Emergency lighting should be tested monthly and annually. Once a month, carry out a short functional "flick" test on every emergency luminaire and illuminated exit sign. Once a year, test each unit for its full rated duration, which is typically 3 hours. Record every test in a log book. This follows the recommendations of BS 5266-1 and BS EN 50172, and it is how the responsible person shows that emergency lighting is being maintained as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires.
This guide explains how often emergency lighting should be tested, how to carry out each test, and what to record. For the legal background, see our guide to emergency lighting regulations and BS 5266.
How often should emergency lighting be tested?
| Frequency | Test | What it proves |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Short functional test (the "flick test") | Every luminaire and internally illuminated sign switches to battery power and lights when the mains fails |
| Annually | Full rated duration test | Every luminaire and sign runs for its full rated duration (for example 3 hours) on battery |
| Every five years | Photometric verification | The system still delivers the lighting levels in its original design |
Fire and rescue services give the same message: test emergency lighting once a month and record the result, and have it tested once a year by a competent person. The 2024 editions of BS EN 50172 and BS EN 1838 and the 2025 edition of BS 5266-1 added the five-yearly photometric verification.
The monthly functional test (flick test)
The monthly test is a short test. It switches each luminaire and each internally illuminated exit sign into emergency mode, running from its own battery, and checks that it works.
How to carry out the monthly test
- Warn occupants and choose a quiet time for the test.
- Simulate a mains failure to the emergency luminaires. Usually you turn the key switch on each emergency lighting circuit with a test key. This isolates the permanent supply to the emergency fittings while the normal lighting stays on.
- Walk the building and check that every emergency luminaire and illuminated exit sign has lit, and that each one is clean and undamaged.
- Keep the test short. The monthly test only proves that the unit works, so do not run the batteries down.
- Restore the supply and check that each unit returns to normal charging, for example by its charge indicator where fitted.
- Record the result in the log book, including any failed units and the action taken.
What is an emergency light test key?
Many installations use a key-operated test switch, often a small grid switch module or a fused spur with a key switch. Its test key, commonly called a "fish key" or "fishtail key" because of its shape, lets an authorised person simulate a mains failure without interrupting power to the rest of the building. It also stops the emergency lighting from being switched off by mistake. Replacement keys are available in our emergency light test keys collection.
The annual full-duration test
Once a year, test each emergency luminaire and internally illuminated sign for its full rated duration, following the manufacturer's information. For most premises this is 3 hours. Some premises that are evacuated immediately and not reoccupied until the batteries recharge may use 1-hour fittings. At the end of the test, every unit must still be lit.
Plan the annual test carefully
- The batteries will be discharged afterwards and need time to recharge. Test when the building is empty or at a time of minimal risk, or provide alternative arrangements until the units have recharged.
- Alternatively, test alternate luminaires, so that every unit under test has a charged luminaire next to it.
- The annual test and service is normally carried out by a competent person, meaning someone suitably trained and experienced in emergency lighting.
Automatic testing systems
Self-test emergency luminaires and addressable test systems run the monthly and annual tests automatically and report faults. They save labour, but they do not remove the need for records. The results of automatic short-duration and full-duration tests should still be recorded, and someone must still act on any faults reported.
Emergency lighting log book: what to record
BS 5266-1 and BS EN 50172 recommend a log book kept on the premises and available for inspection, for example by the fire and rescue service. It should record:
- the date of each periodic inspection and test
- the date and brief details of each service, inspection or test carried out
- the dates and brief details of any defects, and of the remedial action taken
Keep commissioning certificates and periodic inspection certificates with the log book.
What to do when a light fails a test
Repair any failure found during a monthly or annual test as soon as possible. Until then, consider whether the escape route is still adequately lit, and record the fault and the fix in the log book. Common causes are batteries at the end of their life, failed LED modules or control gear, and circuits left switched off. When replacing a fitting, match the mode (see maintained vs non-maintained), rated duration and light output of the original, or have the design checked:
- Non-maintained emergency lighting: lights only when the mains fails.
- Maintained emergency lighting: lit during normal use, stays on during a mains failure.
- Emergency bulkhead lights for corridors, stairwells and outside exits.
- Emergency downlights for suspended and plasterboard ceilings.
- Illuminated exit signs for exits and escape routes.
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Frequently asked questions
How often should emergency lighting be tested?
Test it monthly with a short functional test and annually with a full rated duration test, usually 3 hours. Record both in a log book. The current standards also recommend photometric verification every five years.
What is an emergency lighting flick test?
It is the monthly functional test. You briefly simulate a mains failure, usually with a test key switch, and check that every emergency light and illuminated sign comes on from its battery.
How long is the annual emergency lighting test?
It lasts the full rated duration of the luminaires, as given by the manufacturer. For most premises this is 3 hours.
Can I test emergency lighting myself?
Monthly tests are often carried out by a trained member of staff or the responsible person. The annual full-duration test and service should be carried out by a competent person.
Do I need an emergency lighting log book?
Yes. BS 5266-1 and BS EN 50172 recommend recording all tests, defects and remedial work in a log book, including the results of automatic testing systems.
This guide is general information; follow your fire risk assessment and a competent person's advice.