How often should emergency lighting be tested?
Aaron Ashton • November 12, 2025
Understanding emergency lighting and its purpose
Emergency lighting is a backup lighting system that operates automatically when the main power supply fails. It includes signs and lights that guide people safely towards exits during an emergency, such as a fire or power outage.
In commercial premises, this type of lighting is a legal requirement and forms a key part of your building’s fire safety system. Regular testing ensures that it works correctly when needed and that your premises remain compliant with UK safety regulations.
Legal and safety requirements
Across the UK, emergency lighting
in commercial buildings must meet the standards set out in BS 5266-1, which provides guidance on design, installation, and maintenance.
In England and Wales, requirements fall under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. In Scotland, they are covered by the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005
and associated regulations. In Northern Ireland, the relevant laws are the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.
These regulations place responsibility on the person in charge of the premises such as the employer, building owner, or occupier to ensure that emergency lighting is tested and maintained regularly. They must also keep accurate records of all tests and arrange repairs promptly if any faults are found.
Testing frequency
Emergency lighting must be tested at regular intervals to ensure it will operate correctly during a power failure. UK standards recommend two main types of testing:
Monthly Test
A short functional test should be carried out every month. This involves simulating a power failure to confirm that each emergency light illuminates as expected. The test should last only long enough to verify operation, as prolonged testing can reduce battery life.
Annual Test
A full-duration test should be completed at least once a year. During this test, the mains power is switched off to check that the emergency lights remain illuminated for their full rated duration, usually three hours.
All test results should be recorded in a fire safety logbook, including any faults found and actions taken to correct them.
Common issues identified during testing
Regular testing helps identify faults that could prevent emergency lighting from working during an outage. Common issues include:
- Failed lamps or fittings – bulbs or LEDs that no longer operate.
- Battery faults – batteries that fail to hold charge or discharge too quickly.
- Damaged wiring or connections – loose or worn cables affecting reliability.
- Control panel warnings – fault indicators showing system errors or power supply issues.
Addressing these problems promptly ensures your system remains reliable and compliant with safety
Professional maintenance and record keeping
While monthly tests can often be completed in-house, a qualified engineer should carry out the annual inspection and servicing. Professional maintenance ensures all components, including batteries and control units, are tested to the correct standard and replaced when necessary.
Accurate record keeping is also essential. Each test, monthly or annual, should be logged with the date, test result, and any corrective action taken. These records demonstrate compliance with fire safety legislation and may be requested during inspections or by insurers.
Get in Touch
Regular testing of emergency lighting
is essential to maintain safety and comply with UK fire safety laws. Monthly checks confirm that the system operates correctly, while annual full-duration tests verify that it will perform during an emergency. Keeping detailed records and arranging professional maintenance ensures your system remains reliable and compliant.
By following these testing routines, you help protect everyone in your building and ensure safe evacuation when it matters most.
If you’d like professional support with emergency lighting testing or maintenance, contact us to arrange a service visit.
