How often does emergency lighting need testing?
Every month, a short functional test that simulates a mains failure and checks each light comes on. Every year, a full rated-duration test, usually 3 hours, by a competent person. Both go in the emergency lighting logbook.
What is due, and how often.
Checked November 2026.
| Check | How often | Who does it | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly functional test (a short 'flick test') | Every month | Trained staff or your contractor | BS 5266-1:2025; BS EN 50172 |
| Annual full rated-duration test | Every 12 months, for the full rated duration (usually 3 hours) | Competent person | BS 5266-1:2025; BS EN 50172 |
| Visual check of luminaires (damage, dirt, missing signs) | With each monthly test | Trained staff | BS 5266-1:2025 |
| Maintenance of the system | Kept in efficient working order | Responsible person | Fire Safety Order 2005, art. 14 and 17 |
This is a guide, not legal advice. What your building needs depends on its use, size, risk and equipment, and standards are revised. Check with your competent people and the current official sources.
What to keep on file.
- The emergency lighting logbook: each monthly and annual test, faults found and repairs, per luminaire location.
- The annual test certificate from your contractor.
- Design and installation certificates and a plan showing where each luminaire is.
What catches people out.
- After a full-duration test the batteries need hours to recharge. Test when the building is empty, or test alternate luminaires so half the system is always charged.
- Self-test and automatic test systems run the tests for you, but someone still has to check the results and log them.
- BS 5266-1 was revised in 2025. Ask your contractor whether the revision changes anything for your system.
- Under the Fire Safety Order, emergency routes that need illumination must have emergency lighting of adequate intensity in case the normal lighting fails.
Dueclear tracks every due date for every building.
Each inspection gets its interval, its rule and an owner. Dueclear reminds the owner from 60 days ahead, and your contractor uploads the new certificate from a link, no account needed.
FAQ
How long should an emergency lighting test last?
The monthly test is short, just long enough to check every light comes on. The annual test runs for the full rated duration of the system, usually 3 hours.
Can my own staff test the emergency lighting?
Monthly tests can be done by trained staff. The annual full-duration test and repairs should be done by a competent person.
Is emergency lighting testing a legal requirement?
The Fire Safety Order requires emergency lighting to be maintained in efficient working order. BS 5266-1 and BS EN 50172 set out the tests that show it is.
Sources: FPA: how to test emergency lighting · BSI: what you need to know about BS 5266-1:2025
More guides: Fire alarm servicing · EICR for commercial property · Fire extinguisher servicing