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How Regular Emergency Light Testing Keeps Your Business Compliant

5th December 2025

When running a busy commercial premises, it is easy to overlook emergency lighting until something goes wrong. Many businesses in Plymouth assume their systems will work when needed, but faults often go unnoticed until a power cut or evacuation highlights a bigger problem. Emergency lights are a legal requirement for commercial buildings, and regular testing is the only way to ensure they will operate correctly in an emergency. A few simple checks each month can protect your staff, customers, and your business from unnecessary risk.

Here is how routine emergency light testing keeps your premises safe, compliant, and fully prepared for unexpected situations.

What Is Emergency Lighting?

  • Emergency lighting provides illumination when normal lighting fails due to power loss.
  • It guides people safely out of the building during a fire or evacuation.
  • Common examples include exit signs, corridor lighting, stairwell emergency lights, and external escape route lighting.

Why Emergency Light Testing Is a Legal Requirement

  • UK safety regulations require all commercial premises to maintain working emergency lighting at all times.
  • BS 5266 outlines the standards for installation, testing, and maintenance.
  • Businesses must keep detailed testing records, which may be requested by insurers or fire officers, alongside other documents such as your Commercial EICR report.

The Different Types of Emergency Light Testing

  • Monthly Function Test: A short test to confirm each emergency light turns on correctly.
  • Annual Duration Test: A longer test where lights must operate for their full rated duration, usually three hours.
  • Visual Checks: Inspections for physical damage, obstructions, or signs of wear.

Common Issues Found During Testing

  • Batteries that no longer hold charge.
  • Damaged casings or cracked diffusers.
  • Lights blocked by stock or shelving.
  • Faulty sensors or wiring faults.
  • Exit signage that is too dim or poorly positioned.

What Happens if You Do Not Test Regularly?

  • Non compliance can lead to fines, insurance issues, and enforcement action from fire authorities.
  • In an emergency, failed lighting puts employees and customers at serious risk.
  • Unrecorded or incomplete testing logs can invalidate insurance claims.

Benefits of Routine Testing for Your Business

  • Ensures your building is always prepared for power loss or evacuation.
  • Reduces liability and protects your business reputation.
  • Identifies faults early, preventing costly repairs later.
  • Works hand in hand with other compliance requirements such as your Commercial EICR inspections.
  • Provides peace of mind that your escape routes are safe and compliant.

How Ocean City Electrical Supports Your Emergency Lighting Requirements

  • We carry out monthly and annual emergency light testing to BS 5266 standards.
  • We provide detailed logs for compliance, insurance, and fire safety audits.
  • We also repair and install emergency lighting systems for all types of commercial premises.
  • Our team ensures your business stays safe, legal, and fully equipped for emergencies.

Regular emergency light testing is a simple but essential part of keeping your workplace safe and compliant. With Ocean City Electrical, you can be confident that your systems are always ready when they matter most. To learn more about site wide compliance, you can also read our guide to understanding your EICR report.

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