Emergency lighting that works when the power fails

Comprehensive emergency lighting testing across London and the South West. Monthly and annual tests, full duration checks, repairs and replacements — all to BS 5266-1, with a legal emergency lighting test certificate at the end.

Testing schedule

Monthly & annual emergency lighting tests

BS 5266-1 requires a two-tier testing regime — a short monthly function check plus a full annual duration test. Both must be documented in your logbook for compliance.

What we do

Emergency lighting testing across London & the South West

At BLEC Group, we offer comprehensive emergency lighting testing across London and the South West. Emergency lighting is a crucial aspect of building maintenance — providing illumination in the event of power loss, and a clear path to safety when occupants need to evacuate.

It is a requirement of the fire safety regulations that, as a minimum, all exit routes are always adequately illuminated and have the correct signage. An emergency lighting test certificate that shows the system is working properly is critical for proving your legal compliance.

Why is emergency light testing important?

If the worst happens, your emergency lighting must immediately trigger into action. If not, the workplace will be plunged into darkness — posing several safety problems and making it difficult for occupants to safely evacuate the building.

So it’s not just about having an emergency lighting test certificate — when building evacuation happens, the workforce needs to be able to see where the exit signs are and navigate to safety. The certificate is only meaningful because the equipment behind it has actually been tested.

Current emergency lighting standards

Emergency lighting is required by the UK’s BS 5266-1 standards for all types of buildings — from offices to hospitals. Regular testing is necessary to ensure it functions safely during emergencies. There are two types of emergency lighting:

Emergency lighting testing requirements

Emergency lighting is a critical component of any building’s safety system, and ensuring that it is operational at all times is essential. To meet legal requirements, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 stipulates that all non-domestic premises must have the right escape signage and emergency lights in place. The regulations also require business owners to properly maintain their emergency lighting to ensure it remains reliable and effective in the event of a power failure.

To ensure compliance with these regulations, business owners should engage the services of a specialist emergency lighting testing company. BLEC Group is one such company — providing annual emergency light tests and emergency lighting test certificates. In addition to the annual inspection, the emergency lighting system also requires a brief monthly test, which can be carried out either by a trained operative at the premises or by the testing company.

It is crucial to keep hold of all emergency lighting certificates, schedules of repairs, minor works certificates, and the emergency lighting logbook — to evidence compliance if required. BLEC Group provides specialist emergency lighting testing services across London and the South West of England. By ensuring that emergency lighting systems are regularly serviced and tested, building owners provide a safe environment for employees and customers in case of an emergency.

Ensuring compliance with testing requirements

Emergency lighting is a crucial part of any commercial property and it needs to be tested regularly to ensure it is working properly. BLEC Group provides monthly and annual comprehensive emergency light testing across London and the South West.

During the monthly testing, a competent person turns off the mains power and checks that the emergency lighting works — examining all equipment for any signs of disrepair. The annual emergency lighting testing involves a duration test, to check that each emergency light remains clear and bright for the correct amount of time. During the annual inspection, the full installation is examined, and certain areas must have adequate emergency illumination.

If any necessary repair works are highlighted by the inspection, it is imperative to take action immediately to avoid any legal risks or danger to occupants. BLEC Group provides various repair services for emergency lighting systems. Commercial emergency light testing can reveal various defects that need to be rectified to keep the property, employees and customers safe.

The regulations

The emergency lighting in commercial premises must adhere to certain regulatory requirements and emergency lighting laws, outlined in:

After the emergency light testing is complete, a legal emergency lighting test certificate is provided as evidence of compliance.

Why BLEC for emergency lighting

Compliant, tested, and documented

Six things that come as standard on every BLEC emergency lighting test — from the monthly function check through to the annual duration test and certificate.

BS 5266-1 tested

Tests carried out to the UK BS 5266-1 standard — the same standard fire risk assessors and insurers will look for.

Monthly & annual cycle

We schedule both the brief monthly function test and the full annual 3-hour duration test — so nothing slips through.

Full 3-hour duration test

Each emergency light is held under battery power for the full duration to verify it remains clear and bright for the rated time.

Test certificate & logbook

Every test recorded in your emergency lighting logbook, with a legal emergency lighting test certificate issued after the annual inspection.

Repairs in-house

If the inspection highlights faults — failing batteries, dead fittings, missing signage — we can repair or replace them right away.

London & South West coverage

Plymouth-based with active coverage across the South West of England and London — single-site or multi-property.

Related security & safety services

Access control sits inside a wider security and life-safety system — we cover the whole picture.

EICR Reports

Electrical Installation Condition Reports — your wider electrical safety certification, alongside emergency lighting.

Remedial Works

Replacement of failing emergency light systems, batteries, signage and fittings — issued with a Minor Works Certificate.

Electrical Maintenance

Planned maintenance contracts that bundle emergency lighting tests with your wider electrical maintenance schedule.

Client Feedback

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Common Questions

Emergency lighting questions answered.

The questions we get asked most often when business owners or facilities managers are setting up an emergency lighting testing regime. If yours isn’t here, just call or drop us a line.

Still have questions?

Our team responds to enquiries within one working hour during business hours.

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Is emergency lighting testing a legal requirement?

Yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires all non-domestic premises to have the right escape signage and emergency lights in place, and to maintain them so they remain reliable in the event of a power failure. BS 5266-1 sets out the testing regime — a brief monthly function test plus a full annual duration test, both recorded in the emergency lighting logbook.

What's the difference between the monthly and annual tests?

The monthly test is a brief function check — turn off the mains power, walk the building, confirm every emergency light comes on and looks right. Takes minutes per fitting. The annual test is a full duration check — every fitting is held under battery power for the full rated duration (typically 3 hours) to make sure the batteries can actually sustain the load. The annual test produces the certificate.

Can my caretaker do the monthly test?

Yes — the monthly test can be carried out by a trained operative at the premises or by us as part of an ongoing contract. We’re happy to train your team and provide a simple monthly checklist. The annual duration test, on the other hand, should be done by a competent specialist contractor with the right kit and the ability to issue a compliant certificate.

What happens if a light fails the test?

Failing lights, dead batteries or missing signage all need to be repaired or replaced without delay. We do this in-house — either at the same visit if it’s a quick swap, or as a scheduled remedial visit if the work is bigger. The certificate is only issued once the system is compliant, so anything outstanding is clearly flagged.

Do I need an emergency lighting logbook?

Yes — keeping an emergency lighting logbook is required to evidence compliance. Every test (monthly and annual), every repair, and any minor works certificates should be recorded in it. The logbook is what a fire risk assessor or inspecting officer will ask to see. If you don’t have one, we can supply one as part of setting up a contract.

Will the test disrupt my business?

Minimal disruption. The monthly test takes minutes and can be done before or after working hours. The annual duration test takes longer (the lights are on battery for the full rated duration), but the building can carry on operating normally — the only thing visibly happening is your emergency lights are illuminated. For larger commercial sites we often do this out of hours so there’s zero impact on the working day.