How to Test Emergency Lighting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Testing emergency lighting keeps a life-safety system reliable. This guide walks through the routine every responsible person should follow, in line with BS 5266.

Step 1 — Know your system

Identify where the emergency luminaires are, whether they are maintained or non-maintained, and how the test facility works (a key switch, test switch or an automated self-test system).

Step 2 — The monthly functional test

Briefly interrupt the supply to the emergency luminaires to simulate mains failure. Confirm every fitting illuminates, then restore the supply. Keep it short so batteries are not deeply discharged. Record the result. See monthly testing.

Step 3 — The annual duration test

Once a year, run the full-duration test — disconnecting the supply for the system's rated duration (commonly three hours) to confirm the batteries sustain the lighting throughout. Plan it for a time the building can tolerate recharging batteries afterwards. See annual duration testing.

Step 4 — Record everything

Log the date, result and any faults in the emergency lighting logbook. This is your evidence of compliance.

Step 5 — Act on failures

Any fitting that fails should be put right through remedial works and re-tested. Never leave an escape route unlit.

Step 6 — Coordinate and diarise

Diarise the monthly and annual checks, and coordinate with fire alarm servicing on a single compliance calendar so nothing lapses.