How often must emergency lighting be tested?

BS 5266-1 requires a short function test of every luminaire monthly, and a full duration test annually in which the lighting must operate for its rated duration, normally three hours. Results should be recorded in the fire safety log book.

Is emergency lighting a legal requirement?

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, escape routes must be adequately lit, which in most non-domestic premises means emergency escape lighting installed and maintained to BS 5266-1.

How long must emergency lighting stay on?

Most commercial premises require a three-hour duration. A one-hour duration is only acceptable in limited circumstances where the building is evacuated immediately and not reoccupied until the supply is restored. Your fire risk assessment should confirm which applies.

Where does emergency lighting need to be installed?

BS 5266-1 requires emergency lighting on escape routes, at each exit door, at changes of direction and level, near stairs so each flight is lit, near firefighting equipment and call points, in toilets over a certain size, and in plant rooms and lift cars.

Emergency lighting & signage · BS 5266-1

When the power goes, people still need to find the way out

Emergency lighting keeps escape routes, exits and critical areas lit when the mains fails. We design, install, test and maintain it — and we handle the technical standard so you do not have to.

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BS 5266-1:2016The standard your system is tested against

MonthlyFunction test of every luminaire

Annual 3-hourFull duration discharge test

CertificatedCommissioning certificate issued

Why emergency lighting matters

Fires start at any hour, and in areas that never see natural light. When the normal circuits fail, emergency lighting is the only thing getting people safely out of the building.

The difficulty is knowing what level is right for your situation. It is not only the physical layout — the number of people using the building changes the solution too. That is what the survey is for.

We work in partnership with you across all areas of fire safety, so emergency lighting is specified as part of the whole picture rather than in isolation. The result is a building that is not just compliant, but genuinely safe to evacuate.

What we install

LED bulkheads — corridors and emergency exits
Fire exit signs — clearly marking escape routes
Emergency downlights — stairwells and large open spaces
Escape route signage — to BS 5499, matched to your layout

The testing regime, in plain terms

Two tests, two frequencies. Both have to be recorded in your logbook.

Every month — function testEach luminaire is switched to battery briefly to prove it illuminates. Quick, but it has to be done and logged every single month.

Every year — 3-hour duration testThe full discharge test. Every fitting must stay lit for its rated duration, then recharge. This is the one that finds the dead batteries.

Emergency lighting questions we get asked

Yes. Under BS 5266-1:2016 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, most non-domestic sites must provide compliant emergency lighting for safe escape.

It depends on your building's layout and use. We supply and install fire exit, equipment and instructional signage to meet the legal requirements for your premises.

Yes. We issue commissioning certificates in accordance with BS 5266-1, which you will need for your fire risk assessment and as evidence of compliance.

The monthly function test is usually done in-house because of its frequency — we will show your team how and give you the logbook. We carry out the annual three-hour duration test and certify it.

When was your last three-hour test?

If you cannot answer that with a date and a certificate, it is worth a conversation. No obligation.

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Emergency Lighting Solutions

Protect your premises with reliable, cost-effective emergency lighting solutions

We understand the critical importance of emergency lighting for ensuring safety during unforeseen power outages. Emergency lighting is essential for helping staff and visitors safely evacuate a building in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or power failure. It is a key component of any active fire protection system, ensuring pathways, exits, and crucial areas remain illuminated, even when the main power supply fails.

How do we protect your business and your emergency lighting requirements?

We work in partnership with you to help guide you through all areas of fire safety and provide emergency lighting advice, design, installation and maintenance. We make sure you are not only compliant, but also providing a safe environment for your people.

There are technical standards to adhere to in BS5266-1:2016, but don’t worry, we take care of that for you.

Complete emergency lighting solutions:

LED Bulkheads: Ideal for corridors and emergency exits
Fire Exit Signs: Clearly mark escape routes to guide occupants to safety.
Emergency Downlights: Perfect for maintaining lighting in specific areas such as stairwells or large open spaces

We ensure our lighting solutions comply with the latest health and safety regulations to keep your business protected.

All-round fire safety solutions

Whether you need emergency lighting for exit doors, escape routes, stairways, fire fighting equipment, lifts etc. will all be down to your fire risk assessment. As with any area of active fire protection, emergency lighting forms part of a bigger picture in ensuring you are not just compliant, but that you provide a fire safe environment.

We have years of experience in working in partnership with businesses just like you to risk assess, plan for, and maintain the right fire safety to take away the hassle from you and provide you with the support and confidence you need in this area.

Find out more about our full range of services including active fire protection and fire warden training.

The importance of emergency lighting

Fires can start at any time of day or night or in areas that may not have any natural light at any time of the day. When the normal electrical circuits fail, emergency lighting becomes the only way to safely escort people to safety. The challenge is knowing the right level of emergency lighting for your situation given that it is not just the physical aspects of your scenario, but also the number of people using the building that will impact the solution you need.