Emergency Lighting

A maintained fitting is lit all the time, on both the normal and the emergency supply, so it is used where an area may be occupied in the dark, such as function rooms, cinemas and theatres. A non-maintained fitting only comes on when the mains fails, so it suits areas that are normally lit when in use, like offices and corridors.

Under BS 5266 there is a short monthly functional test, where you switch to battery and check each fitting lights, plus a full annual test for the fitting's rated duration. Self-test versions run these checks automatically and flag faults, which cuts the manual testing on maintenance visits.

It is how long the fitting stays lit on its battery after the mains fails, commonly 1 hour or 3 hours. Three-hour is the usual choice for most premises, and is expected where a building may be reoccupied before the supply returns or where evacuation could take longer.

On escape routes, at final exits, on stairs and changes of level, in corridors and larger open areas, and near fire alarm call points and firefighting equipment. It applies to workplaces, HMOs and communal areas under BS 5266 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.

A self-test fitting runs its own monthly function test and annual duration test automatically, then shows the result on an indicator and flags any fault. It keeps the site compliant with far less manual testing, which is why it is popular on larger buildings and multi-site estates.