Help Centre / Emergency Lighting Help
How Often Should Emergency Lighting Be Tested?
Emergency lighting should normally have a short functional check at least every month and a full rated duration test at least once a year. Tests should be recorded, and faults should be dealt with promptly.
Short answer
Emergency lighting should usually be checked with a short functional test at least every month. This confirms that the emergency lights and illuminated signs come on when the normal lighting supply is interrupted.
Emergency lighting should also normally have a full rated duration test at least once a year. For many commercial premises this is commonly a three-hour test, but the correct duration depends on the system design and the rated duration of the fittings.
The responsible person, building owner, landlord, managing agent or business owner should make sure emergency lighting is tested, maintained and recorded properly for the premises.
Sanders Secure provides emergency lighting servicing and testing for commercial and managed premises across Plymouth and the surrounding area.
Why emergency lighting testing matters
Emergency lighting is there to help people find their way out safely if the normal lighting fails. It supports escape routes, exits, changes in level, fire alarm call points, firefighting equipment and other important areas depending on the building layout.
A fitting can look normal during the day but fail when it is needed. Batteries can weaken, lamps can fail, charge indicators can go out, fittings can be damaged, or parts of the building can change without the emergency lighting being updated.
Regular testing helps confirm that the system comes on when required and that it can continue operating for the required time.
How often should emergency lighting be tested?
The exact arrangement should reflect the premises, system design, fire risk assessment and any formal requirements. As a general guide, these are the main checks.
Monthly functional test
A short test should confirm that each emergency light and illuminated sign operates when the normal lighting supply is interrupted. The test should be long enough to prove operation without unnecessarily draining the batteries.
Annual full duration test
At least once a year, emergency lights should normally be tested for their full rated duration. Many systems are rated for three hours, but the correct duration should be confirmed for the installation.
Additional checks
Some buildings may need extra checks because of higher risk, heavy use, repeated faults, complex layouts, licensing requirements, insurer requirements or changes to the premises.
Important: This is general guidance. The responsible person should follow the fire risk assessment, emergency lighting design, logbook requirements, insurer requirements and any formal advice given for the premises.
What is checked during a monthly emergency lighting test?
The monthly test is a short functional check. It is normally used to confirm that emergency fittings and illuminated signs operate when the normal supply is interrupted.
- Check that each emergency light comes on.
- Check that illuminated exit signs operate.
- Check that fittings are present and not obviously damaged.
- Check that charge indicators are showing where fitted.
- Check that fittings are not obstructed or covered.
- Use the test key or local test facility where provided.
- Keep the test short to avoid unnecessary battery drain.
- Record the test in the logbook or maintenance record.
- Record any failures or defects.
- Arrange repairs where fittings do not operate correctly.
If any lights fail to illuminate during the monthly test, the failure should be recorded and suitable action should be taken. Depending on the premises and risk, temporary safety measures may be needed until repairs are completed.
What is the annual full duration test?
The annual test checks whether the emergency lights can operate for their full rated duration. This is a more demanding test because it discharges the batteries for the required time.
For many commercial premises, emergency lighting is commonly rated for three hours. However, the correct duration depends on the system design and the fittings installed, so the rating should be confirmed for the premises.
After a full duration test, batteries need time to recharge. The test should be planned sensibly so the building is not left without suitable emergency lighting cover immediately afterwards.
Planning point: Annual duration tests are often arranged when the building is quiet, because any failed fittings need to be identified and repaired, and working fittings need time to recharge after the test.
Who is responsible for emergency lighting testing?
In many commercial or managed buildings, responsibility sits with the responsible person, duty holder, landlord, managing agent, building owner or business owner, depending on the premises and management arrangement.
The important thing is that someone is clearly responsible for arranging tests, keeping records, dealing with failures and making sure repairs are not ignored.
If you are unsure who is responsible, check your fire risk assessment, lease, management documents or building safety arrangements and seek competent advice where needed.
Common emergency lighting problems found during testing
Testing is useful because many faults are not obvious until the normal lighting supply is interrupted.
The fitting does not illuminate
This may be caused by a failed lamp, LED issue, battery fault, charging issue, internal fault or supply problem.
The battery does not last
A fitting may turn on during a short test but fail before the full rated duration. This is one of the key reasons annual duration testing is important.
Charge indicator not showing
If a charge indicator is not illuminated, the fitting may not be charging correctly and should be checked.
Exit sign is damaged or not visible
Damaged, missing or obstructed exit signs can reduce the effectiveness of the escape route.
Building layout has changed
New walls, doors, rooms, storage areas or changes in use can affect whether existing emergency lighting is still suitable.
Records are missing
If tests and repairs are not recorded, it becomes harder to show that the system is being managed properly.
Should emergency lighting tests be recorded?
Yes. Emergency lighting tests, defects, repairs and maintenance should be recorded in a logbook or suitable maintenance record.
Records help show that testing is being carried out and that faults are being dealt with. They are also useful for fire risk assessments, inspections, insurance queries, managing agents and future maintenance visits.
A good record should show the date of the test, who carried it out, what was tested, whether any failures were found, what action was taken and when repairs were completed.
When to arrange emergency lighting servicing
You should arrange servicing or a professional check if fittings fail the monthly test, fittings do not last the full duration, records are missing, the building layout has changed, or nobody is sure when the system was last tested properly.
It is also sensible to arrange a check before inspections, after building work, when taking over a commercial premises, or where the fire risk assessment identifies issues with escape routes or lighting.
Failed monthly test
If a fitting does not illuminate during a short test, it should be checked and repaired.
Failed duration test
If a fitting does not last its rated duration, the battery or fitting may need attention.
Missing records
If there is no clear testing history, restarting proper maintenance records is a sensible step.
Sanders Secure provides emergency lighting servicing and testing, as well as wider commercial fire and security maintenance support.
Related help and services
If you are responsible for emergency lighting, these pages may also be useful.
Emergency lighting servicing
For emergency lighting checks, annual duration testing, fault support and maintenance records.
How often should a fire alarm be serviced?
Useful if you are managing fire alarm maintenance alongside emergency lighting.
Fire alarm servicing
For planned fire alarm maintenance, fault support and system checks.
Commercial security systems
For commercial alarms, CCTV, access control, fire alarms and ongoing maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
These are some of the common questions we are asked about emergency lighting testing.
Need emergency lighting tested?
If your emergency lighting is due a test, has failed, has missing records or has not been checked recently, contact Sanders Secure for practical support.
