Emergency Lighting Testing vs Fire Alarm Testing: What Is the Difference?

Emergency lighting switches on when mains power fails. It lights exit signs, stairs, corridors and escape routes. A fire often cuts the power, so these lights show people the way out.

Emergency lighting testing proves each light works and holds enough battery charge. The tester simulates a power cut and then checks every light.

How Often Should You Test Emergency Lighting?

Most UK inspectors use BS 5266-1 as the guide. It sets two tests.

• Monthly: a short functional test, often lasting around 30 seconds. A trained person on your site does this test.
• Annually: a full-duration test where each light runs on battery for its rated time, typically three hours. A competent engineer carries this out.

Write every test in a logbook and repair faults quickly. Some modern systems run these tests on their own. You still need the records and a yearly check by a competent person.

What Does an Emergency Light Test Report Cover?

A test visit from Nationwide Surveyors covers these items:

• Luminaire duration testing
• Cleaning of diffusers
• Battery charging functional check
• Labelling of luminaires
• Test results supplied in writing
• Advice on improvements
• Certification

A fire alarm system detects smoke or heat and sounds a warning. It has a control panel, detectors, manual call points (the break-glass buttons), sounders and backup batteries.

Fire alarm testing proves each part works. It also checks the control panel for faults.

How Often Should You Test a Fire Alarm?

BS 5839-1 is the standard for fire alarm systems. It sets a weekly routine and a six-monthly service.

• Weekly: a person on site operates one call point and checks the alarm sounds. Use a different call point each week so every call point gets tested over time. Record the result and the call point location in the fire log book.
• Every six months: a competent engineer inspects and services the system and issues an inspection and servicing certificate.

What Does a Fire Alarm Test Visit Cover?

A fire alarm test visit from Nationwide Surveyors includes:

• A battery and devices test
• A check of the fire alarm panel for faults
• A full sounder test
• Recommendations noted in the fire log book
• Works and parts recorded in the fire log book

You need both tests if you manage any of these:

• Offices, shops, warehouses and factories
• Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
• Blocks of flats with shared corridors and stairs
• Care homes, schools and community buildings

Commercial and industrial buildings need an emergency lighting system with regular testing. Landlords of HMOs and flat blocks should test the alarm and lights in shared areas. Your local fire authority or council confirms the exact rules for your property.

Both tests belong to your fire safety plan. A fire risk assessment shows what your building needs. It names the hazards, the people at risk, and the checks you must schedule. Fire alarms and emergency lights also depend on safe wiring. An Electrical Installation Condition Report checks the fixed wiring supplying them. If the report finds faults, our EICR remedial work team repairs them. Ordering several services in one visit saves time. Nationwide Surveyors offers multi-service order discounts and bundles.

Do I need both emergency lighting testing and fire alarm testing?

Yes. The alarm warns people. The emergency lights guide them out. One system does not replace the other.

How long does the annual emergency lighting test take?

The lights run on battery for their full rated time, usually three hours. Batteries then need time to recharge. Ask your engineer to plan the visit around your opening hours.

Does a newly installed system need testing?

Yes. New emergency lights and new fire alarms need regular testing from day one.

Who does the weekly fire alarm test?

A trained person on your site. This is often the manager, caretaker, or landlord. Log each result.

What should I do if a light or detector fails a test?

Record the fault in your logbook. Arrange a repair quickly. Retest after the repair. Contact us if you need an engineer.