your building. Check for a map or blueprint of the building that shows the exact locations of the switches, along with their corresponding areas of coverage. If there’s no map available, make sure to ask the building manager, security personnel, or maintenance staff for assistance.
Step 2: Identify the Type of Emergency Light System Installed
Before proceeding, it’s essential to determine the type of emergency light system installed in your building. There are four common types:
- Manual Standby Lighting Systems
- Self-Contained Battery Operated Lights (S.C.B.O)
- Central Battery System (C.B.S.)
- Generator Backup Lighting Systems
Understanding the type of system will greatly help in figuring out how to turn off the emergency lights.
Step 3: Switch Off the Main Power Supply
If possible, switch off the main power supply to your building. This will ensure that no electricity is flowing through the emergency light system and make it safer to work on. If you can’t turn off the main power supply, make sure to wear protective gear and work cautiously. But, remember, safety should always come first. This step is especially crucial if the emergency lights are connected to a central battery system or a generator backup lighting system.
Step 4: Locate the Fuse Box
Locate the fuse box that controls the emergency lights. It is usually located in a separate room, such as a basement or electrical closet. It might also be integrated with the main electrical panel. If you’re unsure, contact a professional electrician for assistance. You might need a fuse puller or rubber gloves to prevent electrical shock when removing the fuses.
Step 5: Identify the Fuse for Emergency Lights
Once you have located the fuse box, find the fuse that controls the emergency lights. It might be labeled as “Emergency” or “EXIT.” If not, check for any fuses that have a red color or are slightly larger than the others. These are typically the ones that control emergency lights. You can also consult the building map or ask for assistance from a professional electrician if needed. But, remember to switch off the main power supply before touching any fuses.
Step 6: Remove the Fuse
Using a fuse puller or rubber gloves, carefully remove the fuse that controls the emergency lights. If you’re unsure which one it is, try removing one at a time until all emergency lights turn off. It’s essential to keep track of which fuse you remove, so you can easily replace it later.
It’s also advisable to have spare fuses on hand in case of emergencies. This step is only applicable to emergency light systems that are connected to a fuse box. It is not necessary for self-contained battery-operated lights. You can skip this step and proceed to the next one.
Step 7: Test the Lights
After removing the fuse, test the emergency lights to ensure they have turned off. If there are any remaining lights still on, try locating and removing another fuse until all emergency lights have been shut off. This step is crucial as it ensures that all emergency lights are indeed turned off, and there’s no risk of any hidden lights causing confusion or panic during an evacuation. This step is only applicable to central battery systems or generator backup lighting systems.
Step 8: Turn Off Battery-Operated Emergency Lights
For self-contained battery-operated lights, you can simply switch them off using the ON/OFF button located on each individual light. This step is much easier and quicker compared to other types of emergency light systems. It’s advisable to do a quick check around the building to ensure that all battery-operated lights have been turned off.
Step 9: Return Fuses (If Applicable)
After turning off all emergency lights, make sure to return an equivalent fuse to the one you removed earlier. This step is crucial to restore power to all other areas of the building and ensure that emergency lights will function properly in case of any future emergencies.
Step 10: Restore Main Power Supply
If you have turned off the main power supply, make sure to turn it back on after turning off all emergency lights. This step is crucial to restore power to the building and ensure normal operations can resume. It’s also essential to inform the building manager or maintenance staff that you have turned off the emergency lights and restored power. However, if the main power supply was not turned off initially, you can skip this step.
Step 11: Reset and Recharge Emergency Light System (If Applicable)
If you have a central battery system or generator backup lighting system, make sure to reset and recharge them after turning off all emergency lights. This step is vital to keep the emergency light system functioning correctly in case of any future emergencies. Consult the building manager or professional electrician for specific instructions on how to reset and recharge your emergency light system.
Following these steps on how to turn off emergency lights in building will ensure that all emergency lights are turned off safely and correctly in your building. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the emergency light system installed in your building and regularly conduct checks to ensure they are functioning correctly. Remember, safety should always come first, so never hesitate to ask for professional assistance if needed. Stay safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I Turn Off the Emergency Lights Without Switching Off the Main Power Supply?
A1: It is not recommended to turn off emergency lights without switching off the main power supply, especially if they are connected to a central battery system or generator backup lighting system. However, if it is not possible to switch off the main power supply, make sure to wear protective gear and work cautiously. But, it’s essential to remember that safety should always come first.
Q2: Can I Turn Off Emergency Lights in One Specific Area Without Affecting Other Areas?
A2: If your emergency light system is connected to a central battery system or generator backup lighting system, it might not be possible to turn off lights in one specific area without affecting others. In such cases, it’s best to turn off all emergency lights and restore them later as needed. However, if you have self-contained battery-operated lights, you can turn off lights in specific areas without affecting others.
Q3: Can I Replace the Fuses Myself?
A3: It’s not advisable to replace fuses yourself unless you are a trained electrician. Fuses play a vital role in protecting the electrical system, and replacing them incorrectly can pose safety hazards or damage the system. Always consult a professional electrician for any electrical work to ensure it is done safely and correctly.
Q4: Why Do I Need to Return Fuses After Turning Off Emergency Lights?
A4: Returning fuses after turning off emergency lights ensures that power is restored to the rest of the building and that the emergency light system can function correctly in case of any future emergencies. It’s essential to keep track of which fuse was removed so that it can be easily replaced later if needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s essential to know how to turn off emergency lights in buildings. Knowing this information can help prevent the spread of a fire or keep you safe in the event of an emergency. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with the procedures and practices involved can save time and ensure safety when a situation arises.
Additionally, you may want to call a professional electrician or technician if you don’t feel comfortable handling this task yourself in order to guarantee that everything is done correctly. Remember, preventing potential fires and other emergencies from occurring gives us peace of mind knowing that our lives and those around us are protected. Take proactive steps today and stay safe!
