Emergency Lighting Testing

Why emergency lighting needs testing

Emergency lights help people find their way out safely if the power fails. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person for a workplace, HMO or building with shared areas must make sure emergency lighting is maintained and tested. BS 5266-1 sets out how.

Fire officers, insurers and licensing teams may ask to see your test records, so it's worth keeping them up to date.

What the testing involves

• Monthly flick test. A short check that each light comes on when the mains is cut. You or your staff can usually do this yourselves, and we can show you how.
• Annual full duration test. We test every emergency light for its full rated duration, usually 3 hours, and check each one stays lit.
• Certificate and report. You receive a certificate and a list of every fitting tested, with any failures noted.
• Repairs and replacements. If any lights or batteries fail, our NICEIC registered electricians can quote to replace them.

Who needs it

Offices, shops, salons, restaurants, schools, surgeries and other workplaces, plus HMOs and blocks of flats with shared hallways and stairways. Single-household homes don't usually need it.

Combine with your other checks

Emergency lighting testing fits easily alongside PAT testing, fixed wire testing and fire extinguisher servicing, so your main safety checks can be done on one visit with one set of records. See our business compliance page.