Emergency lighting testing: how often and what is involved
By Azzeddine Kebbi, NAPIT-registered electrician and director of Kebbi Electrical Services · Updated 10 November 2026
Emergency lighting should have a short functional test every month and a full-duration test once a year, where the lights run on battery for three hours. Every test, fault and repair is recorded in a log book. The standard is BS 5266-1.
The two tests
Monthly functional test
A brief simulated power failure, usually with a test key, to check every emergency light comes on. Often called a flick test.
Annual full-duration test
The mains supply to the emergency lights is switched off and they run on battery for three hours. Every light must stay lit to the end.
What gets checked
- Every emergency light and illuminated exit sign comes on when the supply fails.
- Fittings are clean, undamaged and not blocked.
- Batteries last the full rated duration on the annual test.
- Charging indicators come back on when the supply is restored.
Who is responsible
In business premises and the shared parts of residential buildings, the responsible person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 must make sure emergency escape lighting works and is maintained. In practice that is the employer, building owner, landlord or managing agent. Testing must be done by a competent person.
Records to keep
- A log book entry for every monthly and annual test, with the date and result.
- Each light identified by its location.
- Any faults found and the date they were fixed.
After the annual test the batteries need time to recharge, so it is best done when the building is empty or at low risk.
Common questions
How often should emergency lighting be tested?
A short functional test every month and a full-duration test once a year, in line with BS 5266-1.
How long is the annual emergency lighting test?
Three hours. The lights run on their batteries for the full period and must all still be lit at the end.
Is emergency lighting testing a legal requirement?
The Fire Safety Order requires emergency escape lighting in business premises and shared areas to be kept in working order. Regular testing to BS 5266-1 with a log book is the accepted way to show that.
Can I do the monthly test myself?
The monthly test can be done by a competent person on site using the test key, as long as it is recorded. The annual test and any repairs are usually done by an electrician.
Do HMOs and blocks of flats need emergency lighting?
Shared escape routes in HMOs and blocks of flats often need emergency lighting, depending on the fire risk assessment and licence conditions.
Need emergency lighting tested in Bristol?
See our emergency lighting installation and testing in Bristol.