When the power fails, emergency lighting is the only thing standing between a safe evacuation and a dangerous situation. For property managers and business owners in London and Essex, maintaining these systems isn’t just a safety preference, it is a strict legal obligation.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the current BS 5266-1 standards, the “Responsible Person” for a building must ensure that all emergency escape lighting is functional and regularly maintained.
The latest revision to the emergency lighting standard was released in December 2025. The revised standard – BS 5266-1:2025, code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises – is here, replacing the 2016 guidance.
The new standard expands the scope of the standard to reflect advances in technology and supports a more complete approach to safety in modern buildings. BS 5266-1:2025 does not apply to private dwellings, although it does cover common access routes in blocks of flats and maisonettes.
The guidance applies to workplaces, shopping centres, hospitals, and transport hubs, and any building offering a communal aspect, with the revised standard seeking to promote uniformity of how emergency lighting systems are utilised.
Why is Emergency Lighting Testing Mandatory?
The primary goal of emergency lighting is to provide sufficient illumination for people to see their way out of a building during a power cut or fire. If your system fails during an inspection by your Fire Authority, or worse, during an actual emergency, you could face:
- Unlimited fines for non-compliance.
- Invalidation of business insurance policies.
- Criminal prosecution if negligence is proven.
How Often Should Emergency Lighting Be Tested?
According to BS 5266-1, there is a tiered testing regime you must follow. To help our clients stay compliant, Expyro recommends the following schedule:
1. Monthly “Flick Test” (Functionality Check)
This is a short-duration test to ensure every emergency lamp illuminates.
The Process: You must switch off the mains power supply to the lighting circuit (usually via a test switch).
The Goal: Check that all luminaires and exit signs are clean and working correctly.
Who can do it? A trained staff member or a fire safety specialist.
2. Annual “Full Discharge Test” (3-Hour Test)
Once a year, your system must undergo a full duration test.
The Process: Lights are left on for their full rated duration (usually 3 hours).
The Goal: To ensure the batteries can sustain the lights for the entire time required for emergency services to clear the building.
Who can do it? This should be performed by a competent fire safety professional to ensure the batteries recharge correctly afterward.
3. 5-Year Photometric Verification
Every five years, it is recommended to verify that the light levels (Lux) still meet the legal minimums (typically 1 Lux for escape routes). Over time, LED and bulb performance can degrade, even if they stay “on.”
The Importance of the Emergency Lighting Logbook
If a Fire Officer visits your premises in Essex or London, they will ask for your fire safety logbook. For your testing to be legally valid, you must record:
- The date and time of every test.
- The name of the person performing the check.
- Any defects or failures identified.
- Remedial actions taken (e.g., “Battery replaced in unit 4 on 12/01/26”).
Here at Expyro, we hold all records of inspections carried out by our team as well as produce reports of any changes that have been or need to be made to your system.
Common Faults Found During Inspections
As specialists in Fire Safety Maintenance, Expyro frequently identifies these common issues:
- Battery Failure: The most common issue during the 3-hour annual test.
- Damaged Diffusers: Dirt or damage reducing the light output.
- Incorrect Signage: Exit signs that are pointing in the wrong direction or are obstructed.
Professional Fire Safety Services in London & Essex
Staying on top of compliance can be a full-time job. At Expyro, we simplify the process. Our team focuses on our three pillars of safety: Assess, Protect, and Maintain.
From professional fire risk assessments to the remedial repair of emergency lighting systems, we ensure your building remains safe and fully compliant with the latest UK legislation.
Is your emergency lighting logbook up to date?
Our approach is tailor made to make it as easy as possible for you to make your property fire safe. Get in touch now:
Phone – 01702 746808
Email – contact@expyro.com
