Introduction to Emergency Lighting Certificate

Emergency Lighting Certificate

Starting From £59

We provide Emergency Lighting Certification in London to help businesses remain fully compliant with current safety regulations. Our experienced team carries out thorough inspections and testing of emergency lighting systems to ensure they meet the required standards for visibility, reliability, and performance during power failures or emergency situations. Once the system meets all compliance requirements, we issue an Emergency Lighting Certificate, giving you complete assurance of safety, legal compliance, and preparedness — while protecting occupants and reducing potential risks.

Affordable Pricing

Prices may vary based on property location, congestion, and parking charges

Residential Prices

Up to 3 Emergency Lights – £59.00

Up to 6 Emergency Lights – £79.00

Up to 12 Emergency Lights – £129.00

Commercial Prices

Up to 3 Emergency Lights – £79.00

Up to 6 Emergency Lights – £99.00

Up to 12 Emergency Lights – £149.00

If you want proof that your building’s emergency lighting system is up to code, you can get a certificate that says it is. It guarantees that lights will lead people to safety in case of a power outage. The certificate, which attests to the Emergency Lighting (Safety) Regulations 1997 and BS 5266-1, also provides proof of conformity with UK regulations and standards.

  • Definition: Emergency Lighting (Safety) Regulations 1997 provide the UK’s legal framework for an Emergency Lighting Certificate. Emergency lighting must adhere to these standards and BS 5266-1, which detail its design, installation, and maintenance. The safety of both commercial and residential structures depends on their adherence to these rules.
  • Validity: Emergency lighting certificates have a five-year validity period. However, annual inspections are required to keep the system in working order and up to code. Finding problems or upgrades needed to stay in compliance requires this regular maintenance.

Why is Emergency Lighting Important?

Purpose

Ensures that exit routes are illuminated during power outages, fires, or system failures.

In the event of a power loss, fire, or other catastrophic event, emergency lighting will help people safely navigate to the nearest exits and other evacuation routes. When visibility is low, emergency lights point people toward the exits, calming them down in a potentially dangerous scenario. In times of crisis, it is vital to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation, thereby saving lives.

Safety & Legal Compliance

Mandatory in HMO properties, commercial spaces, and public areas to comply with UK safety regulations.

All public places, businesses, and housing cooperatives in the United Kingdom must provide emergency lighting. Ensuring adherence to BS 5266-1 and the Emergency Lighting (Safety) Regulations 1997 is crucial for upholding safety requirements. The lighting system is guaranteed effective through appropriate installation and regular testing, giving property owners and tenants peace of mind.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with regulations can lead to fines, legal action, and, in severe cases, criminal prosecution.

Failure to comply with emergency lighting requirements can result in serious consequences, including fines and legal action. Property owners or managers may face criminal charges in severe circumstances, particularly if noncompliance causes harm or death. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these repercussions and assure the safety of all occupants.

Types of Emergency Lighting

Self-Contained Emergency Light

This power supply is ideal for small to medium-sized properties.

An emergency light that is self-contained and can operate without the assistance of the main electrical system since it is equipped with an internal power source, usually a battery. This kind is appropriate for small to medium-sized facilities, such as offices or residential buildings, because it is simple to install and maintain. It offers an affordable way to guarantee security during a power outage.

Central Battery Emergency Lighting

Lead-acid battery-powered system for larger buildings.

A single lead-acid battery with central emergency lighting can power multiple emergency lights in bigger buildings. Public buildings, business areas, and hospitals can all benefit from the system’s dependable and controlled power source, which is located in a central position. Regularly maintaining the central battery is important to keep the system running in case of an emergency.

Non-Maintained Emergency Light

Activates only when main power fails.

Non-maintained emergency lights only activate when the main power goes out. These lights are only turned on in an emergency and stay off when everything works normally. Unmaintained systems are often put in places like stairwells and exits so that people can see only when the power goes out, or there is an emergency.

Maintained Emergency Light

Works both with main power and in emergencies.

Maintained emergency lights run constantly in both regular and emergency situations. These lights are frequently utilised in public spaces like airports, theatres, and retail malls, where lighting is always necessary. Thanks to maintained systems, safety lighting is always available, giving building occupants continuous peace of mind.

Sustained Emergency Light

Combination of maintained and non-maintained lighting.

There are parts of maintained and non-maintained devices in a sustained emergency light. It has two different light sources, one that works constantly and only turns on when the power goes out. Its two functions make it a flexible choice that can be used in various settings and improve safety in different situations.

Legal Requirements for Emergency Lighting Testing

Central Battery Emergency Lighting

Lead-acid battery-powered system for larger buildings.

A single lead-acid battery with central emergency lighting can power multiple emergency lights in bigger buildings. Public buildings, business areas, and hospitals can all benefit from the system’s dependable and controlled power source, which is located in a central position. Regularly maintaining the central battery is important to keep the system running in case of an emergency.

Inspection Schedule:

Weekly

Check LED indicators.

The LED indicators on emergency lighting systems are checked weekly to ensure they are operating properly. Without requiring a thorough examination, the LED lights indicate whether the system is functioning properly, offering a rapid and easy approach to finding errors.

Monthly

Test lights using the test switch.

The emergency lights are activated using the test switch to conduct monthly tests. This guarantees that each light is operational and illuminated during a simulated power interruption, thereby facilitating the early identification of potential issues.

6-Monthly

Discharge battery for 1 hour.

The emergency lighting device should have its batteries drained at least an hour every six months. This partial drain tests the battery’s ability to keep the light on for a long time, which helps make sure it will work properly in an emergency.

Annually

Full 3-hour battery discharge test.

Every year, the emergency lighting system must work for three hours without the main power source as part of a full discharge test. This thorough test ensures that the system can keep the lights on for as long as necessary in an emergency and that the battery can hold a charge.

The cost of getting an Emergency Lighting Certificate depends on the size and complexity of the property. Prices usually start around £59 to £199 for smaller homes or houses with multiple units.

Costs may be higher for bigger business buildings or places with more complex systems; these costs are usually between £79 and £499. The price generally covers the test, inspection, and presentation of the certificate.

Some repairs or tweaks to the lighting system that need to be made to make it legal may incur extra costs. It is important to work with licensed experts who give you clear prices and detailed quotes based on your property’s needs.

Geographical Breakdown of London’s Districts

Interior Areas

Implementing emergency lighting is essential in interior spaces, including hallways, stairwells, corridors, offices, schools, and hospitals. During emergencies, these areas frequently function as critical evacuation routes. Proper lighting guarantees that occupants can safely evacuate the building during a power outage or fire, thereby reducing panic and confusion.

Outdoor Areas

Outdoor spaces, including car parks, petrol stations, and areas without consistent artificial lighting, should also have emergency lighting. These areas can become dangerous during power outages or low-visibility conditions. Emergency lighting illuminates outdoor paths and ensures safe movement for pedestrians and vehicles alike.

 
 

High-Risk Areas

Emergency lighting is necessary in high-risk locations, including plant rooms, kitchens, and storage spaces where hazardous goods are kept. In an emergency, having excellent sight is essential because these locations are more likely to experience accidents and safety dangers. These regions’ emergency lights direct people to safer areas and help stop more dangers.

Process:

Emergency light testing simulates a power outage to guarantee proper operation. The emergency lights automatically turn on when the main power supply is disrupted during the test. This verifies if the lights activate quickly and illuminate occupants to safety in an emergency.

Duration:

Emergency lights are disconnected from the power supply for three hours to test. In case of an extended power loss, this test ensures that the battery of the emergency lights can last the legal time.

Inspection Log:

After each test, an inspection logbook is kept. This covers the test date, time, length, and any errors or issues found. The law requires logging to help maintain the system and comply with safety rules.

Why is regular testing crucial?

Ensure Functionality

Like all electricity systems, emergency lights break down over time. Regular testing helps find broken bulbs, dead batteries, or other parts that might not work in an actual situation. If you catch these problems early, you can ensure the lighting system works well when it’s needed the most.

Maintain Compliance

According to UK laws, emergency lighting systems must be tested and maintained regularly. Conducting these checks helps to demonstrate compliance with safety requirements, safeguarding property owners and managers from any penalties or legal actions. Keeping a complete diary of testing and inspections also gives valuable evidence in the event of audits or mishaps.

Reduce Liability

Testing emergency lights regularly lowers the chance of getting hurt or having trouble getting out during an emergency. It helps keep your building safe for those who live or work there, lowering your risk of being sued in case of an accident or not following safety rules.

How Often Should You Test Emergency Lighting?

Weekly

The LED indicators on the emergency lighting system visually are part of a weekly check-up. These LEDs indicate whether the emergency lighting units are powered on and operating as intended. This quick check guarantees that any flaws or problems are found quickly, which helps to keep the system operating at peak readiness.

Monthly

A quick discharge test is carried out every month to guarantee the emergency lights turn on as they should. This test replicates a power outage using a test switch. The lights should turn on immediately to show they can operate in an emergency. This test also finds any early system defects.

6-Monthly

Emergency lighting system batteries are tested every six months with a one-hour discharge test. This test simulates a true emergency when power may be off for more than a few minutes by keeping the lights on. Battery capacity must be checked.

Annually

Every year, there has to be a full discharge test, during which the emergency lighting system works for three hours straight. This test ensures that the system can keep the lights on for as long as the law says it has to in case the power goes out for a long time. It is the most thorough test, ensuring compliance and functionality last long.