Reviewed by qualified compliance practitioners·Last updated 30 April 2026
Emergency Lighting — Plain English Guide
Straight answers about emergency lighting: when you need it, who tests it, how often, and what BS 5266 actually requires. Written for landlords, business owners, and people in charge of buildings.
Looking for the technical detail? Read the version for professionals → BS 5266-1, BS EN 1838 illuminance levels, system design, and verification.
What is emergency lighting?
Lighting that comes on if the power fails, so people can exit safely.
Is emergency lighting a legal requirement?
Yes. You must provide safe escape routes under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Do I need emergency lighting for my business?
Yes. If people need to safely escape your building in the dark, you need it.
Why do businesses actually install emergency lighting?
To keep people safe. It helps prevent panic, trips, and delays during an evacuation.
Who is responsible for emergency lighting?
You are. If you manage or control the building, it's your responsibility.
What buildings need emergency lighting?
Almost all non-domestic buildings where people might need to escape in the dark. Offices, shops, restaurants, hotels, factories, HMOs, schools, care homes — and the shared areas of blocks of flats.
Do I need to test emergency lighting?
Yes. You must make sure it works when needed.
How often should emergency lighting be tested?
Monthly and annually. Short checks every month, full test once a year.
What is a monthly emergency lighting test?
A quick function check. You simulate a power failure to confirm the lights come on.
How long should a monthly test last?
Short — usually a minute or two. Just long enough to confirm the lights come on when the power is simulated as failed.
What is an annual emergency lighting test?
A full duration test. You check the lights stay on for their rated time (usually 3 hours).
Why is the annual test important?
It proves the batteries last long enough during a real emergency.
Can I do the monthly test myself?
Yes — pressing the test switch is straightforward.
But if something doesn't work, do you know how to put it right? If a light fails, flickers, or dims, you need to know whether it's the lamp, the battery, the inverter, or the wiring. Most duty holders don't, which is why most businesses have a competent contractor handle anything beyond the test itself.
Who should do the annual test?
A competent engineer. They verify the lights meet the required brightness, the batteries last the full 3 hours, and the system overall complies with BS 5266-1.
What happens if emergency lighting fails a test?
It must be fixed. Faulty lights should be repaired or replaced immediately.
Do I need to record emergency lighting tests?
Yes. You should keep a logbook of all tests and results.
What should be recorded in the logbook?
Test dates, results, faults, and actions taken.
Do I need a certificate for emergency lighting?
You need either the original installation certificate (from when the system was fitted) or a current compliance certificate from a competent contractor.
If you don't have the original installation paperwork — which is common in older buildings or when premises change hands — a compliance certificate from a competent contractor re-establishes the documentary baseline.
Why is a compliance certificate important?
It proves the lighting meets the required brightness for safe escape and that the system is properly designed and installed. Without it, you can't show the system actually does what it's supposed to do.
What happens if I don't test emergency lighting?
You carry the risk. If it fails in an emergency, you could be liable.
Can I be fined for not maintaining emergency lighting?
Yes. Failure to maintain safety systems can lead to enforcement action, fines, or prosecution.
Does emergency lighting need servicing?
Yes. Regular maintenance keeps it reliable.
How long does emergency lighting last?
Typically several years. Batteries usually need replacing every 4–5 years; full systems eventually need replacing or upgrading.
What types of emergency lighting are there?
Maintained and non-maintained. Some stay on all the time, others only in emergencies.
What is maintained emergency lighting?
Lights that are always on and stay on during power failure.
What is non-maintained emergency lighting?
Lights that only come on when the power fails.
What's the difference between an emergency light and an exit sign?
Emergency lights illuminate escape routes when power fails. Exit signs are illuminated signs showing the way out. Most modern systems combine both, but legally they're separate components and both are required.
What is BS 5266?
The British Standard for emergency lighting. Part 1 is the code of practice — it covers design, installation, and testing. It's what your installer and tester should be working to.
Where should emergency lighting be installed?
Escape routes and exits. Also areas like stairs, corridors, lift lobbies, plant rooms, toilets without windows, and high-risk zones.
Does emergency lighting include exit signs?
Yes. Exit signs are part of the system.
How long should emergency lighting stay on?
Usually 3 hours. This allows safe evacuation during an incident.
Will testing emergency lighting disrupt my business?
Minimal disruption. Monthly tests are quick; annual tests need more planning because they take 3 hours.
Do small businesses need emergency lighting?
Yes. If people need to exit safely, it's required.
Do landlords need emergency lighting?
Yes — for shared areas like corridors and stairwells.
What's the real purpose of emergency lighting?
To get people out safely when the lights go out.
Need the technical version? Read the emergency lighting guide for professionals →
This guide provides general information about UK compliance requirements. It is not legal or professional advice. For your specific situation, consult a qualified professional.