Home About Us Services Fire Risk Assessments Get a Quote

Tested to BS 5266-1

Emergency lighting provides illumination to escape routes when the normal mains supply fails. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must ensure that emergency escape lighting is provided, tested, and maintained to an adequate standard.

BS 5266-1 specifies the testing regime: monthly brief functional tests, six-monthly duration tests, and an annual full-duration discharge test of at least three hours. Each test must be recorded and results made available for inspection.

Emergency lighting failures are among the most commonly cited defects in fire safety enforcement action. A luminaire with a dead battery is indistinguishable from a working one until the moment it is needed.

Testing & Certification

Full Discharge Testing

Complete 3-hour discharge test of all emergency luminaires and exit signs, with functional verification of every unit and battery condition assessment.

  • Monthly, 6-monthly and annual testing available
  • Full 3-hour discharge test to BS 5266-1
  • Certificate of compliance issued
  • Combined alarm and lighting contracts available
From £150 per visit · Bundle discounts available

Remediation & Replacement

Where luminaires or batteries fail testing, R&W can supply and install replacements to restore full emergency lighting coverage.

  • LED upgrade options available
  • Maintained and non-maintained units supplied
  • Exit signage replacement and installation
Replacement units quoted on survey

Common Questions

How often does emergency lighting need testing?

BS 5266-1 requires monthly brief functional tests, a six-monthly intermediate test, and a full three-hour annual discharge test. All results must be recorded in a log book.

What is a 3-hour discharge test?

The full annual test involves switching off the mains supply to all emergency luminaires and allowing them to run on battery power for three hours. Any unit that fails to maintain adequate illumination for the full duration is recorded as a failure and requires remediation.

Can you combine emergency lighting and fire alarm servicing?

Yes. R&W offers combined service contracts covering both fire alarms and emergency lighting. Bundling reduces cost and ensures both systems are tested on a coordinated schedule.

What areas need emergency lighting?

All escape routes, exit doors, stairwells, corridors, open-plan areas, changes of direction, intersections, external routes to places of safety, and any areas where the fire risk assessment identifies a need for illumination during evacuation.

You May Also Need

Book Your Emergency Lighting Testing and Certification

Speak directly with Tom or Calvin. Ex-brigade professionals, every visit.