Emergency lighting testing
Emergency lighting should get a short functional test every month and a full rated duration test once a year, usually 3 hours, following BS 5266-1. Each test is recorded in your fire log book. The monthly test is simple enough for a trained member of staff; the annual test is normally done by a competent engineer.
The tests
| Test | How often | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Daily visual check (central battery systems) | Daily | Check the system indicator shows normal |
| Functional (“flick”) test | Monthly | Cut the mains supply with the test key switch and check every emergency light and exit sign comes on; restore power and check the charging indicators |
| Full rated duration test | Annually | Run the lights on battery for their full rating, usually 3 hours, and check they stay lit to the end |
Doing the monthly test
- Pick a time when the building is quiet. After a test the batteries need up to 24 hours to recharge.
- Turn the test key switch for each circuit.
- Walk the escape routes and check every fitting is lit, including exit signs.
- Restore the supply and check the green charging lights are back on.
- Record the date, the result and any faults in the fire log book.
Annual test
Because the building is without emergency lighting while the batteries recharge, do the annual test when the building is empty or test alternate fittings so half of them always work. Many sites use self-test fittings that run the monthly and annual tests automatically and report faults; you still need to check and record the results.
When a light fails
- Record the location and the fault.
- Arrange a repair as soon as possible, and decide whether extra measures are needed until then, such as torches for fire marshals or closing a dark area.
- Record when the fault was fixed.
Log every emergency lighting test. The free fire log book includes monthly emergency lighting functional tests and the annual test, alongside fire alarm tests and drills. Pro keeps the history for inspections.
Free fire log book See ProQuestions
Is emergency lighting testing a legal requirement?
The Fire Safety Order 2005 requires escape routes that need lighting to have emergency lighting, and requires the equipment to be maintained in working order. BS 5266-1 is the recognised way to show this.
Who can do the monthly test?
A responsible person or a trained member of staff. The annual test, and installation and repairs, should be done by a competent person.
Do small businesses need emergency lighting?
Only where escape routes would be too dark to use safely in a power cut. Your fire risk assessment decides this.
Checked against BS 5266-1 and HM Government fire safety guidance, November 2026. Related: fire alarm testing.