how often should emergency lighting be tested
Emergency lighting should typically be tested monthly with a short functional test and annually with a full-duration test, but exact requirements depend on your local fire and building codes.
Quick Scoop
- Most standards call for:
- A 30-second test every 30 days to check that each emergency light and exit sign comes on and stays lit briefly.
* A **full-duration test once per year** (often 90 minutes, or up to 3 hours in some countries like the UK) to simulate a real power outage and ensure batteries last for the rated time.
- These tests help keep your building compliant with life safety codes (such as NFPA 101 in the US or BS 5266 in the UK) and, more importantly, ensure safe evacuation in an emergency.
- Always check your local regulations, insurer requirements, and manufacturer instructions , as they may be stricter than the basic schedule above.
Typical Testing Schedule
- Monthly (short) test
- Cut power or press the “test” button so each unit runs on battery for at least 30 seconds.
* Confirm all lamps/LEDs light up promptly and stay on without flickering or dimming.
- Annual (full-duration) test
- Turn off the normal supply and run all emergency lights on battery for their full rated time (commonly 90–180 minutes, depending on standard).
* Any unit that fails, dims, or cuts out early should be repaired or replaced and then retested.
HTML table summary
| Test type | How often should emergency lighting be tested? | Typical duration | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly test | Every 30 days. | [9][1][3][5]At least 30 seconds on battery. | [1][3][5][9]Quick functionality check that each unit comes on and stays lit briefly. | [5][9][1]
| Annual test | Once per year. | [3][7][9][1][5]Full rated duration, often 90–180 minutes depending on code. | [7][9][1][3][5]Endurance check to verify batteries and systems can support a prolonged outage. | [9][1][3][5][7]
Practical notes
- Plan annual tests during low-occupancy times (after hours or weekends) to minimise disruption while keeping people safe.
- Keep written records or digital logs of every test (date, result, and any remedial actions), as inspectors often ask for evidence.
- Use a competent or qualified person for the annual full-duration test, as many standards explicitly require this.
TL;DR: In most buildings, emergency lighting should be tested every month for 30 seconds and once a year for the full backup duration , in line with your local safety codes.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.