Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting provides illumination if your building experiences a power failure or a fire. It can help keep staff calm and allow them to evacuate the building safely, as well as find fire-fighting equipment.

Regulations such as The Regulator Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that all publically accessible buildings (like theatres, hospitals, shopping centres and council buildings), HMOs and most businesses, are required by law to have emergency lighting.

As emergency lighting is powered by rechargeable batteries, it is important that the lighting is tested regularly to ensure the batteries will power up in an emergency situation. 

Here at Hawkesworth, our network of highly qualified engineers are available to carry out your flash and duration tests and accurately record the result of the tests in your fire safety logbook.

Why choose Hawkesworth for your emergency lighting requirements?

  • We are fully flexible: We are available to carry out your testing in and out of hours 
  • We are available across the country: Our network of engineers cover the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands meaning we can test your emergency lighting wherever you are based
  • We are fully accredited: We are an NICEIC approved contractor as well as a registered member of the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), ensuring that all we do is in line with the highest of standards
  • We provide a free reminder service: Don’t worry about when your next emergency lighting test is due as we provide a courtesy reminder service
  • We’re a one-stop-shop for your businesses safety requirements: As well as emergency lighting; we provide a range of electrical compliance services
  • We provide expert advice, any time you need it: We keep all of our customers up to date with the latest industry developments, so you are fully informed about emergency lighting regulations at all times

Contact us today to find out how we can keep your customers, staff and visitors safe with emergency lighting testing

Frequently asked questions about emergency lighting testing

What is emergency lighting?

Emergency lighting provides illumination if there is a power cut or a fire in a building.

Emergency lighting helps keep staff calm, makes it easier for them to find fire extinguishers and alarms and lets them evacuate the building safely.

How does emergency lighting work?

Emergency lighting is powered by rechargeable batteries. Depending on the setup, these batteries can be found in each light, or a central battery location.

If there is a power cut, the rechargeable batteries in the emergency lighting come on, giving off enough light so that people can leave the building. When the mains power comes back on, it will recharge the emergency lighting, ready for next time.

Is emergency lighting a legal requirement?

Emergency lighting is a legal requirement in all publically accessible buildings, and it needs to be well-maintained.

“Emergency routes and exits requiring illumination must be provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity in the case of failure of their normal lighting.” 2005 Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.

As the duty-holder of a building, it is critical to ensure your emergency lighting works correctly at all times.

What does emergency lighting need to do?

Emergency lighting needs to light the escape route out of the building, as well as be positioned beside first aid points, firefighting equipment and any potential trip hazards.

It can also help the emergency services to access the building safely.

Emergency lights contain a small battery. The lights usually are connected to the building’s main power supply but when the power is down, the lights will run off the battery instead.

The type and amount of emergency lighting can vary from building to building, but it usually consists of:

  • LED exit signs
  • Bulkhead lights
  • Downlights
  • Floodlights

How long should emergency lighting stay on?

It should stay on for three hours for the majority of buildings. This gives enough time for staff and visitors to exit the building and for the fire service to enter the building if necessary.

The minimum time emergency lighting should stay on for is one hour. 

How often should emergency lighting be tested?

Emergency lighting needs to be tested at monthly and annual intervals to ensure the batteries will work in an emergency situation.

More information about monthly and annual tests

Who can test emergency lighting?

A 'responsible' person can test emergency lighting on a monthly and daily basis. This is generally an employee who is responsible for the building.

Annual testing must be carried out by a 'competent' person with the skills and knowledge to carry out emergency lighting maintenance.