Emergency Lighting Inspection & Discharge Testing
What is it?
Emergency escape lighting automatically illuminates building exit routes and designated safety equipment in the event of a primary mains power failure.
Who is responsible?
The Responsible Person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
What needs to happen?
- 01Monthly short-duration function test ("flick test"): simulate mains failure and verify each luminaire illuminates.
- 02Annual full-duration discharge test: switch off mains supply and confirm all luminaires remain illuminated for their full rated duration (typically 3 hours).
- 03Clean optical diffusers and check that directional escape sign arrows point along valid escape routes.
- 04Promptly replace any battery pack or luminaire failing to achieve the rated duration.
How often?
Monthly brief functional test · Annual full 3-hour rated duration test.
Source: BS 5266-1:2016 Emergency lighting. Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises & BS EN 50172.
What evidence should I hold?
Discharge battery failure during a mains outage can leave occupants in pitch darkness during an evacuation. Fire authorities regularly cite incomplete emergency lighting logs as grounds for Enforcement Notices.
Official Sources
BS 5266-1:2016 Emergency lighting. Code of practice
EntireFM Practical Guidance
EntireFM recommends transitioning to DALI-compatible self-testing emergency luminaires during refurbishment. Automated addressable self-test systems record monthly and annual discharge results directly to a digital log, preventing human error.
EntireFM practical interpretation is separate from official statutory guidance. Always verify against primary legislation.