A key-switch. This is installed on the permanent live supply to an emergency fitting. When actuated it isolates the emergency fitting, thus simulating a power failure. For the annual test, the requirements for emergency lighting are to test for a duration of three hours. When doing so, the primary lighting circuit must be switched off and emergency lights left on for three hours in line with BS 5266-1. All luminaires should remain lit throughout this period. Any defects should be reported and remediated as soon as possible. A competent person should carry out these annual emergency lighting tests and undertake any remedial work needed as a result. These tests may be performed by technicians during a fire alarm service, as this can be done while waiting for the lamps to complete the duration of test. How to test emergency lighting? Due to emergency light systems being so important in the process of protecting building occupants and highlighting escape routes and firefighting equipment, it is essential that emergency escape lighting is regularly tested and maintained to ensure that in the event of a failure of mains power, the lighting works correctly and escape routes are effectively illuminated (escape route lighting).This advice and guidance article provides advice on how often you should get your emergency lighting tested, and how to test your emergency lighting. How often should emergency lighting be tested?

Emergency lighting is required in premises to enable occupants to escape safely in an emergency situation. BS 5266-1 states that a building must have adequate illumination to support escape and identify firefighting equipment (or any other fire safety equipment). Areas in which there is moving machinery or vehicles, flammable materials or control rooms associated with potentially dangerous processes have, as ‘high risk task areas’, slightly different requirements in relation to emergency lighting – particularly in relation to the illuminance levels to be maintained and duration of operation. High risk task area lighting is provided predominantly to ensure that processes can be safely terminated, and occupants make their evacuation from the area without undue risk from the process. Emergency lighting testing requirements stipulate that emergency lighting must be maintained and regularly tested in the same way as other emergency equipment. Each light should be identified and have a location identity for recordkeeping. A record log can then be kept of the system test, defects, any damage to the system, and remedial action relating to each light.L SW is the normal mains supply. A normal light switch, or sensor, would usually be on this circuit to enable the end-user to have control over the light fitting in normal operating mode. L SW is always to be wired so that any switching of L PERM will disconnect L SW too, but any switching of L SW will not affect L PERM. 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. It supplies the power that keeps the emergency batteries charged. That’s why it must not be affected by any switching of L SW. L PERM is the permanent live supply and must have no normal (manually operated) switch or sensor on it. However, a key-switch is permissible and will usually be installed on this circuit. L PERM has two functions: Here at the Fire Protection Association, we offer a 5-day Fire Detection, Alarms, and Emergency Lighting training course that provides a comprehensive understanding of systems, legislation, and standards including BS 5266-1 and BS 5839, as well as practical guidance for carrying out installation, commissioning, and maintenance of systems. Find out more here.

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.

There are three widely used ways to test emergency lighting. To understand them it is necessary to understand first how an emergency light fitting is wired. Note that the remarks that follow apply to self-contained emergency fittings, not to central battery operated emergency fittings. Failure of the normal lighting does not necessarily mean that the hazard no longer exists. A hazard may continue long after failure of the normal lighting supply. In such circumstances, high risk task lighting will be required and designed in such a way to ensure illumination is maintained as long as the local hazard continues to exist. Self-test has several benefits. First, it saves the labour of manual testing. Secondly, it removes the risk that routine monthly or annual testing is overlooked. This performs the same function as a key-switch, isolating the fitting from its permanent live supply and thereby simulating a power failure. When zero voltage is detected at L PERM it is the indication to the emergency module in the light fitting that mains power has been lost and that battery power must now be switched on.

BS5266-1 states that emergency lighting should be regularly tested. How often should emergency lighting be tested?