What it is
Emergency lighting must work when the normal supply fails, for long enough to get people out safely. BS 5266-1 recommends a short functional test monthly (usually by the responsible person) and a full rated-duration test annually, typically three hours. Our annual inspection includes the full-duration test, a check of each fitting's condition and coverage against the escape routes, and logbook entries. Because the batteries are discharged during the test, we plan it so the premises aren't left without emergency lighting while occupied.
What's included
- Full rated-duration discharge test
- Inspection of every fitting and exit sign
- Check of operation on mains failure
- Logbook entries and defects list
Not included
- Monthly functional tests (we can show you how, or include them in a maintenance plan)
- Replacement batteries or fittings (quoted)
- Fire alarm testing — a separate system and separate service
- Design or adequacy survey of a new system
Who needs it
- Non-domestic premises with emergency lighting
- Communal areas of flats and HMOs
- Responsible persons under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
What you'll receive
Emergency lighting periodic inspection and test certificate, with defects list.
How often
Full-duration test annually; monthly functional tests by the responsible person, as recommended by BS 5266-1.
What the rules say
Each point is labelled so you can tell what's law, what's a British Standard, and what's good practice or comes from your lease, licence or insurer.
- Legal requirementEngland and Wales
Escape routes that need lighting must have emergency lighting
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, emergency routes and exits that need illumination must have emergency lighting of adequate intensity if the normal lighting fails. The responsible person must keep it maintained.
- Technical standardUK (British Standard)
BS 5266-1:2025 is the current code of practice
BS 5266-1 was revised in November 2025, replacing the 2016 edition. It now also covers local area and standby lighting.
- Technical standardUK (British Standard)Awaiting professional review
Routine testing: monthly checks and an annual full-duration test
The long-standing routine is a short monthly function test of each fitting and an annual test for the full rated duration (often three hours, sometimes one), with results recorded in a logbook.
Before your appointment
- Have the emergency lighting logbook and any previous certificates to hand.
- A full-duration test drains the batteries, so the building has reduced emergency cover for up to 24 hours afterwards while they recharge. We'll plan the timing with you.
- Give access to every fitting, including plant rooms and high-level fittings.
If something's found
- Failed fittings are listed by location with the reason (battery, lamp, charging or wiring).
- We quote to repair or replace them, and re-test once done.
- You get a certificate and an updated logbook record for your fire risk assessment.
What affects the price
- Number of fittings
- Access and height
- Central battery systems versus self-contained fittings
- Out-of-hours testing
Read more
- Commercial electrical compliance: a practical checklist
The inspections and records most commercial premises need, which are law, which are British Standards, and which come from your lease or insurer.
- Emergency lighting testing: monthly checks and annual duration tests
Who's responsible, what BS 5266-1 covers, and the routine tests most premises follow.
Questions
Is emergency lighting the same as the fire alarm?
No. Emergency lighting lights escape routes when the power fails; the fire alarm detects fire and warns people. They're tested to different standards (BS 5266 and BS 5839) and we book them as separate services.
Will the building be left without emergency lighting?
After a full-duration test the batteries take up to 24 hours to recharge. We test in sections or at a time when the building is unoccupied, so it's never left unprotected while people are inside.