Full Discharge Test
We isolate the normal power supply and verify that every emergency luminaire operates for its full rated duration (typically 3 hours) on battery power.
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BS 5266-1:2025 Compliant Testing
Emergency Lighting Servicing
Keeping your premises compliant and your escape routes visible. Honest advice, thorough testing, and no unnecessary costs across Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire.
Since 20035.0 from 21 Google reviewsFully insuredFIA memberNo call-out fee
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Straightforward Fire Safety
Real operational experience, honest advice
We test, service, and maintain emergency lighting systems for businesses of all sizes - from small workshops and offices to warehouses, retail sites, and managed properties. Our team brings real operational fire safety experience. We know what works, what doesn't, and how to keep you compliant. Whether you need an annual full-duration discharge test, routine maintenance, or straightforward advice on system upgrades, we handle it. No overselling, no unnecessary costs.
What Our Servicing Covers
All testing and servicing is carried out in strict accordance with BS 5266-1:2025, the British Standard for emergency lighting. On an annual service we check:
Luminaire Condition
We inspect all fittings for physical damage, discolouration, or dirt that could reduce light output, cleaning them where necessary.
Battery Performance
We assess the condition of the backup batteries, identifying any units that fail to hold a charge or show signs of degradation.
Signage & Coverage
We confirm that all illuminated exit signs are functioning and that the emergency lighting provides adequate lux levels along escape routes and over safety equipment.
Logbook & Documentation
We review your monthly testing records, update the service log, and provide a written compliance certificate for your files.
When Do You Need a Repair vs. Replacement?
Not every failing light needs replacing, and we will always tell you honestly which route makes more sense. Replacing fittings unnecessarily costs you money. Relying on dead batteries puts you at risk.
When a repair is the right call
If the luminaire housing is sound but the unit fails the duration test, replacing the internal battery pack or the lamp is usually the most cost-effective way to restore compliance.
When replacement makes more sense
We will recommend replacing the entire fitting when it is obsolete, severely degraded, or when upgrading to modern LED emergency lighting offers significant long-term savings on energy and maintenance costs.
Your Legal Requirements
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must ensure that emergency routes and exits requiring illumination are provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity in the case of failure of their normal lighting.
Annual testing is a legal requirement. British Standard 5266-1 specifies that emergency lighting systems must undergo a full-duration discharge test annually, conducted by a competent person.
Monthly functional checks are your responsibility. In addition to the annual service, the Responsible Person must carry out a short functional test every month to ensure all luminaires illuminate when the mains power is simulated to fail. This must be recorded.
The consequences of non-compliance are serious. Failing to maintain emergency lighting can plunge escape routes into darkness during a power failure or fire, causing panic and hindering evacuation. This can result in enforcement action and invalidate your insurance.
We take the administration out of compliance. We track your service schedule, remind you when your annual test is due, and provide all the documentation you need to demonstrate that your premises are properly maintained.
Key points
- Emergency lighting systems must undergo a full-duration discharge test annually under BS 5266-1:2025
- Monthly functional checks by the Responsible Person must be recorded in the logbook
- Annual full-duration discharge test (typically 3 hours) must be conducted by a competent person
- Non-compliance can plunge escape routes into darkness and invalidate insurance
Transparent pricing
Emergency lighting servicing is a fixed price for up to 10 lights, then priced per light for larger systems.
| 1 to 10 lights | £95 fixed |
| 11 to 20 lights | £9.00 per light |
| 21 to 40 lights | £8.00 per light |
| 41 to 60 lights | £7.50 per light |
| 61 or more lights | £7.00 per light |
Prices exclude VAT. Full report and certificate included.
No call-out fee.
Limited companies can spread the cost over 3 or 12 months.
Checked by
DL
Darren Lowe
Founder and Director, 34 years with the Dorset fire service, FIA member
Founder and Director of Abbey Fire Safety. 34 years with the Dorset fire service and a member of the Fire Industry Association (FIA).
View Darren's LinkedInWho We Work With
We work with businesses and property managers across the South. If you're responsible for fire safety on a premises, we can help.
Commercial offices & business parks
Warehouses & industrial units
Retail units & hospitality venues
Landlords & managing agents
Schools, care homes & public buildings
Tradespeople & small workshops
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find what you're looking for? We're happy to help.
How often does emergency lighting need to be tested?
Under BS 5266-1:2025, the British Standard for emergency lighting, a short functional test must be carried out monthly by the Responsible Person to confirm all luminaires illuminate when the mains supply is interrupted. In addition, an annual full-duration discharge test must be conducted by a competent person, during which every fitting must operate on battery power for its full rated duration, typically three hours. Both the monthly checks and the annual test results must be recorded in the emergency lighting logbook.
What is the difference between maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting?
Maintained emergency lighting is permanently illuminated during normal operation and remains on during a power failure. It is typically used in cinemas, theatres, and venues where the lights are regularly dimmed. Non-maintained emergency lighting remains off under normal conditions and only activates when the mains power supply fails. This is the most common type in commercial premises such as offices, warehouses, and retail units. The correct type for a given premises is determined by the fire risk assessment and the nature of the occupancy.
What happens if emergency lighting fails its annual test?
If a luminaire fails the annual full-duration discharge test, it means the battery can no longer sustain the fitting for the required period and the premises is no longer compliant. In most cases, the battery pack can be replaced without replacing the entire fitting, restoring compliance cost-effectively. If the fitting itself is obsolete or severely degraded, full replacement is recommended. Any failed units must be repaired or replaced promptly, as inadequate emergency lighting during a fire or power failure directly compromises the safety of the building's occupants.
Rather not juggle all this yourself?
Our Fractional Fire Safety Officer looks after this and everything else that keeps you compliant, for one monthly fee. From £100 a month for a single site.
Covering Your Area
Lymington and the New ForestBournemouthChristchurchPooleSouthamptonPortsmouthChichesterGuildfordBasingstokeAndoverRomseyWinchesterSalisburyWeymouthShaftesburyDorchesterand beyond
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