A Complete Guide to Emergency Lighting Testing (2025)
Keep your building safe, compliant, and ready for anything.
When it comes to fire safety, most business owners focus on smoke detectors, extinguishers, and evacuation procedures. But emergency lighting is just as vital—and often overlooked. In the event of a power cut or fire, these lights guide occupants to safety when visibility matters most.
Regular emergency lighting testing is not just best practice - it’s a legal requirement in the UK. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about testing your emergency lighting system to stay compliant, avoid penalties, and protect lives.
Need help with emergency lighting?
GMSE Fire & Security offers fully compliant installation and testing services for commercial and industrial buildings.
What is Emergency Lighting?
Emergency lighting is a battery-powered system designed to operate automatically when the mains power fails. It plays a critical role in helping people exit a building safely during an emergency. There are several types, each serving a specific function:
Escape Route Lighting
Installed along stairways, corridors, and exits to guide people out of the building safely.Open Area (Anti-Panic) Lighting
Designed to illuminate large rooms or open spaces, reducing panic and helping people find the nearest exit.High-Risk Task Area Lighting
Installed where dangerous equipment is operated to allow safe shutdown during an emergency.Standby Lighting (less common)
Provides normal illumination during power failures, but is not considered emergency lighting under BS 5266-1.
Why is Emergency Light Testing Important?
Emergency lighting isn’t something you notice—until it fails. Regular testing ensures your system works when it matters most. Here’s why it’s essential:
Life-Saving
A well-lit escape route can make the difference between a safe evacuation and a chaotic one.Legal Compliance
UK law requires regular testing and maintenance. Non-compliance could lead to enforcement action, fines, or invalid insurance claims.Peace of Mind
Knowing your emergency systems are functioning gives reassurance to both staff and visitors.Cost-Effective Risk Management
Catching faults early avoids expensive repairs, downtime, or legal claims.
UK Emergency Lighting Testing Regulations
If you're responsible for a commercial or public building in the UK, you must follow these regulations:
1. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
This places legal responsibility on the "Responsible Person" to ensure all fire safety systems—including emergency lighting—are properly maintained and tested.
2. BS 5266-1:2016
The British Standard that sets the code of practice for emergency lighting. It outlines:
Design specifications
Installation requirements
Testing intervals
Logbook maintenance
3. Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
Mandates the use of illuminated signs for safe exit routes, particularly in low-visibility situations.
Failure to comply with these can result in enforcement notices, fines, or prosecution.
External source: Gov.uk – Fire safety in the workplace
How Often Should Emergency Lighting Be Tested?
Here’s a breakdown of the required emergency lighting testing frequency:
| Test Type | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Test | Every month | Brief functional test to confirm lights operate |
| Annual Test | Every 12 months | Full-duration test (usually 3 hours) to assess battery life |
| Visual Check | Ongoing | Identify damaged fittings or obscured signs |
Each test must be recorded in a fire safety logbook, noting the date, results, and any corrective actions taken.
Pro tip: Schedule tests during low-occupancy periods to minimise disruption.
Who is Responsible for Emergency Lighting Compliance?
Under UK fire safety legislation, the "Responsible Person", typically the building owner, employer, or property manager, must:
Ensure emergency lighting is installed where needed.
Arrange regular testing by competent personnel.
Keep a written record of all checks and maintenance.
Tip: If you’re unsure who the Responsible Person is in your organisation, it’s usually whoever has control over the premises.
Partnering with an SSAIB-certified company like GMSE Fire & Security ensures that your testing is not only compliant, but expertly handled.
Step-by-Step Guide to Testing Emergency Lighting
If you're planning to carry out the checks yourself (where appropriate), or simply curious to know the procedure, here’s how to stay compliant:
1. Appoint a Competent Person
Testing must be conducted by someone trained and confident in emergency systems. For annual tests, it’s best to use a certified provider.
2. Check the Logbook
Review past entries to track recurring faults or overdue checks.
3. Monthly Functional Test
Use the test key switch or control panel to simulate power failure.
Confirm all emergency lights illuminate.
Restore power and ensure charge indicators return to normal.
4. Annual Full-Duration Test
Simulate a mains failure for the full battery duration (typically 3 hours).
Walk the premises to ensure all fittings stay lit for the full time.
Note any lights that fail or dim prematurely.
5. Document Everything
Include the date, who performed the test, what was observed, and what actions (if any) were taken.
6. Fix Issues Promptly
Non-functioning lights must be replaced or repaired without delay.
Common Emergency Lighting Testing Mistakes
Here are some common pitfalls—and how to avoid them:
❌ Skipping Monthly Checks
Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind. Neglecting regular checks risks non-compliance and system failure.
❌ Incomplete Logbooks
Missing records can lead to fines or invalidate insurance claims during audits or fire investigations.
❌ Using Untrained Staff
Only trained individuals should carry out testing. DIY tests without training may miss critical faults.
❌ Blocked or Covered Lights
Storage, signs, or new décor can inadvertently cover fittings—making them useless in an emergency.
✅ Prevention Tip: Schedule reminders, assign responsibility, and partner with professionals for peace of mind.
FAQs
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UK law requires monthly functional checks and annual full-duration tests of all emergency lighting systems. Records must be kept, and any faults repaired without delay.
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This is the full-duration annual test required under BS 5266-1. The emergency lights must stay on for their rated battery duration (typically 3 hours) to demonstrate reliability in a real power failure.
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Monthly for a short function test, and annually for a full 3-hour battery duration test. Visual checks should be ongoing.
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Trained in-house staff can do monthly tests, but the annual test should be carried out by a competent or certified provider.
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They must be repaired or replaced immediately. Ongoing failures can result in enforcement action or invalidate your fire safety compliance.
Conclusion
Emergency light testing is a small but essential part of keeping your building safe and legally compliant. By understanding the regulations, testing regularly, and maintaining accurate records, you protect lives and your business.
Don’t leave it to chance. GMSE Fire & Security offers expert, fully compliant emergency lighting testing across London and the South East.