Accredited Emergency Lighting & Testing Services
Ensure your emergency lighting is fully operational and compliant. GMSE offers expert installation, testing and maintenance for commercial, industrial and residential properties across the South East.
Ensure compliance and safety for your property.
Why Emergency Lighting Matters
Protects You From: Panic during power cuts | Legal non-compliance | Insurance issues | Unsafe evacuations
When the power cuts out, people don’t calmly Google "emergency exit". They panic. That’s why emergency lighting is a legal requirement in commercial buildings — and a smart safety precaution in residential settings too. It helps your staff, customers, or loved ones evacuate safely, even in total darkness, smoke, or chaos.
Emergency lighting systems kick in automatically during a power failure, illuminating escape routes, stairwells, and high-risk areas. But it’s not enough to just install it and forget it — regular emergency lighting tests and maintenance are essential to ensure your system works when it’s needed most.
At GMSE Fire & Security, we help businesses - and increasingly, homeowners - across the South East stay safe, compliant, and ready for anything. Whether you're looking to install emergency lighting or need help with ongoing testing and servicing, we’ve got you covered.
“BS 5266-1 requires emergency lighting in all non-domestic buildings.”
Our Services
Whether you’re installing a new emergency lighting system or maintaining an existing one, GMSE Fire & Security offers expert solutions tailored to your building, budget, and safety or compliance needs. From commercial properties and public buildings to shared residential spaces, our fully qualified engineers deliver every service with precision, professionalism, and minimal disruption.
Emergency Lighting Installation
Design and fitting of emergency lighting systems in accordance with BS 5266-1. Ideal for new builds, refurbishments, shared residential spaces, or safety upgrades.
Routine Testing & Inspection
We carry out both monthly function tests and full annual discharge tests, providing detailed documentation for audit readiness - whether for HSE, insurance, or landlord compliance.
Emergency Lighting Maintenance
Preventive servicing, battery replacements, and full system checks to keep your lighting reliable, whether at work or at home, when you need it most.
Compliance Support & Certification
You’ll receive clear, professional records after every test or service visit — perfect for fire risk assessments, insurance, landlord checks, or HSE compliance.
We can also help with:
✅Maintained and non-maintained lighting systems
✅LED and bulkhead emergency lighting fittings
✅Out-of-hours servicing
Who We Work With
Offices & Co-working Spaces
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Appartment Blocks & Communal Areas
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Retail Stores & Shopping Centres
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Warehouses & Industrial Units
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Hospitality Venues
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Schools, Nurseries & Colleges
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Property Managers & Landlords
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HMOs & Share Housing
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Offices & Co-working Spaces • Appartment Blocks & Communal Areas • Retail Stores & Shopping Centres • Warehouses & Industrial Units • Hospitality Venues • Schools, Nurseries & Colleges • Property Managers & Landlords • HMOs & Share Housing •
Emergency Lighting FAQs
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Emergency lighting is a backup system that automatically activates when mains power fails. It helps illuminate escape routes and high-risk areas in commercial, public, and residential settings.
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Emergency lighting should be tested monthly for basic functionality and annually for full battery duration. These checks ensure compliance with BS 5266-1 and keep your building safe and audit-ready.
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Only qualified professionals should install emergency lighting. GMSE engineers are fully certified to install systems in commercial buildings, shared residential spaces, and other property types.
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The primary British Standard is BS 5266-1. It outlines requirements for the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems in various premises.
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Common types include:
Maintained lighting (always on)
Non-maintained lighting (activates only during power loss)
Combined units with standard and emergency functions
We’ll recommend the right type for your premises.
GMSE helps you choose the right type for your premises — commercial or residential.
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Most commercial and non-domestic properties in the UK are legally required to have emergency lighting. It's also recommended for communal residential areas like apartment blocks and HMOs.
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Testing involves simulating a power failure to ensure the lights activate, followed by a full-duration discharge (usually 3 hours) during annual inspections. GMSE carries out both types of tests.
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If your emergency lighting fails, GMSE will diagnose the fault, recommend the best fix, and carry out repairs to restore full safety and compliance with minimal disruption.
Still have questions?
Contact us here
Why Choose GMSE?
Choosing GMSE means choosing peace of mind. We're not just fire and security experts — we're specialists in emergency lighting systems that meet the highest safety and compliance standards for both commercial and residential settings.
✅ BS 5266-1 Compliant: All systems installed and tested to meet UK emergency lighting standards
✅ Certified Engineers: Fully qualified, SSAIB-accredited professionals with years of hands-on experience
✅ Zero Disruption: Testing and maintenance are scheduled around your working hours, or your tenants’, routines
✅ Clear Reports & Paperwork: You’ll always have what you need for audits, insurers, safety inspections, or landlord obligations
✅ Friendly, Local, Reliable: Based in the South East and trusted by businesses and property managers across the region
✅ Proactive Reminders: We’ll let you know when your next test is due - no chasing needed
Ready to Get Started?
Let’s make sure your emergency lighting is safe, compliant, and ready when it matters most — whether at work or at home.
If you need a new installation, scheduled testing, or expert advice on legal requirements, we’re here to help.
Book your free, no-obligation site visit today and let’s take the first step toward keeping your property protected.