If you run a business or manage a non-domestic building, emergency lighting is a legal must — and it has to be tested on a set routine. Here’s what’s required, the testing schedule, and the records you need to keep.

Where emergency lighting is required

Emergency lighting is a legal requirement in virtually all non-domestic premises — offices, shops, factories, warehouses, schools, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, pubs, and public buildings. It’s driven by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which requires a fire risk assessment and adequate emergency lighting on escape routes.

The standard that sets out how to do it is BS 5266-1 (the code of practice for emergency lighting; the current edition is BS 5266-1:2025).

What it’s for

Emergency lighting illuminates escape routes and key safety points when the normal supply fails — so people can evacuate safely in the dark. It covers exit routes, changes of direction, stairs, fire-fighting equipment, alarm call points, and (in some premises) open areas to prevent panic.

The testing routine

BS 5266-1 sets a clear schedule:

• Monthly function test — a brief test of every emergency luminaire and exit sign, just long enough to confirm each one illuminates when the mains is removed (a few seconds each). Check exit signs are lit and legible.
• Annual full-duration (“3-hour”) test — once every 12 months, the system runs on battery for its full rated duration, which is 3 hours for most modern installations (some older/specific systems are 1 hour). Every luminaire is checked at the end to confirm it’s still lit. Batteries that fail to last the duration are replaced.

After the annual test, the system must be left to recharge fully.

The log book

BS 5266-1 requires a log book for the installation, recording every test, its date, the results, and any remedial action. This is what demonstrates compliance to a fire officer, your insurer, or an inspector — so keeping it up to date matters as much as the testing itself.

Who can do it

Routine monthly tests can often be done in-house (they’re simple), but the annual full-duration test, any remedial work, and the design/installation of emergency lighting should be done by a competent person to BS 5266. Many businesses include emergency lighting in a planned maintenance contract alongside their other electrical compliance — see our commercial maintenance service.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the annual 3-hour test — the monthly flick test isn’t enough on its own
• No log book — testing without records doesn’t evidence compliance
• Ignoring failed luminaires — they must be repaired/replaced promptly
• Not testing after building changes — new layouts may need new emergency lighting

Stay compliant

GFL Electrical design, install, test, and maintain emergency lighting to BS 5266 across East London — including the annual full-duration test and log-book records. See our commercial maintenance service or call 020 3774 5604.