Short answer
Indicative emergency-lighting testing prices in 2026
For a small straightforward premises, an annual full-duration test commonly costs around £120–£250. A contractor carrying out a separate monthly function check may charge around £40–£90 per visit. Supply and installation of a straightforward replacement self-contained luminaire commonly begins around £60–£150, but access and electrical work can increase the total.
These are editorial planning ranges reviewed in August 2026, not fixed tariffs. Prices vary by fitting count, system type, test method, access, location, reporting and whether work is completed during normal operating hours.
| Illustrative item | Planning range | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Annual full-duration test, small premises | £120–£250 | Ordinary access, self-contained fittings and a test record |
| Contracted monthly function check | £40–£90 per visit | May be uneconomic as a standalone visit; often bundled with other checks |
| In-house monthly function check | Staff time | Requires a suitable test method, competent person and recorded follow-up |
| Replacement self-contained fitting | £60–£150+ installed | Straightforward like-for-like work; high access or wiring faults cost more |
| Larger or central-battery system | Priced individually | Circuit isolation, controls, batteries, panels and specialist reporting |
Testing programme
Monthly and annual tests serve different purposes
The monthly function check confirms that emergency fittings and signs operate when the normal supply is simulated as failed. The annual full-duration test checks whether the system can sustain its rated emergency operation. The exact duration and procedure must match the system design and premises arrangements.
The annual test can discharge batteries and temporarily reduce emergency-lighting availability. Plan the timing, recovery and temporary controls so people are not left relying on depleted or failed fittings.
Monthly function check
Simulate supply failure, confirm operation, restore power and record defects.
Annual full-duration test
Operate for the rated duration, inspect performance and allow batteries to recharge.
After alterations
Check that changed routes, partitions, signs and circuits remain appropriately covered.
After a failure
Repair or replace promptly and record the action and any retest.
Scope
What should the testing quotation include?
A quotation should define the number and type of fittings, test method, duration, access and reporting. If the contractor has not asked for a fitting count or previous record, the price is likely provisional.
Testing is more useful when the report identifies each failed fitting or circuit precisely. A certificate stating only that the premises was visited is not an actionable defect record.
- Asset or fitting count and system type
- Monthly function or annual full-duration test
- Test-key, local isolation, automatic system or central-battery method
- Access equipment and out-of-hours attendance
- Location-specific result and defect schedule
- Battery recharge or temporary-control arrangements
- Retest, replacement and repair rates
Price drivers
What makes emergency-lighting testing cost more?
The number of fittings matters, but access and system arrangement can dominate. A small warehouse with high-level fittings may cost more to inspect than a larger office where every fitting is reached from floor level.
Combining testing with planned electrical or fire-safety maintenance can reduce repeated call-out and access costs, provided responsibilities and records remain clear.
Fitting and circuit count
More assets require more observation, identification and reporting.
Height and access
Stairs, atria, warehouses and external routes may need towers, lifts or two-person working.
Operating hours
Testing may need to happen after closing to avoid disruption or manage battery recovery.
System type
Central-battery, addressable or automatic-test systems need different knowledge and records.
Record quality
Missing asset labels and plans add survey and reconciliation time.
Defect volume
Battery failures, damaged fittings and circuit faults create remedial and retest costs.
Monthly checks
Can the monthly test be done in house?
A responsible person can arrange routine function checks through a suitably instructed and competent member of staff where the system is straightforward and can be tested safely. That can avoid a contractor visit every month.
The person needs to know how to simulate supply failure without creating electrical risk, how to identify each fitting, what success looks like, how long to test, where to record results and who receives a defect. Electrical repair and diagnosis should be left to a competent contractor.
- Written test method for the installed system
- Current asset list or route plan
- Safe access to switches or controls
- Logbook entry for every test and defect
- Named escalation and repair process
- Plan for annual full-duration testing and battery recovery
Quotation checklist
Compare testing and repairs separately
Ask providers to price the planned test, reporting and likely remedial rates separately. A very low inspection charge can be offset by expensive replacement fittings, access charges or a second call-out.
Keep the latest report with the fire-safety logbook and connect unresolved failures to the FRA and action process. Testing is evidence about system condition at that time, not a general fire-safety certificate.
- Number, type and height of fittings
- Required monthly or annual test
- Normal or out-of-hours attendance
- Access equipment and battery-recovery controls
- Report, certificate and defect schedule
- Call-out, labour, parts and retest rates
- Competence for the installed system and electrical work