Why Emergency Lighting Testing Matters

Emergency lighting is a legal requirement in nearly all commercial and public buildings across the UK. When mains power fails, these lights activate automatically to keep escape routes visible and help people exit the building safely.

Without them working correctly, you are putting people at risk and exposing yourself to serious legal liability.

It is required under BS 5266-1, the Building Regulations and the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005. Standby lighting, which supports ongoing activities during a power cut, is not a legal requirement. Emergency lighting is.

Who Can Carry Out EML Testing?

Only fully trained and certified Engineers should carry out emergency lighting testing. This is a life safety system and it needs to be handled by someone who knows exactly what they are doing.

All of our Engineers are qualified and complete a refresher course every year to stay current with changing standards and best practices.

How Often Should You Test Emergency Lighting?

Testing frequency is set out clearly in BS 5266-1. There are two levels of testing that every business needs to be aware of.

The Monthly Flick Test

Every month, a short test is carried out using a fish key to simulate a mains power failure. Each emergency light should activate and stay lit. Switching off the mains to carry out this test is not the correct approach as it can be disruptive and potentially dangerous.

All luminaires should be clean, undamaged and functional. A written record of every test must be kept and any failures need to be reported and resolved promptly.

The Annual Three Hour Test

Once a year, the mains lighting is shut off completely and every emergency light must remain on for a full three hours. This tests battery life and the overall condition of each fitting. Any light that fails during the three hours needs repairing or replacing before the system can be signed off as compliant.

We plan this around your schedule so your site is never left in darkness during working hours.

What Can We Do For You?

We handle every aspect of your EML testing so you do not have to think about it.

• Monthly EML Testing
  One of our qualified Engineers handles your monthly tests and keeps you compliant without the stress of managing it yourself.
  
  
• Clear Reporting
  You receive straightforward written reports after every test showing exactly what was checked and flagging anything that needs attention. No jargon, just clear information you can act on.
  
  
• Combined Testing
  If your annual EML test and ITEE testing are both due, we can cover both in a single visit. Our Engineers are dual trained which means less disruption to your site and better value for your business.
  
  
• Professional and Practical Advice
  If your emergency lighting system needs upgrading, expanding or replacing, we will give you honest practical advice based on what we find on site.

Keep your site safe and ready for the unexpected. Let us handle your EML testing properly with no shortcuts.