Emergency Light Testing Procedure: How We Test Emergency Lights

Emergency light testing checks whether your building's backup lighting works when the mains power fails. These lights switch on automatically during a power cut and guide people safely toward exits.

Testing confirms three things:

• The light switches on when power drops
• The battery holds enough charge to last the full evacuation period
• The fitting itself is undamaged and clean

Skipping testing increases the risk of a system that looks fine but fails when you need it most.

Emergency lighting falls under BS 5266-1, the British Standard that sets out testing frequency and duration for these systems. Fire safety law also holds the "responsible person" for a building accountable for keeping emergency lighting in working order.

Three reasons this testing matters:

• It's a legal duty. Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places the responsibility directly on landlords, employers and building owners.
• Insurance depends on it. Most insurers ask for proof of regular testing before they pay out on a fire-related claim.
• Lives depend on it. Staff, tenants and visitors rely on these lights to find an exit during a power failure or fire.

If your building also needs fire safety checks, our fire alarm test report and fire risk assessment services cover the rest of your compliance requirements.

How Often You Need Emergency Light Testing

BS 5266-1 sets two testing intervals:

• Monthly function test. A short test that confirms each light switches on and functions correctly.
• Annual full duration test. A longer test that runs the battery through its full rated duration, usually three hours, to confirm it lasts the whole time.

Missing either test breaks your compliance record, even if the lights work fine on the day.

Here's the step-by-step process our engineers follow on every visit.

Step 1: Visual Inspection

The engineer checks each luminaire for physical damage, dirt on the diffuser and correct mounting. A dirty or blocked light won't shine enough to guide anyone safely.

Step 2: Function Test

The engineer simulates a power failure at the test switch or key. Each light must switch on within seconds and stay lit. Any light that flickers, stays dark or dims too fast gets flagged for repair.

Step 3: Battery Charging Check

The engineer confirms the battery charges correctly once mains power returns. A battery that won't recharge fails the light on its next power cut, even if it passed the switch-on test.

Step 4: Full Duration Test

Once a year, the engineer runs a full duration test. This means cutting power and timing how long the light stays on at full brightness. UK buildings typically need a three-hour rated duration, so the light must hold that full period without dimming below standard.

Step 5: Cleaning of Diffusers

Dust and grime cut down on light output. The engineer cleans each diffuser during the visit so your lights perform at full strength.

Step 6: Labelling Check

Every luminaire needs clear labelling that shows its test status and location. The engineer checks labels are present, legible and up to date.

Step 7: Results and Certification

Once testing wraps up, you receive a full written report. This includes test results for every luminaire, any faults found and clear advice on fixes needed. Your certificate confirms the date, findings and next test due.

Our engineers cover the full scope required under BS 5266-1:

• Luminaire duration testing
• Cleaning of diffusers
• Battery charging functional check
• Labelling of luminaires
• Supply of test results
• Advice on improvements required
• Certification
• General guidance on your emergency lighting system

Who Needs Emergency Light Testing?

You need regular emergency light testing if you own, manage or let any of the following:

• Offices and commercial units
• Retail premises
• Industrial buildings and warehouses
• Blocks of flats with communal areas
• HMOs and licensed rental properties

If you're a landlord managing multiple compliance certificates, pairing this with your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) keeps your whole property compliant in one visit.

A failed test isn't the end of the process. Your report identifies exactly which luminaires failed and why. Common fixes include:

• Replacing a worn battery
• Swapping a faulty bulb or LED unit
• Repairing damaged wiring
• Relabelling or remounting a fitting

Our engineers give you a fixed-price quote for any remedial work needed, so there's no guesswork on cost. If your EICR also flagged issues, our EICR remedial work team handles both jobs together.

Do newly installed emergency lights still need testing?

Yes. New installations still need the monthly function test and annual duration test. A new light isn't exempt from ongoing compliance checks.

What if my engineer finds a fault?

You'll get a clear breakdown of the issue in your report, along with a fixed price quote to fix it. Most repairs get booked in within days.

Do requirements differ by building type?

Yes. Offices, warehouses, HMOs and retail units each have different layouts and occupancy rules that affect how many luminaires you need and where they go. Our engineers assess this during your visit.

Can I combine this with other compliance checks?

Yes. Many landlords bundle emergency light testing with their EICR, fire alarm test, or gas safety certificate to save time and reduce site visits.