Emergency Lighting Testing for Hertfordshire & North London Businesses
Emergency lighting is your last line of defence when the power fails. Regular testing ensures every fitting works when it is needed most — and keeps you compliant with UK fire safety law.
What is emergency lighting testing?
Emergency lighting is designed to illuminate escape routes, exits, and key safety equipment automatically when the normal power supply fails. Without it, occupants may be unable to find their way out of a building safely in the event of a fire or power cut.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person for any non-domestic premises must ensure that emergency lighting is maintained in an efficient state and good working order. BS 5266-1 is the British Standard that governs the design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems — and it sets out a clear schedule of testing that must be followed.
Testing must be carried out by a competent person, and records must be kept. Failure to maintain and test emergency lighting can result in enforcement action from the fire authority and may invalidate your insurance.
Who needs emergency lighting testing?
Any non-domestic premises with emergency lighting installed must have it regularly tested, including:
- Offices and commercial buildings
- Shops, retail units and shopping centres
- Restaurants, cafés and hospitality venues
- Hotels, B&Bs and guest houses
- Warehouses and industrial premises
- Gyms, leisure centres and studios
- Healthcare facilities and care homes
- Schools, colleges and educational settings
- Places of worship and community halls
- Any premises where emergency lighting forms part of the means of escape
What our testing includes
Monthly function test
A brief simulated power failure to confirm every emergency luminaire illuminates as intended. Results are logged and any non-functioning units are flagged immediately.
Annual full-duration test
A full rated-duration discharge test (typically 1 or 3 hours depending on the system) to verify that batteries hold sufficient charge to power fittings for the required period.
Visual inspection
Every fitting is visually checked for physical damage, obstruction, correct positioning, and that exit signs and directional luminaires are clearly visible and unobstructed.
Battery and lamp condition
We check battery health and lamp condition across the system, identifying any units approaching end of life before they fail in service.
Central battery systems
Where a central battery system is installed, we test the system controller, check battery bank condition, and verify that all circuits are functioning correctly.
Written test certificate
You receive a formal test certificate and logbook entry after every test, recording the date, duration, results, and any remedial actions required — suitable for inspection by the fire authority.
Required testing schedule
BS 5266-1 sets out a mandatory testing programme that all premises must follow:
| Frequency | Test type |
|---|---|
| Monthly | Function test |
| Annually | Full duration test |
| Annually | Full system inspection |
| As required | Post-modification check |
Source: BS 5266-1:2016 Emergency lighting — Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises.
How it works
Request a quote
Tell us about your premises and the number of emergency fittings. We'll confirm a fixed price with no hidden costs.
Scheduled visit
We arrange a visit at a time that minimises disruption — annual full-duration tests are typically carried out outside business hours.
Testing & inspection
Every fitting is tested and inspected. Any failures or defects are identified and clearly documented.
Certificate & logbook
You receive a signed test certificate and logbook entry, ready for your records, insurer, or fire authority inspection.
Common questions
Book your emergency lighting test today
Fixed-price, no-obligation quotation. We cover Hertfordshire and North London.