Emergency lighting in commercial buildings: testing and maintenance

Quick answer: Emergency lighting should have a short functional test every month and a full duration test once a year, with every test recorded in a logbook. Faulty fittings should be repaired promptly.

What emergency lighting is for

If the power fails, emergency lighting lights up escape routes, exits and key areas so people can leave the building safely. It's a core part of a building's fire safety measures.

How often it should be tested

• Monthly: a short functional test to check every fitting switches on when the supply is cut.
• Annually: a full duration test, usually three hours, to check the batteries last as long as they should.

The British Standard for emergency lighting, BS 5266, sets out this testing regime.

Keep a logbook

Every test, fault and repair should be written down. A clear logbook is what a fire risk assessor, insurer or enforcing authority will ask to see.

Common problems

• Batteries that no longer last the full duration.
• Fittings damaged, covered or removed during refurbishments.
• New layouts or partitions leaving escape routes without enough coverage.
• Tests being missed because nobody owns the task.

After changes to the building

Any time the layout changes, such as new partitions, rooms or ceilings, it's worth checking emergency lighting coverage still works for the new escape routes.

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Related service: Testing & Compliance