Sector guide
Emergency Lighting in Schools
Emergency lighting in schools — escape-route, hall and stairwell lighting tested to BS 5266 so pupils and staff can evacuate safely if the normal supply fails.
Emergency lighting lets pupils and staff evacuate safely if the normal lighting fails during an incident. This guide covers emergency lighting in schools and colleges, tested to BS 5266.
Where it's needed
- Escape routes — corridors, stairs and final exits (escape route lighting).
- Open areas — halls, sports halls, dining rooms and large teaching spaces (open area lighting).
- High-risk task areas — labs and workshops where a process must be made safe before leaving (high-risk task-area lighting).
Testing to BS 5266
- Monthly functional tests of every luminaire (monthly testing).
- Annual full-duration tests to confirm the rated period (annual duration testing).
- Logbook records maintained for inspection (logbooks).
Fitting it around the school
Full-duration tests discharge the batteries, so they are best scheduled at the end of a day or during a holiday period so the system can recharge before the building is occupied again.
Coordinating the work
Emergency-lighting testing sits alongside the EICR, fire alarm servicing and planned maintenance within the school's compliance programme, with results filed in the compliance documentation.
Frequently asked questions
How often should emergency lighting in a school be tested?
A brief monthly functional test confirms each luminaire operates, and a full-duration test (usually annually) confirms the system lasts its rated period — commonly three hours. Results go in the logbook, and testing is best scheduled so any lamp changes happen outside teaching time.
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Emergency Lighting Testing
Function and duration testing of emergency lighting to support BS 5266 good practice.
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The electrical compliance records a school should hold — EICRs, PAT logs, emergency-lighting and fire-alarm records, asset registers and remedial evidence for governors.
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Learn moreThis article provides general guidance and distinguishes legislation, British Standards and good practice. It is not legal advice. Always confirm the specific duties applying to your property and tenure.