Emergency Lighting Installation & Testing

If the power fails, emergency lighting lights up escape routes, exits and key safety points so people can get out safely. It's required in many workplaces and commercial premises, in the communal areas of many blocks of flats and HMOs, and wherever a fire risk assessment identifies the need.

We install new emergency lighting, upgrade and repair existing systems, and carry out the periodic testing that keeps them compliant, including annual full-duration tests. Every test is recorded so you have the evidence your fire risk assessor, insurer or licensing council will ask for.

When to call us

Your fire risk assessment says emergency lighting is needed or needs upgrading
Emergency light fittings have failed, flicker or show a fault indicator
Your annual full-duration test is due or overdue
You've no logbook or test records for the system
You're converting a property into an HMO or flats
You're fitting out or changing the layout of commercial premises

What's involved

1Survey of escape routes, exits and areas requiring illumination
2Installation of maintained, non-maintained or self-test emergency fittings and exit signs
3Replacement of failed batteries, lamps and fittings
4Annual full-duration test
5Help setting up routine monthly functional checks
6Logbook entries and certification for installation and testing

Good to know

Who is responsible?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the 'responsible person' for non-domestic premises, including the communal areas of blocks of flats and HMOs, must make sure emergency routes and exits are adequately lit where emergency lighting is required. The fire risk assessment determines what's needed.

How often should emergency lighting be tested?

BS 5266-1 recommends a short functional test every month and a full rated-duration test (commonly three hours) every year, with results recorded in a logbook. Self-test fittings can automate parts of this but still need checking and recording.

Maintained or non-maintained?

Non-maintained fittings only light when the mains fails; maintained fittings are on all the time and stay lit during a power cut. Which you need depends on how the space is used, which we'll discuss during the survey.

How much does emergency lighting cost?

Every job is different, so we price it once we understand what's needed. The main factors are:

Number of fittings and exit signs required
Size and layout of escape routes
Maintained, non-maintained or self-test fittings
Condition of any existing system and batteries
Access, including stairwells and high ceilings

We explain charges before we attend and agree the price of any work with you before it starts. Sending photos in advance helps us quote more accurately.

Emergency Lighting Installation & Testing: FAQs

Do HMOs need emergency lighting?

It depends on the size and layout of the property and its fire risk assessment. Larger HMOs and those with longer or more complex escape routes commonly require it. Your council's HMO standards and your fire risk assessment will set out what's needed.

What is a monthly flick test?

A short test in which the mains supply to the emergency lights is briefly interrupted (usually with a key switch) to check each fitting lights up. It should be recorded in the logbook.

Can you test a system someone else installed?

Yes. We can test and repair existing systems, update the logbook and advise on any fittings that need replacing.

How long do emergency light batteries last?

Battery life varies by type and conditions, but batteries are commonly replaced every few years. A failed annual duration test is the usual sign that batteries need replacing.

Emergency Lighting Installation & Testing — areas covered

Available across Surrey, South West London, South East London, Croydon & North Surrey, Berkshire, West Kent, Sussex.