How often should emergency lighting be tested?
By Joe Cooper. Last reviewed 26 October 2026.
Short answer: A quick weekly look at the green indicator lights is a sensible routine. Periodic flash tests (commonly monthly) and an annual full-duration test are normally carried out and recorded by a competent person, or as your risk assessment sets. Faulty lights should be recorded and repaired promptly.
What emergency lighting does
Emergency lighting comes on when the normal lighting fails, so people can find their way out. It also lights exit signs, fire alarm call points and fire-fighting equipment.
A simple routine
- Weekly: look at the green indicator light on each fitting. If it is off, the fitting may have lost power or failed.
- Monthly: a short "flash" test, switching the lights to battery briefly to make sure they come on. Often carried out by a competent person.
- Annually: a full-duration test, running the lights on battery for their rated time (often three hours) and recording the result.
Planning the tests
Run longer tests when the building is quiet and make sure batteries have time to recharge before people return. Where you rely on emergency lighting for escape, do not run a full-duration test and leave the premises without lighting afterwards.
What to record
Record the date, which lights were tested, who tested them, the result, and any faults and repairs. Faulty lights should be reported and fixed promptly. Your fire risk assessment, and the competent person who services your lighting, set the exact schedule for your building.
General information based on GOV.UK guidance and common practice. It is not legal advice or a fire risk assessment. Sources: GOV.UK, Fire safety in the workplace and equipment, drills and training.