How often does emergency lighting need to be tested?

Under BS 5266, emergency lighting requires a brief monthly test (typically a 1-minute flick test), a 3-hour annual duration test, and a 3-year full discharge test. An annual inspection and certificate should be carried out by a competent person.

What buildings need emergency lighting?

Most commercial and public buildings require emergency lighting, including offices, schools, hotels, restaurants, shops, warehouses, care homes, sports facilities, and places of public entertainment. Domestic premises generally do not, unless they are HMOs with common areas.

Emergency Lighting Inspection

Emergency Lighting
Testing in
Berkshire & the Thames Valley

Name: PAT-ON Compliance Services
Address: Reading, Berkshire, GB
Telephone: 07379 134 540
Price range: ££

BS 5266 compliant emergency lighting inspections, duration tests, and certificates for commercial premises across Reading and Berkshire. Keep your building safe and legally compliant.

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What Is It?

What Is Emergency Lighting Testing?

Emergency lighting is a self-contained system of luminaires that activates automatically when the main power supply fails. Its purpose is to illuminate escape routes, exit signs, and high-risk areas long enough for building occupants to evacuate safely.

Emergency lighting testing is the systematic verification that each luminaire in the system will activate and maintain adequate illumination for its rated duration when required. Testing is carried out to BS 5266-1:2016, the British Standard for emergency lighting systems.

Each test visit results in a written record and a compliance certificate covering the tests carried out, the condition of the system, and any remedial actions required.

Legal Requirement

Is Emergency Lighting Testing a Legal Requirement?

Yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) places a duty on the "responsible person" — typically the employer or building owner — to ensure that emergency routes and exits are adequately illuminated by emergency lighting.

This legislation covers all non-domestic premises, including offices, schools, hotels, restaurants, shops, warehouses, sports facilities, and care homes.

Key point: Simply having emergency lighting installed is not enough. You must be able to demonstrate that it has been regularly tested and maintained. A valid test certificate is your proof of compliance.

Testing Schedule

How Often Does Emergency Lighting Need Testing?

BS 5266 specifies a tiered testing programme with different tests at different intervals.

Monthly

Brief Functional Test

A brief activation of each luminaire (typically 1 minute) to confirm it illuminates when triggered. This can be carried out in-house by a trained member of staff.

Duration: 1 minute per fitting

Most Common

Annually

Full Duration Test

The battery is fully discharged for its rated duration (usually 1 or 3 hours) to confirm the system will sustain illumination throughout a full evacuation. This requires a competent person and results in a compliance certificate.

Duration: 1–3 hours

Every 3 Years

Full Discharge Test

A complete discharge test of the system batteries to verify capacity and performance. Combined with a thorough inspection of the installation.

Duration: Half-day

Who Needs This?

Which Buildings Require Emergency Lighting?

Offices & Commercial Buildings

Any office or commercial space with employees is covered by the RRO 2005.

Schools & Educational Facilities

Emergency lighting is mandatory in corridors, stairwells, and assembly areas of all schools.

Hotels & Guest Accommodation

All guest routes, corridors, stairwells, and back-of-house areas must be covered.

Restaurants, Bars & Cafés

Public areas, kitchens, and escape routes require emergency lighting.

Shops & Retail Premises

Emergency lighting is required throughout retail spaces and back areas.

Care Homes & Healthcare

All areas accessible to residents or patients, including corridors and bathrooms.

Warehouses & Industrial Units

Emergency lighting needed on all escape routes, especially larger or multi-storey units.

Sports & Leisure Centres

Changing rooms, corridors, plant rooms, and all public areas require coverage.

HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)

Common areas, corridors, and stairwells in HMOs must have emergency lighting.

What's Included

What Comes with Your Emergency Lighting Test

Visual Inspection

Check of every luminaire, exit sign, and control gear for physical damage, dirt, obstruction, and correct positioning.

Functional Activation Test

Each emergency luminaire is triggered to confirm it activates immediately on simulated mains failure.

Duration Test (Annual)

Battery discharge for the rated duration (1 or 3 hours) to confirm the system will sustain the escape route illumination throughout a realistic evacuation.

Logbook Update

Your emergency lighting logbook is updated to reflect the test carried out, the date, and the tester's details — as required by BS 5266.

Compliance Certificate

A formal certificate of inspection and testing issued on the day, suitable for filing as evidence of compliance.

Remedial Works Report

Any fittings that fail are flagged with recommended remedial action so you can prioritise repairs and return to compliance.

FAQs

Common Questions About Emergency Lighting

What is the difference between maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting?

Maintained emergency lights are always on (e.g. exit signs that illuminate continuously). Non-maintained emergency lights are off under normal conditions and only activate when the mains supply fails. Both types require the same testing regime under BS 5266.

Can I do the monthly test myself?

Yes — the monthly brief functional test (a 1-minute activation check) can be carried out by a trained member of your own staff using the test key or switch on the control panel. However, the annual duration test and the associated certificate should be carried out by a competent person.

What happens if a fitting fails the test?

Failed fittings are recorded on your test report with notes on the likely cause (e.g. failed battery, defective lamp). You'll receive a clear remedial works report so you can arrange repair or replacement and return to compliance.

How long will the test take?

The duration of the annual test depends on your system's rated duration (typically 1 or 3 hours) plus the time to physically inspect and test each luminaire. For most small commercial premises, the full visit takes a half to full working day.

Do you cover Reading, Newbury, and Wokingham?

Yes — PAT-ON covers all of Berkshire and the Thames Valley. We regularly test in Reading, Newbury, Wokingham, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Slough, and surrounding areas.

Book Your Emergency Lighting Test

Get in touch for a no-obligation quote tailored to your premises. Certificates issued the same day.

Request a Quote Call 07379 134 540

Emergency Lighting Testing in Berkshire & the Thames Valley