22/08/2026
Why Emergency Light Testing Matters
Emergency lighting is a critical safety feature in any building. In the event of a power failure, it provides illumination to help occupants evacuate safely and allows staff to shut down hazardous processes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, responsible persons must ensure that emergency lighting systems are properly maintained and tested.
The British Standard BS 5266-1 outlines the requirements for design, installation, and maintenance. Compliance involves:
Monthly Functional Tests: A short duration test to ensure lights switch on automatically.
Annual Full Duration Tests: A complete discharge test (typically 3 hours) to verify battery capacity and runtime.