Services  /  Emergency Light Testing

Emergency Light Testing.
Monthly checks, annual duration. Sorted.

Emergency light testing is the periodic verification that every emergency luminaire in a building operates correctly on battery power for the required duration. BS 5266-1:2016 specifies a monthly function test, a six-monthly partial discharge, and an annual three-hour duration test — a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for any non-domestic premises.

Emergency lighting must be tested monthly (function) and annually (full three-hour duration test) under BS 5266-1. RiskSorted engineers carry out the annual duration test, identify any failed luminaires or batteries, and quote separately for replacement.

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What does emergency light testing cover?

Full discharge test of every emergency luminaire, battery condition assessment, signage and exit route check, defect identification.

What do you receive after an emergency light test?

Test certificate listing every luminaire by location, pass/fail result, battery test result, defects identified, replacement quote if required.

Service specification

Engineer qualificationBS 5266 competent engineer (typically electrician with emergency lighting experience)
Insurance requirementMinimum £1m Public Liability
Test standardBS 5266-1:2016 (Code of Practice for Emergency Lighting)
Average durationHalf day for small commercial; full day for larger sites
Replacement unitsQuoted separately on identification of defects
Certificate formatBranded PDF test report, stored in your account

What does the law say about emergency lighting?

Regulation: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005; BS 5266-1:2016 (Code of Practice)

Recommended frequency: Monthly function test (responsible person); annual full duration test (3 hours minimum); 6-monthly partial test (1 hour)

Engineer qualification: BS 5266 competent engineer

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Pricing from £100. Card at checkout. Engineer assigned by postcode.

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Frequently asked questions

How often should emergency lighting be tested?
BS 5266-1 requires three test schedules: a monthly short-duration function test (carried out by the responsible person), a 6-monthly one-hour partial discharge test, and an annual full three-hour duration test (carried out by a competent engineer). All tests must be recorded in a logbook.
How much does emergency light testing cost?
Annual emergency light testing typically costs £3 to £6 per luminaire, with a site minimum of around £100. RiskSorted's clear pricing starts at £100 for small commercial sites. Larger premises are calculated based on the number of luminaires.
Is emergency light testing a legal requirement?
Yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to ensure emergency lighting is maintained in efficient working order. BS 5266-1 is the recognised standard for testing and maintenance. Failure to test can invalidate insurance and create personal liability.
What is a three-hour duration test?
Emergency luminaires are designed to operate for at least three hours on battery power after a mains failure. The annual three-hour test discharges every luminaire fully to confirm it meets this duration. Any luminaire that fails before three hours has a battery (or full unit) replacement requirement.
Can I do my own monthly function tests?
Yes — and you should. The monthly function test is a simple short-duration check using the local test switch or test key. Each luminaire is briefly switched to battery power to confirm it operates. Results must be recorded in the emergency lighting logbook.
What happens if an emergency light fails the test?
Failed luminaires must be repaired or replaced promptly. The most common cause is battery failure (after 4-5 years of service). RiskSorted engineers identify failed units in the test report and can quote separately for replacement. Replacement should be carried out before the next monthly test.

Reviewed by RiskSorted's compliance team. RiskSorted's in-house team holds collective qualifications across NEBOSH General Certificate, IOSH Managing Safely, Fire Risk Assessment (PAS 79-1), and electrical compliance. All service guides are reviewed against current UK regulations and the latest editions of the relevant British and ACoP standards.

This page provides general guidance on UK compliance services and is not a substitute for professional advice. Specific compliance requirements should be confirmed with a qualified professional based on the particulars of your premises, business activities and applicable regulations.

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