Hallway (flats) emergency lighting question

Ash_Pole

We've got PIR mains lights in the hallway, they supposedly have a battery backup emergency lighting function.

If the circuit breaker trips, should the emergency light come on all the time, or only when triggered by the PIR? Sorry I don't know what make/model these are, they are round LED ceiling lights.

Ayr_Rage

It depends entirely on how they are wired internally and the building regulations regarding emergency lighting systems, so unless there is an expert here my guess is as good as yours.

ThisIsWeird

Again, a guess. But I'd suggest almost certainly permanently on. And is it for 3 hours that the batteries should last?
Thinking it through, if the hallway is full of smoke and/or heat, I'm not sure a PIR will be that effective. And, if a person stops moving for whatever unpleasant reason, it's 'ok' for the emergency light to go off?! That doesn't seem right.
Good chance it also requires an annual inspection.

Ectophile

The batteries in emergency lights tend not to last very many years.  So if they aren't coming on, the batteries may have failed.

Syman

In normal use, the PIR will activate the light, but in the event of a power failure, the lights should come on and stay on.

The recommended time the batteries should power the lights in a minimum of 3 hours.

The emergency fittings should have a visible charging LED. though just because this is showing does not mean the batteries are healthy and holding a charge.

The landlord should be carrying out annual drain tests by qualified contractors to certificate.