Emergency Light Testing

The Fire Safety Order 2005 (England and Wales) and equivalent regulations in Scotland and Northern Ireland require suitable and sufficient fire precautions in premises. Emergency lighting is a mandatory requirement in most commercial buildings.

Testing must be carried out to BS 5266-1:2025 standards, with monthly functional tests and annual full-duration testing by a qualified technician. Test records must be maintained as evidence of compliance.

What does emergency light testing include?

Emergency lighting testing comprises two distinct activities, each serving a different compliance purpose:

Monthly functional test (flick test)

A visual check where mains power is deliberately cut to the emergency lighting system for a minimum of 10 seconds (depending on the system type). This confirms that battery backup activates and lights illuminate. Test records should be documented.

Annual full-duration test

A formal inspection and test by a qualified technician to verify that every emergency light fixture achieves the required illumination level and operates for the full duration specified by law (typically three hours minimum). This test includes verification of battery capacity, visual inspection of all fittings, and a full functional test.

How emergency light testing is carried out

Monthly functional checks are typically completed in-house by the responsible person or a competent member of staff. The annual full-duration test requires a qualified technician and is what Robinsons Facilities Services attends to carry out.

Our annual test visit follows this sequence:

Step 1 – Luminaire identification and condition check 

We locate and log all emergency luminaires, exit signs, and central battery systems on site. Each fitting is visually inspected for physical damage, dirt accumulation, or obvious defects.

Step 2 – Full-duration discharge test 

Each luminaire is tested for its rated duration — typically three hours for maintained and non-maintained fittings — to verify that batteries hold sufficient charge to meet BS 5266-1 requirements.

Step 3 – Lux level and coverage check 

We verify that illuminance levels are adequate along escape routes and at mandatory signage points, confirming coverage meets the standard.

Step 4 – Remedial works 

Any luminaires that fail the duration test, fall below required lux levels, or are found defective are identified. We discuss repair or replacement options and can quote for remedial works where required.

Step 5 – Certificate and log book update 

A test certificate is issued and your emergency lighting log book updated. This satisfies the requirement to maintain records under the Fire Safety Order.

When do emergency light batteries need replacement?

Emergency light batteries typically last between 3 to 5 years depending on battery type, usage patterns, charging cycles, and environmental conditions. Lead-acid batteries tend to last longer than nickel-cadmium types. 

Annual full-duration testing will reveal battery degradation. If a battery fails to sustain the required duration or shows signs of corrosion or swelling, replacement is necessary.

If remedial work including battery replacement is identified, this can be arranged through our Quoted Works service.

Emergency light testing across Yorkshire and the Humber

Robinsons Facilities Services has been carrying out emergency light testing for commercial buildings across Yorkshire and the Humber for decades — supporting organisations across Leeds, Harrogate, York, Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Hull, and surrounding areas.

We work with property managers, multi-academy trusts, healthcare providers, local authorities, and commercial property owners across a wide range of environments, many as their single supplier for all building maintenance and compliance.

All testing is carried out to the current edition of BS 5266-1:2025 by qualified, experienced electricians accredited to recognised standards across health and safety, quality, and technical competence.