Every commercial building in the UK is legally required to have emergency lighting that activates automatically if the mains power fails. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 makes the responsible person — usually the employer, owner, or facilities manager — accountable for ensuring these systems are tested and maintained.
There are two distinct types of testing. The monthly "flick test" involves briefly switching off the normal lighting to confirm that every emergency fitting illuminates. This takes only a few minutes and should be logged in your emergency lighting record book. The annual "duration test" is more thorough: the mains power is cut for the full rated duration of the batteries — typically one or three hours — to verify that every lamp stays lit for the required time.
At DCC Electrics, we carry out emergency lighting testing for schools, hotels, warehouses, retail stores, and office blocks across Kent. We have seen too many businesses fail fire audits because their logbooks were incomplete or their fittings had failed silently months earlier. A dead battery in a single exit sign can result in a enforcement notice from the fire authority.
Modern self-testing emergency fittings are becoming popular, but they are not a substitute for a qualified electrician's annual inspection. The self-test function only checks the battery — it does not verify light output, beam direction, or coverage area. Our engineers use lux meters to ensure every escape route meets the minimum illuminance levels defined in BS 5266-1.
If your building has been modified — a partition wall added, a new fire exit route created, or a mezzanine installed — your emergency lighting layout may no longer be compliant. We provide full emergency lighting design and installation services, ensuring your system matches the current building layout and risk assessment.
Do not wait for a fire inspection or insurance renewal to discover your emergency lighting is non-compliant. Book a professional test and inspection with DCC Electrics and sleep soundly knowing your staff and visitors are protected.