Core service areas
London, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk and Surrey.
Home / Emergency Lighting Testing
Emergency lighting that works when the power fails.
Escape routes must stay illuminated if the mains supply is lost. BS 5266 requires regular function testing and an annual full-duration test of your emergency lighting. We carry out both, log the results, and certify the system — keeping you compliant with fire safety obligations.
The obligation
What the standard requires.
Emergency lighting is a legal requirement in most non-domestic premises and communal residential areas under fire safety legislation, with testing regimes set out in BS 5266-1.
- Monthly function test. A brief test that each luminaire illuminates on loss of supply — recorded in the logbook.
- Annual duration test. A full-rated discharge, usually three hours, confirming the batteries sustain the escape route.
- Coverage of the escape route. We check exits, stairwells, changes of level, fire points and open areas are adequately lit.
- A compliant record. Every test is logged and a certificate issued, ready for your fire risk assessment and insurers.
BS 5266Tested to standard
MonthlyFunction checks
3hrAnnual duration test
LoggedCompliant records
How testing runs
Checked, logged, certified.
STEP 01
Audit
We review the system, drawings and logbook to confirm coverage of every escape route and fire point.
STEP 02
Function test
Each luminaire is tested to confirm it operates on simulated mains failure.
STEP 03
Duration test
The full annual discharge confirms the batteries hold for the rated period, typically three hours.
STEP 04
Certify
Results are logged, defective fittings reported and a certificate issued for your records.
Common questions
Good to know before you book.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 0330 043 8871 and speak to a qualified electrician, not a call centre.
Ask a questionHow often must emergency lighting be tested?
BS 5266 calls for a short monthly function test and a full annual duration test. We can carry out the annual test and set you up to log the monthly checks, or handle both under contract.
Will the test disrupt the premises?
The annual test discharges the batteries for up to three hours, so we schedule it when the building is at low occupancy to keep escape routes protected.
What if fittings fail the test?
We report any luminaire that fails to reach its rated duration and quote to replace the fitting or battery, then re-test.
Do you cover communal areas of flats?
Yes. Communal escape routes in blocks of flats and HMOs fall under the same regime, and we test and certify them for landlords and managing agents.
Related services
One local team for the whole job.
01 / Life safety
Fire & Smoke Alarms
Installation and testing of fire detection to BS 5839, including landlord smoke and heat alarms.
Learn more 02 / LightingLux Testing
Lighting-level surveys against CIBSE and HSE guidance for workplaces and communal areas.
Learn more 03 / CommercialCommercial Installation
Fit-outs, distribution boards, three-phase power and planned maintenance for business premises.
Learn more
Stay compliant
Book your emergency lighting test.
Arrange an annual duration test or a testing contract for your premises, HMO or communal areas.
Book a test
Service coverage
Available across London and surrounding counties.
Postcodes and neighbouring areas
We serve London postcode districts plus AL, BR, CB, CM, CO, CR, CT, DA, EN, GU, HA, HP, IG, IP, KT, LU, ME, MK, NR, PE, RG, RH, RM, SG, SL, SM, SS, TN, TW, UB and WD areas.
Coverage extends into neighbouring districts where scheduling permits. Enter the full postcode when booking so we can confirm attendance and pricing.