Emergency Lighting Testing: Monthly and Annual Checks

Emergency lighting has one job: to light the way out when the mains supply fails. Because it sits unused for most of its life, the only way to know it will work is to test it on a schedule.

Who is responsible?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person for a non-domestic building must make sure emergency lighting is maintained and tested. BS 5266-1 is the standard most fire risk assessors and insurers measure against.

Monthly function test

Each month every fitting should be switched to battery for a short period, usually by a test key switch, to check that the lamp lights and the changeover works. Anything that fails is recorded and repaired.

Annual duration test

Once a year each fitting must run on battery for its full rated duration, usually three hours, to prove the battery still holds its charge. Because the system needs time to recharge afterwards, the annual test is best done when the building is empty or done in alternate zones.

Keep the log book

Every test, fault and repair should be logged. A complete log book is often the first thing a fire officer or auditor asks to see.

Common faults we find

• Batteries that pass the monthly test but fail the three-hour test
• Fittings removed or covered during fit-outs
• Exit signs pointing the wrong way after layouts change
• No test key switch, so testing relies on tripping circuits