What is BS 5266-1 and why is it important for emergency lighting?

BS 5266-1:2016 is the British Standard Code of Practice for emergency lighting in non-domestic premises. It's legally required in the UK and ensures emergency lighting systems provide adequate illumination during power failures, enabling safe evacuation and reducing panic. Compliance is mandatory for building insurance, health & safety regulations, and fire safety certificates.

How often should emergency lighting be tested according to BS 5266-1?

BS 5266-1 requires daily visual inspections when premises are occupied, monthly function tests (brief operation check), and annual full-duration tests (complete battery discharge for 1-3 hours). Monthly tests verify basic operation while annual tests ensure batteries can maintain required illumination levels for the full rated duration.

What are the minimum lux levels required for emergency lighting?

BS 5266-1 specifies: 1 lux minimum along escape routes (measured at floor level), 0.5 lux average in open areas under 60m², 0.5 lux average with 1 lux minimum in areas over 60m², and 15 lux minimum (or 10% of normal lighting) in high-risk task areas. These levels must be maintained throughout the emergency duration.

What documentation is required for BS 5266-1 compliance?

Required documentation includes: emergency lighting test certificates, monthly test logbooks, maintenance records, system installation certificates, battery replacement records, and defect reports. All tests must be signed by a competent person and include luminaire locations, test results, lux measurements, and next test due dates.

Can I use Lux Meter Pro for official BS 5266-1 testing?

Yes, Lux Meter Pro is designed for professional emergency lighting testing and provides accurate lux measurements required for BS 5266-1 compliance. The app includes built-in test forms, automatic report generation, and calibration tracking. Over 2,184 engineers worldwide use Lux Meter Pro for official emergency lighting testing and certification.

What should I do if emergency lights fail the BS 5266-1 test?

Failed emergency lights require immediate attention. Common issues include battery replacement, lamp/LED replacement, or cleaning. Document all failures with location, fault description, and repair actions. The system is non-compliant until repairs are completed and retested. Urgent repairs may be required if escape routes lack adequate illumination.

Who can conduct emergency lighting testing?

Emergency lighting testing should be conducted by a 'competent person' as defined by BS 5266-1. This typically includes qualified electricians, facilities managers with appropriate training, or certified emergency lighting engineers. The person must understand the requirements and have access to proper testing equipment like Lux Meter Pro.

How long does emergency lighting testing take?

Testing duration depends on the building size and system complexity. Monthly function tests typically take 30-60 minutes for a typical office building. Annual full-duration tests require 1-3 hours for the actual test plus documentation time. Using Lux Meter Pro can reduce paperwork time by 50% with automated forms and instant reports.

🚨 Emergency Lighting Testing Guide 2025 | BS 5266-1 Compliance | Lux Meter Pro

Name: Emergency Lighting Testing Guide
Brand: Lux Meter Pro
Availability: InStock
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⚡ Quick Start Emergency Lighting Testing

Get BS 5266-1 compliant in minutes - not hours. Follow our professional 4-step process used by 2,184+ engineers worldwide.

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1. Get Forms

Download BS 5266-1 compliant test forms instantly. All required fields included with automatic calculations and professional formatting.

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2. Test Lights

Follow our step-by-step procedure for monthly function and annual duration tests. Complete visual inspection and operational testing.

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3. Measure Lux

Use Lux Meter Pro for accurate measurements. 1 lux minimum on escape routes, 0.5 lux in open areas, 15 lux in high-risk areas.

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4. Get Certificate

Generate professional certificates instantly. Print or email to clients with digital signatures and compliance stamps.

📋 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. Compliance is legally required in the UK for building safety, insurance, and fire certificates.

🔬 Emergency Lighting Test Requirements

All emergency lighting systems must be tested according to these mandatory BS 5266-1 requirements

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Daily Visual Inspection

Frequency: Every day the premises are occupied

Requirements:

Check indicator lights are illuminated
Verify no obvious damage
Record any defects immediately
Ensure clear visibility of signs

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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
Verify activation within 15 seconds

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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
Monitor battery performance throughout

📊 Minimum Illuminance Requirements

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

Area Type	Minimum Lux Level	Measurement Point	Critical Notes
Escape Routes	1 lux minimum	Floor level, center line	Along entire escape route - most critical
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 according to BS 5266-1

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
Verify normal lighting is functioning correctly

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
Take photographs of any issues for documentation

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
Note any luminaires that fail to operate

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 during test

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
Set calendar reminders for next test dates

📋 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: "15/07/2025"

🔬 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: "15/08/2025" (monthly) / "15/07/2026" (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: "15/07/2025" (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: "01/07/2025"

Calibration Due Date

Next calibration due date

Example: "01/07/2026"

📚 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

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