Maximize Emergency Lighting Inverter Reliability with Preventative Maintenance

Four Items You Should Have on Your Semi-Annual Inspection

Emergency lighting inverters are often overlooked within facility operations. While they may not directly support sensitive equipment or critical loads essential to your organization’s daily functions, these systems play a vital role in ensuring safety during emergencies. Neglecting their maintenance can lead to life-threatening consequences. To avoid such risks, facility managers should conduct regular preventative maintenance (PM) inspections to keep emergency lighting inverters in optimal condition.

Here’s a simple overview of the most critical areas of inspection to ensure your emergency lighting inverters are ready when needed most.

Battery Inspection and Discharge Testing

Battery failure is one of the primary causes of emergency lighting inverter malfunctions. Since batteries degrade gradually over time, routine maintenance is essential. A typical battery inspection should include:

• Checking voltage levels and connections
• Performing thermal scans
• Conducting visual inspections

Regular battery maintenance not only extends the life of the inverter but also helps plan for timely replacements. Most batteries last 4–5 years, but their lifespan can be shortened by factors such as:

• High storage temperatures
• Incorrect float voltage settings
• Frequent discharges

Preventative maintenance identifies these issues early on, ensuring a reliable power source.

Additionally, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, most commercial and industrial buildings are required to undergo an annual 90-minute discharge test. Completing and documenting this test ensures compliance with fire and electrical codes while confirming the battery’s ability to perform during an emergency.

Lighting Inverter System Inspection and Testing

After the batteries are inspected, the next step is to assess the rest of the inverter system. During this phase, technicians should inspect and test the following components:

• Fans
• AC and DC capacitors
• Internal connections
• Air filters
• Power supplies
• Contactors
• Relays (for signs of sticking or welding)

In addition to component checks, technicians should review the inverter’s alarm log to pinpoint inefficiencies in operation. Thermal imaging scans can also identify potential issues, such as loose terminations or overheating components before they lead to system failures.

Environmental and Safety Inspections

Environmental conditions play a significant role in the lifespan and functionality of emergency lighting inverters. For instance, VRLA batteries are designed to operate at 77°F. Storing them at just 15°F above this optimal temperature can cut their lifespan in half.

Temperature isn’t the only concern—dust, dirt, and other contaminants can also harm the system over time. To mitigate risks, technicians should inspect and address:

• Suboptimal storage temperatures
• Exposure to dust, dirt, or moisture
• General environmental hazards

By proactively addressing environmental issues, you can help increase the long-term reliability of your emergency lighting inverters.

Documentation

After completing the inspection, the technician will provide a detailed field service report summarizing the findings. This report is a vital record for:

• Audit compliance
• Tracking maintenance history
• Identifying recurring issues

Keep all field service reports on file to ensure accountability and provide essential documentation when required.