Emergency Lighting Testing Service
Book Emergency Lighting Testing Online
- Flexible appointment times to suit your schedule
- Same-day bookings available in selected areas
- Emergency lighting inspection, testing and certificate/report
- Suitable for commercial properties, HMOs and managed buildings
- Pay by Card, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay or on-site
Choose your service:
Recently booked jobs
Professional Emergency Light Testing
Emergency lighting testing helps confirm that your emergency lights can illuminate escape routes, exits and key safety areas if the normal lighting fails. It is an important safety check for commercial properties, HMOs, communal areas and managed buildings.
A professional emergency lighting testing service can include visual checks, functional testing, battery checks, exit sign checks and full duration testing where required. After the appointment, you may receive an emergency lighting certificate or service report for your records.
Regular emergency light testing helps identify common issues such as failed fittings, weak batteries, damaged signs, poor visibility or lights that do not operate for their rated duration.
What is included in emergency lighting testing?
The exact checks can vary depending on the building, the number of emergency lights and the type of system installed. However, a professional emergency light test usually includes a combination of visual checks, functional testing and reporting.
| Check | What it means |
|---|---|
| Visual inspection | The electrician checks the condition, position and visibility of emergency lights and exit signs. |
| Functional test | The system is tested to confirm that emergency lights activate when the normal power supply is interrupted. |
| Battery check | Battery performance may be reviewed to identify lights that may not last for the required duration. |
| Exit sign check | Illuminated exit signs are checked to confirm they are visible and operating correctly. |
| Fault review | Any visible faults, damaged fittings or non-working lights can be recorded. |
| Certificate or report | You may receive an emergency lighting certificate or service report for your records. |
Monthly emergency lighting checks
Monthly emergency lighting checks are usually short functional tests designed to confirm that the lights activate correctly. These are often called flick tests because they simulate a power failure for a short period of time.
The purpose of a monthly emergency light test is to identify obvious faults early, such as lights that do not switch on, damaged fittings or exit signs that are not illuminated correctly.
Annual emergency lighting test
An annual emergency lighting test is more detailed than a monthly functional check. It usually involves testing the emergency lights for their full rated duration to confirm that they can continue operating for the required time.
Many emergency lighting systems are designed for a full duration of up to three hours, depending on the building and system requirements. BAFE emergency lighting guidance refers to monthly functional operation checks and a full rated duration test at least annually. You can read more in the BAFE emergency lighting system guidance.
3 hour emergency lighting test
A 3 hour emergency lighting test checks whether emergency lights can remain illuminated for the full duration required by the system design. This type of test is commonly carried out annually and is important for confirming battery condition and system reliability.
After a full duration test, any failed lights, weak batteries or damaged fittings should be recorded so that repairs or replacements can be arranged where needed.
Emergency lighting inspection and servicing
Emergency lighting inspection and servicing help keep the system reliable over time. An inspection can identify visible damage, poor positioning, missing signs, battery issues or lights that do not activate correctly.
Servicing may include further checks, replacement recommendations and advice on whether the system needs repairs or upgrades. This is especially important for buildings with public access, multiple occupants or complex escape routes.
Who needs emergency lighting testing?
Emergency lighting testing is commonly needed in buildings where people must be able to escape safely if the normal lighting fails. This includes many commercial, rental, communal and managed properties.
- Offices and workplaces
- Shops and retail units
- Restaurants, pubs and hospitality venues
- HMOs and communal residential areas
- Warehouses and industrial units
- Schools, nurseries and public buildings
- Landlords, managing agents and facilities managers
When should emergency lighting be tested?
Emergency lighting should be tested regularly to help ensure the system remains reliable and faults are identified early. The required schedule can depend on the property, risk level, system type and fire safety arrangements in place.
| Test type | Typical purpose | Common frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Visual check | Checks for obvious damage, missing signs or visible faults | Regularly as part of safety management |
| Functional test | Confirms emergency lights activate when mains lighting fails | Often monthly |
| Full duration test | Checks whether lights remain on for the required rated duration | Often annually |
| Post-repair test | Confirms repaired or replaced lights are working correctly | After relevant works |
Emergency Lighting Compliance & Safety Records
An emergency lighting certificate or service report provides a record that your emergency lighting system has been checked by a qualified professional. This can be useful for landlords, business owners, facilities managers and responsible persons who need to keep fire safety records up to date.
The certificate or report may include the property address, date of testing, type of test completed, observations, failed fittings, recommendations and the details of the professional who carried out the service.
What does an emergency lighting certificate show?
An emergency lighting certificate or report helps document the checks completed during the appointment. It can support your fire safety records and make it easier to track faults, repairs and future testing dates.
Your emergency lighting report may include:
- Property details: The address and basic information about the premises tested.
- Test date: The date the emergency lighting inspection or test was carried out.
- Test type: Whether a functional test, full duration test or other check was completed.
- System observations: Notes on visible faults, damaged fittings or failed emergency lights.
- Recommendations: Any repairs, replacements or further checks that may be needed.
- Engineer details: Information about the professional or company that completed the test.
Emergency lighting testing cost
The cost of emergency lighting testing can vary depending on the size of the property, the number of emergency lights, the type of test required and the complexity of the building.
Common factors that may affect the cost include:
- Number of lights: More fittings usually take longer to inspect and test.
- Property size: Larger buildings or multi-floor premises may require more time.
- Test type: A full duration test usually takes longer than a short functional test.
- Access: Lights in difficult-to-reach areas may require additional time or equipment.
- Urgency: Same-day or short-notice bookings may affect availability and price.
Common emergency lighting faults
Regular emergency light servicing can help identify problems before they become more serious. Some issues may be obvious, while others may only appear during testing.
- Lights not activating: Emergency lights may fail to switch on during a simulated power failure.
- Weak batteries: Lights may activate but fail before the required duration has passed.
- Damaged fittings: Broken covers, loose units or damaged signs can reduce effectiveness.
- Poor visibility: Exit signs or emergency lights may be blocked, dirty or poorly positioned.
- Charging faults: Some units may not recharge correctly after testing or use.
Preparing for an emergency lighting test
Preparing the property before the appointment can help the emergency lighting testing service run smoothly and reduce delays.
- Provide access: Make sure the electrician can reach emergency lights, exit signs and test points.
- Notify occupants: Let staff, tenants or residents know that testing may take place.
- Prepare records: Have previous emergency lighting certificates, reports or logbooks available if possible.
- Identify known faults: Mention any lights that flicker, fail to charge or appear damaged.
- Allow enough time: A full duration test can take longer than a short functional test.
Book emergency lighting testing online
Booking your emergency lighting testing service through MyConstructor is quick and straightforward. You can compare available professionals, check prices and reviews, choose a convenient appointment time and book online in minutes.
Our platform helps you arrange a professional emergency light test without having to contact multiple providers individually. This saves time, gives you more choice and helps you keep your fire safety records organised.
If your property also has a full fire detection system, you may need a separate fire alarm testing and certificate service. This can help ensure the wider alarm system is checked and recorded separately.
For homes, rental properties or HMOs with mains-powered smoke alarms, MyConstructor can also help you arrange smoke alarm testing as part of your wider property safety checks.
Book your emergency lighting testing service online today and help ensure your emergency lights are checked, recorded and ready when they are needed.
