How Often Should Emergency Lighting Be Tested?

Emergency lighting is required to be tested regularly to ensure that it will function correctly during a power failure or emergency evacuation.  Within the UK emergency lighting testing requirements are guided by legislation BS 5266 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  These place responsibility on building owners, employers, landlords, and facilities managers to maintain safe emergency lighting systems.

For the vast majority of commercial and public buildings emergency lighting should be function tested on a monthly basis and fully tested one per year.  Fully tested in this case means that the lights should be run in the same way as they would in an emergency situation.  Regular testing helps to identify any possible faults before an actual emergency occurs. 

Why Emergency Lighting Testing Is Important

Emergency lighting is designed to activate automatically when the mains power fails.  If the system is not tested properly due to something such as a failed battery or lamp there is a risk that this would be undetected until an emergency happens.  This therefore shows us why regular testing is vital for emergency lighting.  Keeping up with regular testing will ensure that all legal compliance is maintained and that all exits are adequately lit in an emergency.

What UK Standards Apply?

The main guidance for emergency lighting testing comes from BS 5266, BS EN 50172 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

These standards outline testing procedures; inspection schedules, maintenance requirements and any record keeping requirements.  Although exact requirements can vary depending on the building and fire risk assessment the general testing schedule is widely accepted across all UK commercial premises.

How Often Should Emergency Lighting Be Tested?

Daily Checks (In Some Buildings)

In buildings where emergency lighting is critical (such as hospitals, cinemas, or large public venues) daily visual checks are recommended.  These checks typically involve checking that any charging indicators are illuminated, no obvious damage is present on the lighting and that all light fittings appear operational.

Monthly Emergency Lighting Tests

A short functional test should normally be carried out every month for all commercial properties that have emergency lighting.  This is sometimes called a “flick test” because the mains power supply is briefly interrupted to confirm the emergency lights activate correctly.

During this monthly test you should check that:

• all emergency lights illuminate,
• exit signs remain visible,
• fittings are clean and undamaged,
• that all indicator LEDs show a normal charging status.

It is important that after doing this any failed fittings or faults found should be repaired as soon as possible.

Annual Full Duration Test

A full discharge test should be carried out once per year.  During this test you should make sure that the mains power supply is disconnected and that the emergency lighting system operates entirely on battery power for its full rated duration.  In most UK buildings this duration will be 3 hours.

The annual test should confirm that:

• batteries can still hold sufficient charge,
• lights remain operational throughout the full period,
• escape routes remain adequately illuminated.

After the test you should then allow the lighting system time to fully recharge.

What Happens During a Full Duration Test?

During the annual test inspectors will check:

• every emergency fitting,
• exit signage,
• battery performance,
• charging systems,
• light output levels.

If any lights fail before the end of the required duration you need to replace the required parts.  This could include the batteries, fittings or lamps.  This should be made clear during the full duration test.

Who Can Perform Emergency Lighting Tests?

Basic monthly visual and functional tests should be carried out by the defined “responsible person”.  This could include a facilities manager, maintenance staff member or a caretaker.

However, annual full duration testing and repairs should be performed by qualified electricians, emergency lighting specialists or fire safety contractors.

Do Emergency Lighting Tests Need to Be Recorded?

Yes they do.  UK fire safety guidance recommends maintaining a logbook that contains:

• testing dates,
• inspection results,
• faults identified,
• repairs completed,
• maintenance records.

These records can be requested during fire safety inspections, insurance assessments, or for incident investigations.  Proper documentation is required to demonstrate that emergency lighting systems are being maintained responsibly.

What Happens If Emergency Lighting Is Not Tested?

Failure to test emergency lighting regularly can create serious safety risks.  This can include failed evacuation lighting during emergencies, non-compliance with fire regulations, possible fines, or legal liability following an accident.

Self-Testing Emergency Lighting Systems

Some modern emergency lighting systems will include automatic self testing features.

These systems are able to perform scheduled diagnostic tests, monitor the battery condition, and indicate suspected faults automatically.  It is still important to check on the lights visually on occasion but these systems are a great way of reducing the amount of time taken on these inspections.

Summary

Emergency lighting needs to be function tested once a month and fully discharged tested annually.  These tests help to ensure that emergency escape routes remain properly illuminated during power failures and that the buildings they are in comply with UK fire safety regulations.

Regular inspection, testing, maintenance and maintaining accurate testing records are essential to ensure occupant safety and legal compliance.