How to Test Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting is a vital safety feature in any building, providing illumination when normal lighting fails during a power cut, fire or emergency. These systems guide people safely towards exits and ensure escape routes remain clearly visible. From maintained and non-maintained fittings to bulkheads, exit signs and twin spotlights, each type plays an important role in keeping occupants safe should the unexpected occur.

Testing emergency lighting ensures these systems operate correctly and meet legal requirements. It is not simply a regulatory task. It is a key part of safeguarding those inside your building and ensuring your lighting performs exactly as it should during emergency situations. Whether you are responsible for a commercial site, an HMO or want to improve safety at home, regular testing offers reassurance that your system is reliable when it matters most.

Why Is Emergency Lighting Testing Important?

Emergency lighting testing is essential for life safety. When an emergency happens, people rely on clear and immediate illumination to find their way out. If lights fail to power on or do not provide sufficient brightness, it can slow evacuation, increase confusion and place individuals at greater risk. Regular testing identifies issues early and ensures each fitting performs as expected.

Testing is also a legal requirement in the UK. Building owners and duty holders must keep emergency lighting functional and ready at all times. Inspections by fire authorities or insurers may include checks on your testing records, and non compliance can lead to enforcement action or invalidated policies. A properly tested system supports both safety and legal compliance and reduces liability should an incident occur.

Routine testing strengthens the reliability of your lighting system and provides the confidence that your building is well prepared for emergencies.

Emergency Lighting Testing Requirements in the UK

The UK standard for emergency lighting, BS 5266 1:2016, sets out how systems must be designed, installed and maintained. It applies to workplaces, commercial buildings, communal residential areas and many public spaces. Emergency lights must activate automatically during a mains power failure and must remain illuminated for a minimum duration, usually one or three hours depending on the fitting.

Duty holders must carry out regular testing and keep accurate records. Emergency lighting should also form part of your fire risk assessment. If deficiencies are found during inspections, this can impact your building's compliance, insurance and overall safety rating.

High quality fittings make meeting these requirements far easier. Products such as the Ansell Guardian bulkhead are designed to meet UK emergency lighting standards and deliver reliable performance during testing and real emergencies. Always consult a qualified engineer or your fire risk assessment if you are unsure about your specific responsibilities.

How to Test Emergency Lighting

Testing emergency lighting involves a series of simple checks. Begin with a visual inspection to ensure the luminaire is clean, undamaged and unobstructed. Look for cracked covers, missing labels, loose cabling or anything that might prevent the light from operating correctly.

Next, perform a functional test. Use the test switch or test key to simulate a mains failure. The emergency light should activate immediately. Check that it produces steady, adequate illumination. For directional fittings, including twin spotlights, confirm both lamps activate and angle correctly.

Battery checks are also essential. For quick monthly tests, a short activation is sufficient. For annual tests, the light must stay illuminated for its full rated duration. If it dims early or fails to last the required time, the battery will need replacing.

Record all test results in a logbook to maintain compliance and track recurring issues. Clear documentation supports inspections and simplifies maintenance across the building.

Emergency Light Testing: What to Look For

During the testing process, pay close attention to the quality and consistency of the light output. Emergency luminaires should be bright enough to illuminate exit routes safely. Dim, flickering or uneven light often indicates a failing battery or damaged LED module.

Check for physical damage, including cracked casings, discoloured lenses or loose connections. Inspect wiring and ensure that test switches operate correctly. For exit signs, verify that the legend is clean, correctly oriented and clearly visible from escape routes.

Battery condition is a key factor. If the light fades too soon during a prolonged test, the battery requires replacement. Water ingress can also be an issue, particularly in outdoor or damp environments. Fittings in these areas should be inspected carefully for moisture damage.

Identifying faults early ensures your system remains fully functional and compliant with safety regulations.

How Often Does Emergency Lighting Need to Be Tested?

Emergency lighting must be tested at several intervals to meet UK regulations. Monthly tests involve a short activation to confirm each unit responds correctly when mains power fails. This test is quick but vital for spotting immediate faults.

Six monthly tests are more detailed and check the system under longer simulated power outage conditions. Many building owners combine this with other scheduled maintenance tasks.

Annual tests are the most thorough. The system must run on battery power for its full rated duration. This confirms that batteries are healthy and capable of supporting a safe evacuation. All test results, faults and remedial actions must be recorded accurately.

Following this schedule ensures compliance with BS 5266 1:2016 and maintains the long term reliability of your emergency lighting system.

Self Test vs Manual Testing of Emergency Lighting

There are two main types of emergency lighting: self test and manual test. Manual test systems require a person to activate the test switch and record the results. This is workable for smaller premises but can become time consuming in larger sites or multi building estates.

Self test emergency lighting conducts its own internal tests at scheduled intervals and displays a small indicator showing whether a fault is present. This reduces labour and ensures potential issues are flagged automatically. For busy sites with many fittings, self test systems provide a significant efficiency advantage.

However, self test units often come with a higher upfront cost. Manual systems may still be suitable for small buildings with straightforward maintenance requirements. Choosing the right type depends on your property size, budget and maintenance capacity.

Keeping Your Emergency Lighting in Top Condition

Maintaining emergency lighting goes beyond routine testing. Regular cleaning, timely battery replacements and addressing faults promptly all contribute to a reliable and compliant system. Environmental factors such as dust, moisture and temperature changes can affect long term performance, especially in industrial and outdoor areas.

Accurate record keeping is essential for compliance. Logs help track issues, support inspections and ensure you never miss a scheduled test. It is also important to review your installation periodically. If escape routes change due to refurbishments or layout updates, your emergency lighting may also need repositioning or upgrading.

For replacement fittings, upgrades and new installations, you can explore our full range of emergency lighting products to find reliable, compliant solutions to suit your building.