Emergency lighting needs a short functional test every month and a full rated-duration test once a year, usually lasting three hours, with every result recorded in a log book. A trained member of staff can carry out the monthly test, and the annual test is normally done by a competent engineer who issues a certificate. The testing schedule comes from BS EN 50172 and BS 5266-1, and the legal duty to maintain the system comes from article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Why it needs testing
Emergency lighting has to work at the one moment the normal lighting has failed, often in a fire. It runs from batteries, either in each fitting or in a central battery system, and batteries lose capacity over time. Lamps fail, fittings get damaged, and building work can leave parts of an escape route without cover. Regular testing is the only way to know the system will light the way out when it is needed.
The Responsible Person must keep fire safety equipment, including emergency lighting, maintained in efficient working order and good repair.
Where emergency lighting is needed
Your fire risk assessment should say where emergency lighting is needed. It is usually provided to light:
- Escape routes, including corridors and stairs
- Each exit door and final exit
- Changes of direction and changes of floor level
- Fire alarm call points and firefighting equipment
- Exit and directional signs
- Larger open areas, so people can find their way to an escape route
- Areas where dangerous processes need to be shut down safely
The design and installation of a system is covered by BS 5266-1, and minimum lighting levels by BS EN 1838.
The testing schedule
| Interval | Test | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | For central battery systems, check the indicators show the system is healthy | A member of staff |
| Monthly | A short functional test: switch to emergency mode and check every fitting and sign lights | A trained member of staff or an engineer |
| Every year | A full rated-duration test: run the system on battery for its full rated time, usually three hours, and check every fitting stays lit | A competent engineer |
Record every test in the log book, whether it passes or fails.
How to do the monthly test
The monthly test checks that each fitting switches to battery power and lights. It should be short, just long enough to check every fitting, so the batteries are not significantly drained.
- Choose a time when the building is quiet and a short loss of normal lighting is not a risk
- Use the test key switch for the circuit, often a small fishtail key switch near the distribution board, to simulate a mains failure
- Walk the area and check that every emergency fitting and illuminated sign is lit
- Restore the supply and check that each fitting's charging indicator, usually a small green light, is on
- Record the date, the result and any faulty fittings in the log book
Some systems test themselves automatically, using automatic test systems to BS EN 62034. They still need checking: someone has to look at the results, act on failures and keep the records.
The annual full-duration test
Once a year, the system needs a full test for its rated duration. Most emergency lighting in the UK is rated for three hours. During the test, every fitting should stay lit for the full period.
After a full-duration test, the batteries can take up to 24 hours to recharge. During that time, the system may not be able to provide its full duration if the mains fails. Plan around this by:
- Testing when the building will be empty or lightly used for the following day, or
- Testing alternate fittings, so that half the system is always fully charged
The engineer will record the results and issue a certificate. Fittings that fail the duration test usually need new batteries or replacing.
Keeping records
A log book for emergency lighting should record:
- The date of every monthly and annual test, and the result
- Faults found, and when and how they were fixed
- Changes or additions to the system
- Certificates for installation and annual testing
Keep it on site with your fire alarm log book, as the fire and rescue service may ask to see both during an inspection.
Common faults
The most common problems found during testing are:
- Batteries that no longer last the full rated duration
- Failed lamps or LED modules
- Fittings damaged, painted over or obscured
- Signs missing, or not visible from the escape route
- Fittings no longer in the right place after an office refit or a change of layout
Replacing a battery or a fitting is usually straightforward. If the layout of the building has changed, the system design may need reviewing, not just the faulty fittings.
When you need an engineer
You need a competent engineer to design and install a new system, to carry out the annual full-duration test, and to repair faults you cannot deal with by replacing a fitting. Look for a firm with relevant certification, such as BAFE SP203-4, membership of ICEL, or NICEIC registration for the electrical work.
FireBid checks each firm's certification with the scheme before it can quote. You can get quotes for emergency lighting installation, testing and repairs, and see how we vet firms. Many firms also service fire alarms on the same visit; see our guide to fire alarm servicing and testing.
If you are a landlord, emergency lighting may be a condition of your HMO licence. Read our guide to HMO fire safety for landlords. If you are not sure whether your building needs emergency lighting at all, your fire risk assessment should answer that question.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements depend on your building, and they differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Last updated 21 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.