What is a 3 hour duration test?

The normal supply is isolated so every luminaire runs on its own battery for the full rated duration, then each fitting is checked at the end to confirm it is still lit. Anything that fails early has a battery, lamp or fitting fault and is recorded for replacement.

Which areas need emergency lighting?

Escape routes, stairs, changes of level, final exit doors, the route away from the building to a place of safety, plus alarm panels, firefighting equipment points and areas over a certain size where people could be left in the dark. Your fire risk assessment sets the coverage for your building.

Do HMOs and blocks of flats need emergency lighting?

It depends on the escape route. Longer internal routes, routes with changes of level and routes that are unlit at night usually need it, and licensing officers routinely ask for the annual test record alongside the alarm certificate.

What happens if a fitting fails the test?

It is recorded with its location, photographed where useful and priced. Standard batteries and lamps are carried, so many failures are fixed on the same visit. Anything needing a new fitting is quoted before we leave.

Can the test be done out of hours?

Yes. Buildings that cannot lose their escape lighting for 3 hours during trading are tested in the evening or at a weekend, and the fixed fee is agreed up front either way.

← All services

Compliance testing

Emergency Lighting Testing

Monthly function tests set up for your team, and the annual 3 hour duration test carried out, certified and logged by us to BS 5266-1.

Why escape lighting fails when it matters

Emergency lighting is the only fire precaution that spends its whole life doing nothing and is then asked to work perfectly, in smoke, on battery, with the mains gone. A fitting whose battery has quietly died still shows a healthy green charge light. The only way to know is to run it flat for the full 3 hours and go back and look.

The two tests BS 5266-1 expects

Monthly function test — a short discharge using the key switch or test facility, confirming each luminaire strikes. Most sites do this themselves and we set the log book up for it.
Annual duration test — the full rated duration, normally 3 hours, followed by a check that every luminaire is still lit at the end. This is the test that produces the certificate.

What we record

Every fitting is listed by location and type, with a pass, fail or replace result, the discharge start and finish times and photographs of anything that failed. That schedule becomes the base record, so the following year is a repeat test rather than another survey.

Coverage, not just condition

The more common finding is not a dead battery but a gap. Corridors are lit and the external route to the assembly point is not, or there is nothing at the change of level on the stair, at the final exit door or above the alarm panel. Coverage gaps are reported with a priced remedy rather than a note telling you to seek advice.

Booked alongside the rest of the visit

Emergency lighting sits naturally with an annual fire risk assessment, extinguisher servicing to BS 5306-3 and the alarm service. One attendance, one fixed fee, one dated evidence pack for the file.

Where the final word sits

BS 5266-1 is the recognised standard, and the Fire Safety Order 2005 places the duty on the responsible person. For anything specific to your building, your fire risk assessment and your local fire and rescue authority give the final word.

Emergency lighting testing, common questions

BS 5266-1 sets out a short function test each month and one full 3 hour duration test each year. The monthly test can be done in house from the key switch. The annual duration test is the one that produces a certificate and log book entry.

Local coverage

Emergency Lighting across the East Midlands & South Yorkshire

Dedicated emergency lighting pages for every town we cover — pick the closest area for local context, postcodes and pricing.

Nottinghamshire

Derbyshire

Emergency Lighting in Derby· DE1/DE21/DE22/DE23/DE24

South Yorkshire

Leicestershire

All areas we serve All fire safety services

Local questions

Emergency Lighting questions we're asked across our coverage area

A real question from each town we serve — tap through for the full local page with pricing, FAQs and the team that covers that postcode.

Sutton-In-Ashfield · NG17

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Sutton-In-Ashfield?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Sutton-In-Ashfield sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Mansfield · NG18/NG19/NG20

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Mansfield?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Mansfield sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Kirkby-In-Ashfield · NG17

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Kirkby-In-Ashfield?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Kirkby-In-Ashfield sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Nottingham · NG1/NG2/NG3/NG7/NG8

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Nottingham?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Nottingham sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Hucknall · NG15

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Hucknall?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Hucknall sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Worksop · S80/S81

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Worksop?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Worksop sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Newark · NG24

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Newark?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Newark sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Retford · DN22

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Retford?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Retford sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Derby · DE1/DE21/DE22/DE23/DE24

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Derby?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Derby sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Emergency Lighting in Derby

Chesterfield · S40/S41/S42/S43

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Chesterfield?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Chesterfield sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Ilkeston · DE7

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Ilkeston?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Ilkeston sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Alfreton · DE55

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Alfreton?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Alfreton sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Belper · DE56

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Belper?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Belper sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Ripley · DE5

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Ripley?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Ripley sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Heanor · DE75

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Heanor?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Heanor sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Bolsover · S44

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Bolsover?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Bolsover sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Sheffield · S1/S2/S3/S6/S10/S11

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Sheffield?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Sheffield sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Rotherham · S60/S61/S62/S63/S65

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Rotherham?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Rotherham sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Doncaster · DN1/DN2/DN4/DN5

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Doncaster?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Doncaster sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Barnsley · S70/S71/S75

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Barnsley?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Barnsley sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Long Eaton · NG10

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Long Eaton?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Long Eaton sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Beeston · NG9

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Beeston?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Beeston sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Loughborough · LE11/LE12

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Loughborough?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Loughborough sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Matlock · DE4

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Matlock?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Matlock sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Arnold · NG5

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Arnold?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Arnold sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

West Bridgford · NG2

How often does emergency lighting need testing in West Bridgford?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most West Bridgford sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Eastwood · NG16

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Eastwood?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Eastwood sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Bingham · NG13

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Bingham?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Bingham sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Southwell · NG25

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Southwell?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Southwell sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Stapleford · NG9

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Stapleford?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Stapleford sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Kimberley · NG16

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Kimberley?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Kimberley sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Mansfield Woodhouse · NG19

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Mansfield Woodhouse?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Mansfield Woodhouse sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Ollerton · NG22

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Ollerton?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Ollerton sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Buxton · SK17

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Buxton?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Buxton sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Dronfield · S18

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Dronfield?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Dronfield sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Glossop · SK13

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Glossop?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Glossop sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Swadlincote · DE11

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Swadlincote?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Swadlincote sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Ashbourne · DE6

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Ashbourne?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Ashbourne sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Clay Cross · S45

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Clay Cross?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Clay Cross sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Staveley · S43

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Staveley?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Staveley sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Eckington · S21

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Eckington?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Eckington sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

New Mills · SK22

How often does emergency lighting need testing in New Mills?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most New Mills sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Shirebrook · NG20

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Shirebrook?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Shirebrook sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Mexborough · S64

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Mexborough?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Mexborough sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Conisbrough · DN12

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Conisbrough?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Conisbrough sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Wath upon Dearne · S63

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Wath upon Dearne?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Wath upon Dearne sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Penistone · S36

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Penistone?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Penistone sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Stocksbridge · S36

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Stocksbridge?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Stocksbridge sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Maltby · S66

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Maltby?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Maltby sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Thorne · DN8

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Thorne?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Thorne sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Wombwell · S73

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Wombwell?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Wombwell sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Coalville · LE67

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Coalville?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Coalville sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Hinckley · LE10

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Hinckley?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Hinckley sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Melton Mowbray · LE13

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Melton Mowbray?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Melton Mowbray sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Ashby-de-la-Zouch · LE65

How often does emergency lighting need testing in Ashby-de-la-Zouch?

BS 5266-1 expects a short monthly function test and one full 3 hour duration test each year. Most Ashby-de-la-Zouch sites run the monthly test themselves from the key switch and book us for the annual duration test, which is the one that produces the certificate.

Need a Fire Risk Assessment?

Stay compliant and protect your premises. Get a free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours.

Get a Fire Risk Assessment Request a Quote