Reduce risk and maintain compliance with our specialist risk management services.
We’re proud to be a leading provider of complete life cycle risk management solutions. From ensuring asset safety and legal compliance with our thorough engineering inspections to driving operational efficiency with our specialist non-destructive testing services, (and much more in between), we’re proud of the long-lasting partnerships we have formed with our customers over the last 160 years, based on the value of our solutions.
Emergency Lighting Testing
Keeping your employees safe and your business compliant
You wouldn’t ignore a fire alarm. Don’t take the functionality of your emergency light system for granted.
We can help to ensure your emergency lighting system is working as it should with our expert testing service.
Specialist emergency light testing services
In the event of an emergency or if your main power supply is lost, we want to make sure you and your people can vacate the building safely via illuminated routes.
We make a commitment to our customers to manage their testing schedules, providing monthly flick tests and annual 3 hour drain downs. Our team will contact you to arrange the testing prior to the due date, so let us shoulder the responsibility for you. Emergency lighting systems should be periodically tested to ensure that it is in good working order and ready for a potential evacuation.
BS EN 50172:2004 / BS 5266-8:2004 (Emergency escape lighting systems) outlines the minimum provisions to be taken and the frequency of testing required for different properties. Additional information on servicing can be found in BS 5266-1: 2011 (Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises).
In accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and the Fire Precautions Workplace Act 1997, the Duty Holder is legally obligated to ensure that the system installed is in full working order and adheres to BS5266 pt 1. To test an emergency lighting system, a mains power failure on the normal lighting circuits or individual luminaries must be simulated. This will force the emergency lighting system to operate via the battery supply. This test can be carried out manually or automatically.
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How we'll work with you
- Planning the test: This stage includes identifying the areas that need to be tested, determining the type of test that will be performed, and scheduling the test.
- Performing the test: Once the area is evacuated, we’ll perform the test.
Types of tests we’ll carry out:
Functional testing: This is a quick check to make sure that the emergency lights turn on when the main power fails. This test can be done by turning off the main power to the lights and then using the test switch to turn them on. The lights should come on and stay on for at least the minimum amount of time that they are required to stay on in the event of a power outage.
Full duration testing: This is a more thorough test that simulates a power outage and checks the emergency lights’ ability to provide illumination for the minimum amount of time required. This test is typically done by switching off the main power to the lights and then leaving them on for the required amount of time.
- Documenting the results: Once we’ve completed the test, we’ll record the date and time it took place, the areas that were tested, the type of test that was performed, and the results of the test for your records.
- Taking corrective action as necessary: If any problems are found during the test, we’ll carry out all corrective action. This could be anything from repairing and replacing damaged equipment to adjusting the settings of the emergency lighting system.
Key benefits of our Emergency Lighting Testing services
Safety
Ensuring emergency lighting is fully operational and provides illumination to a sufficiently high level is key to enabling all occupants to be able to safely evacuate the premises in the event of an emergency.
Compliance
We’re accredited with prolific industry bodies, including NICEIC and the ECA, which means that as our customer, you’ll receive the highest quality service, every time.
Cost saving
In the event of a power failure, emergency lighting can help to reduce the cost of damage to your property. By providing light, emergency lighting can help to prevent fires and other accidents that can cause damage to your building.
Safety
Ensuring emergency lighting is fully operational and provides illumination to a sufficiently high level is key to enabling all occupants to be able to safely evacuate the premises in the event of an emergency.
Compliance
We’re accredited with prolific industry bodies, including NICEIC and the ECA, which means that as our customer, you’ll receive the highest quality service, every time.
Cost saving
In the event of a power failure, emergency lighting can help to reduce the cost of damage to your property. By providing light, emergency lighting can help to prevent fires and other accidents that can cause damage to your building.
Did you know...
300,000
incidents of emergency failures are reported to the HSE every year.
100
people a year are injured as a result of emergency lighting failure, according to the HSE.
£1 billion
is spent because of emergency lighting failure according to the HSE.
Hear what our customers have to say
We care about the journey we take our customers on, but it’s not our word you should be taking, see what our customers think of the service we provided!
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BES Group Electrical have been one of our main contractors for EICRs since 2020, and more recently for Portable and Fixed Appliance testing. At Sanctuary Group, one of the largest Housing Associations in the UK, with sites located across England and Scotland, our aim is to ensure our compliances are up to date in a timely fashion. BES Group have not disappointed. Communication is positive, quick, professional and with clarity.
I would highly recommend them as a contractor, communication and understanding of the work requested is integral to my position within National Compliance. The team at BES Group Electrical are a pleasure to work with. Thank you, Chris, and all at BES Group Electrical.
”
Charlotte Hampton
National Compliance Administration Officer
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Some of the other international players don’t even have nationwide coverage. BES was able to offer us local resources across the country for our complex operations, there is no other provider that could give us that.
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Customer
Project Manager
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We have been with BES for the past 5 years and don’t plan on switching providers. They are very flexible with their services and are able to bring the best inspectors who can deal with on the ground challenges and build real relationships with clients.
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Customer
Global Technical Services Manager
FAQs
Will Emergency Lighting Testing disrupt the running of my business?
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Our engineers will endeavour to cause minimal disruption to the operational hours of your company. Our planning team are competent communicators, finding the perfect appointment date for your requirements.
How often should emergency lighting be inspected and maintained?
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Emergency lighting should be inspected and maintained at least monthly and annually.
- Monthly inspection: This should be a quick check to make sure that the emergency lights are working properly. You should turn off the main power to the lights and then turn them on using the test switch. The lights should come on and stay on for at least 30 minutes. You should also check for any damage to the lights or their fixtures.
- Annual inspection: This should be a more thorough inspection that includes the monthly checks as well as a test of the emergency lights’ full operating time. This test should last for the minimum amount of time that the lights are required to stay on in the event of a power outage. In the UK, this is 3 hours for a residential property. You should also check the batteries and make sure that they are in good condition.
In addition to regular inspections and maintenance, emergency lighting should also be tested after any major event that could have damaged the system, such as a fire or flood.
Who can test emergency lighting?
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A competent person can test emergency lighting. A competent person is someone who has the skills, knowledge, and experience to carry out the task safely and correctly, like BES Group Electrical! Here are some more examples of professionals in the UK who may be competent to test emergency lighting:
- A person who is a member of a recognised trade association for electrical or fire safety engineers.
- A person who has been trained and certified by a recognised training provider.
- A person who has been working in the electrical or fire safety industry for at least 5 years.
What is involved emergency lighting testing?
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Emergency lighting testing is the process of ensuring that emergency lighting systems are working properly and will provide adequate illumination in the event of a power outage. There are two main types of emergency lighting testing:
- Functional testing: This is a quick check to make sure that the emergency lights turn on when the main power fails. This test can be done by turning off the main power to the lights and then using the test switch to turn them on. The lights should come on and stay on for at least the minimum amount of time that they are required to stay on in the event of a power outage.
- Full duration testing: This is a more thorough test that simulates a power outage and checks the emergency lights’ ability to provide illumination for the minimum amount of time required. This test is typically done by switching off the main power to the lights and then leaving them on for the required amount of time.
In addition to functional and full duration testing, emergency lighting systems should also be visually inspected regularly to check for damage or defects
What happens if emergency lighting fails testing?
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If emergency lighting fails testing, there are a few things that can happen:
- The emergency lighting system may be required to be repaired or replaced.
- The building owner or operator may be fined or penalized.
- The building may be closed until the emergency lighting system is repaired or replaced.
- In the event of a power outage, people in the building may be injured or killed if they are unable to see clearly.
Our credentials
View all our accreditationsECA
BES Electrical Ltd.
ECA
BES Electrical Ltd.
Why choose us
Expert Planning
Our planning team will find a suitable attendance date to suit you, going above and beyond to accommodate site requirements.
We’re Competent
Our engineers are competent in all of our services and care for the welfare and safety of everyone associated with our customers.
Nationwide Services
Our team of specialist electrical engineers are spread across the UK and are 100% responsible to customer needs. So, no matter where your site is located, we'll be there for you.
35,000 satisfied customers
We've built a strong reputation for providing exceptional service to over 35,000 satisfied customers from diverse industries. Our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction has resulted in long-standing partnerships and unwavering trust.
800+ expert engineers
Our team of over 800 skilled engineers possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in a range of disciplines. Their deep understanding of your equipment and operating conditions ensures that they deliver proactive solutions that optimise asset performance and minimise downtime
A legacy of 160+ years of experience
With over 160 years of experience in the industry, we've witnessed the evolution of industry practices and have adapted our approach to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers. Our deep understanding of asset management, compliance and predictive technologies enables us to deliver cutting-edge solutions that drive operational excellence.
Our related services
Emergency Lighting Services – Design
Emergency Lighting Services – Repair
Emergency Lighting Services
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
PAT Testing
Our sectors
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