How often should emergency lighting be tested?

First and foremost, your emergency lighting must be tested by a competent person due to the important nature of the system in ensuring occupant safety in the event of an emergency.

The frequency in which you should get your emergency lighting tested can vary depending on system type (i.e. maintained emergency lighting or non-maintained), but as a general guide, you should aim to get your emergency lighting system tested monthly, in addition to an annual ‘full duration’ test as described in BS 5266-1.

The monthly emergency lighting tests, also known as the ‘flick tests’, are a short functional test simulating failure of the mains power supply which ensures the lamp switches on and illuminates correctly. Luminaires should be free from damage and clean. The test should be done using the secure device key, commonly called a fish key due to its shape. The fish key should be used rather than switching off the mains lighting power, which may be hazardous to other occupants. A record of all monthly tests must be kept, including any faults which should be reported to the responsible person to ensure that appropriate remedial action can be taken.

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