How Often Should Emergency Lighting Be Tested?
Emergency lighting is a critical fire safety feature in any building as it provides essential light during a power outage in the event of a fire. Conducting an emergency lighting test is not simply good practice; it’s a legal requirement in the UK, and this responsibility ultimately falls upon the ‘responsible person’ of the building.
In this blog, we’ll look at how often emergency lighting should be tested, along with who can test emergency lighting and how to check emergency lights effectively so you can ensure your emergency lighting remains in good working order.
What is emergency lighting and why is it important?
The primary function of emergency lighting is to illuminate escape routes in the event of a power outage and ensure the safe evacuation of occupants in the event of an emergency. Without a reliable emergency lighting system, evacuation can become chaotic and hazardous.
They not only guide occupants towards safety, but they also help to avoid obstacles and potential dangers that are hidden in darkness. As well as this, emergency lighting assists emergency services with navigating the building, locating occupants, and carrying out rescue operations effectively, which further highlights the critical role of a functional emergency lighting system.
In England and Wales, emergency lighting is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legislation mandates that all business premises, regardless of their nature, must have a functioning emergency lighting system.
The responsible person – typically the building owner, managing agent, employer, or facilities manager – has a legal obligation to ensure emergency lighting systems are regularly tested and maintained in good working order. This includes conducting regular inspections and tests to ensure that the system will perform as expected in an emergency.
How often should emergency lighting be tested?
The exact emergency lighting test frequency will depend on the type of your building, its risk level, your system design, and your fire risk assessment findings, however as per BS 5266-1 guidance, emergency lighting should be tested monthly and annually.
Monthly testing typically consists of a short functional test, checking that emergency lights activate correctly when the mains supply is interrupted, while the annual test confirms that the system can remain illuminated for its full rated duration. This two-tier testing approach ensures that any potential issues with the system are detected and addressed promptly.
Monthly testing procedures
As mentioned, monthly emergency lighting tests involve a short functional test mimicking a mains power supply failure. The objective is to confirm that each emergency light switches on and provides adequate light. These tests involve a few key steps including:
- Isolating the power supply to the emergency lighting system using a secure device key to avoid disrupting normal lighting within the building.
- Visually inspecting each bulb to ensure it illuminates correctly and is free from any damage.
- Recording the test results in a dedicated log book, noting any faults or issues encountered during the test.
This monthly test is designed to identify faults before an emergency occurs. These tests are usually brief, but they should still be recorded properly. If any light fails to illuminate, appears damaged, or doesn’t operate as expected, the issue should be investigated and repaired as soon as possible.
Annual assessment procedures
Besides monthly checks, a full duration annual test is also mandatory as outlined in BS 5266-1. This comprehensive assessment requires switching off the primary lighting circuit for an extended period, typically three hours, to test the emergency lights’ full duration capacity.
This annual test evaluates the health of the backup battery, which is a critical component of any emergency lighting system. A competent and qualified specialist, like AFP Wales, should undertake these annual tests, review the record of all monthly tests, and handle any necessary remedial work.
An annual emergency lighting test is more comprehensive than a monthly test. This is especially important in larger or more complex premises where evacuation may take longer, or where occupants may need additional support. Once the test is complete, the system should be allowed to recharge fully, and any faults should be recorded and addressed.
What can affect the frequency of testing emergency lighting?
When it comes to emergency lighting testing, it’s important to note that there may be some key factors that can affect the frequency of testing. For example, your emergency lighting testing frequency may be influenced by:
- Building size and layout
- Occupancy levels
- Whether the building is open to the public
- The complexity of escape routes
- The needs of vulnerable occupants
- The type of emergency lighting system installed
- Fire risk assessment findings
- Previous faults or maintenance issues
- Manufacturer recommendations
While monthly and annual testing are the standard baseline, some premises may require closer monitoring depending on risk. A competent fire safety provider, like AFP Wales, can help determine whether your current testing routine is suitable for your building.
How to check emergency lights
Checking emergency lights involves a testing procedure that focuses on simulating a real-life power outage. However, before conducting a test, preparation is key to minimising disruption and ensuring a smooth process. Scheduling the test outside peak operating hours is often advisable to avoid inconvenience to building occupants, and proper communication beforehand is also key.
Some key steps to performing an effective emergency lighting test include:
- Isolating the mains power – using a designated switch or ‘fish key’, the mains power supply to the emergency lighting system should be cut.
- Conducting a systematic inspection – a qualified professional should walk the entire building or designated circuit to visually inspect each emergency light.
- Record keeping – after every test, it’s vital to document the status of each light fixture in a logbook.
- Restoring power – once the test is complete, the mains supply should be switched back on.
Once the mains supply is restored, it’s important to re-inspect the system to ensure all emergency lights are functioning correctly and charging properly.
Who can test emergency lighting?
Testing emergency lighting systems is not a task that just anyone can handle. Due to the critical safety role these systems play, only competent and fully qualified specialists should perform these tests. In the context of emergency lighting testing, this should be someone with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to conduct these checks safely and effectively.
At AFP Wales, we’re a BS EN 9001:2000 certified company, meaning you can trust us for the installation and maintenance on your emergency lighting. This kind of accreditation not only demonstrates our competence, but also showcases our strong understanding of legal requirements, testing procedures, and potential hazards. It also ensures that the testing process is carried out meticulously and to the required standards.
Let us help with your emergency lighting testing
It’s clear to see that regular testing of emergency lighting is not only crucial for the safety of your building occupants, but also for the compliance of legal requirements. With regular testing, you can have peace of mind knowing your emergency lights will function optimally during an emergency.
As well as emergency lighting installation and maintenance, we offer a huge range of trusted fire safety services including fire alarm services, fire extinguisher products and maintenance, kitchen fire suppression, and much more for businesses around Cardiff, Pontypridd, Newport, and across wider Wales. We’re also part of the LS Fire Group, which allows us to provide our professional fire safety services nationwide with the help of our partner brands.
If you’d like to learn more about our services, enquire about our emergency lighting products, or to book a professional assessment, don’t hesitate to get in touch today with our experts.
Emergency lighting FAQs
- Can I perform emergency lighting tests myself?
- To ensure compliance, it’s strongly recommended to consult the help of a competent and qualified professional or company like AFP Wales. This ensures the test adheres to the necessary legal requirements and guarantees fire safety compliance for your building.
- What happens if my emergency lighting fails the test?
- A failed emergency lighting test signifies your system wouldn’t offer adequate light during a power failure. It’s crucial to address any issues promptly and contact a qualified technician to diagnose and fix the problem. This could range from a faulty bulb to a failing battery. Whatever the issue, it’s important to undertake the necessary repairs to ensure your system’s compliance and the safety of building occupants.
- Are there different testing requirements for different types of buildings?
- While the fundamental principles of emergency lighting tests remain consistent, specific requirements may vary based on factors like building size, occupancy type, and potential hazards. Commercial premises have more stringent requirements due to factors like higher occupancy levels and complex layouts. Consulting fire safety guidelines or speaking with one of our qualified professionals can help you determine any specific testing requirements for your building.
- Do I need to record every emergency light test?
- Every emergency lighting test should be documented in a fire safety logbook. Records should include the test date, type of test, areas or circuits tested, results, faults identified, remedial action taken, and the name of the person who carried out the test. Keeping clear records helps demonstrate that emergency lighting is being tested and maintained as part of your building’s wider fire safety responsibilities.
- What is the correct emergency lighting test frequency?
- Best practice is that emergency lighting should be tested monthly with a short functional test and annually with a full-duration test. The monthly test confirms that lights activate when the mains power is interrupted, while the annual test checks that the system can remain illuminated for its full rated duration.
- Does the frequency of testing emergency lighting change for different buildings?
- The baseline testing routine is usually monthly and annually, but the level of risk, building layout, occupancy, and fire risk assessment findings may influence how closely the system needs to be monitored. Larger, more complex or higher-risk buildings may require more detailed planning and record keeping.
- Who decides the emergency lights testing frequency for a building?
- The responsible person of the building is responsible for ensuring emergency lighting is tested and maintained. A competent fire safety provider, like AFP Wales, can advise on a suitable testing schedule based on the system, building type, fire risk assessment, and relevant standards.
