🚨 Emergency Lighting Testing Guide

Complete BS 5266-1 compliant emergency lighting testing procedures, forms, and documentation requirements

Current Date: 2025-06-21 10:36:37 UTC
User: Dad-Link
Standard: BS 5266-1:2016 (Latest Edition)

📋 BS 5266-1:2016 Emergency Lighting Code of Practice

This guide covers all requirements for emergency lighting systems in non-domestic premises. Emergency lighting must provide illumination when normal lighting fails due to mains failure or local failure affecting normal lighting.

Emergency Lighting Test Requirements

All emergency lighting systems must be tested according to these mandatory requirements

📅

Daily Visual Inspection

Frequency: Every day the premises are occupied

Requirements:

  • Check indicator lights are illuminated
  • Verify no obvious damage
  • Record any defects immediately
🔍

Monthly Function Test

Frequency: Every month

Duration: Brief test (sufficient to verify operation)

Requirements:

  • Test each luminaire operates
  • Record results in logbook
  • Note any defects for repair
⏱️

Annual Full Duration Test

Frequency: Every 12 months

Duration: Full rated duration (1-3 hours)

Requirements:

  • Test for full rated duration
  • Measure lux levels at floor level
  • Complete comprehensive documentation

Minimum Illuminance Requirements

BS 5266-1 specifies minimum lux levels for different areas and applications

Area Type Minimum Lux Level Measurement Point Notes
Escape Routes 1 lux minimum Floor level, center line Along entire escape route
Open Areas < 60m² 0.5 lux minimum Floor level At any point within area
Open Areas > 60m² 0.5 lux average Floor level 1 lux minimum at any point
High Risk Task Areas 15 lux minimum Task level Or 10% of normal lighting
Lift Cars 1 lux minimum Floor level Throughout car area
External Areas 1 lux minimum Floor/ground level Immediate exit vicinity

Complete Test Procedure

Step-by-step procedure for conducting compliant emergency lighting tests

1
Pre-Test Preparation
  • Ensure all emergency lighting has been on charge for at least 24 hours
  • Notify building occupants of testing if required
  • Prepare test equipment: Lux Meter Pro app, logbook, camera
  • Review previous test results and maintenance records
  • Identify all emergency lighting points to be tested
  • Check weather conditions for external lighting tests
2
Visual Inspection
  • Check all luminaire indicator lights are illuminated (green/LED status)
  • Inspect for physical damage, loose fittings, or obstructions
  • Verify emergency lighting signs are clean and clearly visible
  • Check battery compartments for corrosion or damage
  • Ensure all escape route lighting is unobstructed
  • Record any defects found during visual inspection
3
Function Test (Monthly)
  • Simulate mains failure by switching off normal lighting circuit
  • Verify all emergency lights activate within 15 seconds
  • Check maintained lights continue to operate
  • Test for brief period (1-2 minutes) to verify operation
  • Restore normal power and verify recharge indicators
  • Record all results in monthly test logbook
4
Full Duration Test (Annual)
  • Simulate mains failure for full rated duration (1-3 hours)
  • Take lux measurements at key points using Lux Meter Pro
  • Measure at floor level along escape routes (1 lux minimum)
  • Test high risk areas (15 lux minimum)
  • Record illuminance levels and duration performance
  • Monitor battery performance throughout test period
  • Document any failures or defects
5
Documentation & Reporting
  • Complete emergency lighting test certificate
  • Update emergency lighting logbook
  • Generate PDF reports using Lux Meter Pro
  • Schedule any required maintenance or repairs
  • Provide copies to building owner/occupier
  • File certificates for inspection and insurance purposes

Emergency Lighting Test Certificate - Form Fields Guide

Complete guide to all form fields and required information for BS 5266-1 compliance

📍 Site Information

Client Name *
Full name of building owner or responsible person
Example: "ABC Manufacturing Ltd"
Site Address *
Complete postal address of premises tested
Example: "Unit 5, Industrial Estate, Manchester M1 1AA"
Site Contact
On-site contact person and phone number
Example: "John Smith - 07123 456789"
Building Description
Type and use of building
Example: "Two-storey office and warehouse facility"
Floor/Area Tested
Specific areas covered by this test
Example: "Ground Floor - Office Area A"
Test Date *
Date when test was conducted
Example: "21/06/2025"

🔬 Test Details

Test Type *
Monthly function test or annual full duration test
Options: "Monthly Function Test" / "Annual Full Duration Test"
Test Duration
Actual test duration in hours and minutes
Example: "3 hours 0 minutes" or "2 minutes" (function test)
Start Time
Time when mains supply was disconnected
Example: "14:30"
End Time
Time when test was concluded
Example: "17:30"
Mains Supply Disconnected
Method used to simulate mains failure
Example: "Circuit breaker isolation" / "Local switch off"
Weather Conditions
Relevant for external emergency lighting
Example: "Dry conditions" / "Light rain" / "Clear"

💡 Luminaire Testing Details

Luminaire Location *
Specific location description for each light
Example: "Main Corridor - Exit A" / "Stairwell Level 1"
Luminaire Type
Type and model of emergency light
Example: "LED Exit Sign" / "Bulkhead Emergency Light"
Luminaire Rating
Manufacturer's rated duration
Example: "3 hours" / "1 hour"
Function Test Result *
Pass/Fail result for basic operation
Options: "PASS" / "FAIL"
Duration Test Result
Pass/Fail for full duration test (annual only)
Options: "PASS" / "FAIL" / "N/A"
Illuminance Level (Lux)
Measured lux level at critical points
Example: "1.2 lux" / "15.5 lux"
Measurement Point
Where lux measurement was taken
Example: "Floor level, center of corridor"
Comments/Defects
Any issues, defects, or maintenance required
Example: "Battery replacement required" / "No defects found"

📊 Overall Test Results

Total Luminaires Tested *
Total number of emergency lights tested
Example: "24"
Luminaires Passed
Number of lights that passed all tests
Example: "22"
Luminaires Failed
Number of lights that failed testing
Example: "2"
Overall System Status *
Overall compliance status
Options: "SATISFACTORY" / "UNSATISFACTORY"
Remedial Work Required
Summary of any repairs or replacements needed
Example: "Replace 2x battery packs in corridor lights"
Next Test Due Date *
Date for next scheduled test
Example: "21/07/2025" (monthly) / "21/06/2026" (annual)

👨‍🔧 Engineer/Tester Details

Tester Name *
Full name of person conducting test
Example: "Dad-Link" (current user)
Company Name *
Testing company/organization name
Example: "Professional Lighting Services Ltd"
Tester Qualification
Relevant qualifications or certifications
Example: "City & Guilds 2391" / "NICEIC Approved"
Contact Details
Phone number and email for tester
Example: "07123 456789 / engineer@company.co.uk"
Signature *
Digital signature or printed name
Use digital signature from settings or print name
Date Signed *
Date certificate was signed
Example: "21/06/2025" (today's date)

🔧 Test Equipment Used

Lux Meter Details *
Equipment used for illuminance measurements
Example: "Lux Meter Pro iOS App v2.1"
Device Serial Number
Serial number of measurement device
Available in Lux Meter Pro Settings section
Calibration Date
Last calibration date of equipment
Example: "01/06/2025"
Calibration Due Date
Next calibration due date
Example: "01/06/2026"

Common Terms & Definitions

Essential terminology for emergency lighting testing and BS 5266-1 compliance

Emergency Lighting

Definition: Lighting provided for use when the supply to the normal lighting fails.

Purpose: To ensure safe evacuation and continuation of potentially dangerous processes.

Escape Route Lighting

Definition: Emergency lighting provided to ensure safe evacuation routes.

Requirement: Minimum 1 lux at floor level along center line of escape routes.

Open Area (Anti-Panic) Lighting

Definition: Emergency lighting to reduce panic and enable safe movement to escape routes.

Requirement: Minimum 0.5 lux average over floor area.

High Risk Task Area Lighting

Definition: Emergency lighting for areas with potentially dangerous processes.

Requirement: Minimum 15 lux or 10% of normal lighting level.

Maintained Emergency Lighting

Definition: Emergency lights that operate continuously.

Application: Places of assembly, cinemas, entertainment venues.

Non-Maintained Emergency Lighting

Definition: Emergency lights that operate only when normal lighting fails.

Application: Offices, shops, most commercial buildings.

Common Defects & Troubleshooting

Frequently encountered issues during emergency lighting testing and their solutions

⚠️Safety Warning

Only qualified electricians should attempt repairs to emergency lighting systems. Always isolate supplies safely before inspection or maintenance work.

Defect/Issue Possible Causes Action Required Urgency
Light fails to operate Battery failure, charger fault, lamp failure Test battery voltage, replace if necessary High - Immediate repair
Reduced illumination Aging battery, dirty lamp/lens, partial failure Clean luminaire, test battery, replace if needed Medium - Repair within 24 hours
Short duration operation Battery degradation, incomplete charging Replace battery, check charging circuit High - System may not meet requirements
Indicator light not showing Faulty LED, charger fault, wiring issue Check connections, replace indicator if faulty Low - Function may still be OK
Physical damage Impact damage, vandalism, wear Replace damaged components, consider relocation Medium - Depends on extent of damage
Insufficient lux levels Wrong luminaire type, poor positioning, obstruction Relocate or add additional luminaires High - Non-compliant system

Final Compliance Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your emergency lighting test meets all BS 5266-1 requirements

Pre-test requirements met: 24-hour charge period completed, all normal lighting operational before test
Visual inspection completed: All luminaires inspected for damage, cleanliness, and indicator status
Function test performed: All emergency lights activate within 15 seconds of simulated mains failure
Duration test completed (if annual): Full rated duration test performed successfully
Lux measurements taken: Illuminance levels measured at critical points using calibrated equipment
Minimum levels achieved: 1 lux on escape routes, 0.5 lux in open areas, 15 lux in high risk areas
Certificate completed: All required fields completed accurately with tester signature and date
Logbook updated: Emergency lighting logbook updated with test results and next test due date
Defects recorded: All defects documented with remedial action plans and timescales
Documentation provided: Copies of certificates and reports provided to responsible person

Ready to Conduct Compliant EM Testing?

Use Lux Meter Pro to ensure your emergency lighting tests meet all BS 5266-1 requirements

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