Emergency Lighting: UK Testing & Regulatory Requirements

If the main power supply in your building fails for any reason, your emergency lighting is there to provide on-site safety. Emergency light types, including escape route and open-area lighting, are subject to regulations such as BS EN 1838 and BS 5266, as well as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

In case of an emergency, building users need clear, well-lit exit routes. Understanding emergency light regulations in the UK, along with emergency lighting testing requirements, is the best way to keep your business safe and compliant.

How does emergency lighting work?

Your building is legally required to have emergency lighting for escape routes, open areas, and high-risk task areas. There are three main emergency light types:

1. Maintained

Maintained lights are wired directly to the mains, with a battery backup that kicks in during power failures. As a result, there’s sufficient light for safe evacuation. A maintained system is cheaper and faster to install, but battery life can be limited.

2. Non-maintained

Non-maintained lighting is battery-operated and usually used for exit signs. It only activates during an emergency. These systems are easy to maintain but have higher upfront costs.

3. Combined

Combined lights use two or more lights, with one running on the mains and the other from the emergency lighting power supply. This system allows emergency and exit lights to coexist on one system.

Which buildings require emergency lighting?

Under BS 5266 in the Building Regulations 2006, emergency lighting is required in buildings where people work or sleep. This includes:

Offices
Schools
Hospitals
Shops
Hotels
Leisure centres
Theatres
Residential high-rises

What is the British standard for emergency lighting testing?

BS 5266 covers the design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting in the UK. It’s a fundamental safety measure that prevents injuries or fatalities in emergencies.

Compliance with BS 2566 is a legal requirement, and includes:

Conducting a risk assessment.
Installing emergency lighting in specific areas.
Minimum lux levels for escape routers, open areas, and task lighting.
The minimum operational duration after a power failure (generally 1-3 hours).
Maintenance and emergency light test frequency.
Detailed record keeping, including emergency lighting test certificates.

At phs Compliance, our experts offer a complete Lighting Maintenance and Emergency Lighting Testing service for full BS 5266 compliance and peace of mind.

Who is responsible for emergency lighting testing?

The responsible person is legally accountable for organising and overseeing emergency lighting testing. This designated responsible person will usually be the employer, building owner or landlord, or a facilities manager.

Testing can be conducted by a “competent person”. This is usually a qualified electrician, fire safety professional, or certified engineer who possesses the right training, skills, and knowledge of BS 5266 standards.

How often should emergency lights be tested?

Emergency light testing can be performed manually (by physically cutting the power supply) or automatically (via self-testing emergency lighting).

Generally, emergency light test frequency should follow this schedule:

Daily (battery systems only): Visual inspection to check that the indicator light is functioning and the battery is charging.
Monthly (all systems): BS EN 50172 / BS 5266-8 mandates monthly testing, using a simple ‘flick’ test. This test simulates a power failure and checks that the emergency lights switch on correctly.
Annually (all systems): Annual tests check that emergency lighting stays illuminated for the required duration. All lights should be functioning correctly by the end of the test. If not, they need to be replaced.

Monthly and annual testing should be recorded and logged.

What happens during emergency lighting testing?

Your organisation is required to conduct the minimum level of testing outlined in BS EN 50172 / BS 5266-8. Emergency lighting testing has three key goals: safety, compliance and maintenance.

Monthly tests

Verify emergency lighting: Check that lights provide adequate illumination and are clean and working. Check for flickering, dimness or broken lights.
Check battery charging: Ensure that the battery charging indicator lights are functioning correctly. These are usually green LEDs to show this.
Keep a record: Note the date, faults, and pass/fail status.

Annual tests

Full discharge: Emergency lighting must remain on for 1 hour in premises that can be evacuated quickly and for 3 hours in premises where people sleep, or where rapid evacuation isn’t possible. Check whether the backup battery needs to be replaced.
Professional maintenance: Full-duration testing is usually conducted by experienced technicians who perform comprehensive checks to identify failing systems.

How should emergency light tests be documented?

The results of your tests can be recorded on sheets or in a logbook. If you use a third party for testing, you should receive emergency lighting test certificates for your records.

Regular testing keeps your organisation compliant and helps you plan for crucial maintenance.

Key emergency light test details should be recorded as follows:

Date and time
Device being tested, e.g. emergency exit lighting
Device location, e.g. in a lobby
Reference numbers, including battery capacity and installation date
Type of test and duration, e.g. 30 seconds for a flick test, 1-3 hours for an annual test
Observations, including faults and remedial action
Tester information, including ID and name

Make phs Compliance your trusted partner for emergency lighting testing

Emergency lights testing is crucial for your organisation to ensure regulatory compliance and user safety

For complete peace of mind, contactphs Compliance today to access our full range of emergency lighting testing and maintenance services.

Associated articles

Statutory Inspection & Test: thoroughbred racing