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Commercial emergency lighting

Emergency lighting plays a pivotal role in helping people respond safely and evacuate a building in an emergency. For this reason, it is crucial it is in good working order at all times and fit for purpose, should it be needed. From emergency lighting installation and testing to planned preventive maintenance (PPM) and remedial works, Checkmate Fire provides specialist support to keep these vital systems working as they should.

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COMMERCIAL EMERGENCY LIGHTING

When normal lighting fails in an emergency, people need to know where to go – and get there safely and quickly.

Emergency lighting is a fundamental part of a building’s safety measures, providing illumination when the normal lighting supply fails and helping people move safely towards and through escape routes. In commercial buildings, this needs to work reliably across corridors, stairwells, communal areas, open spaces, and other vital locations – lighting up escape routes and fire safety equipment, as well as highlighting where emergency exits are located.

Our commercial emergency lighting services cover the inspection, testing, maintenance, and remedial work needed to keep systems operating exactly as intended. We assess emergency lighting against the requirements applicable to the building, identify any defects or areas of concern, and provide practical recommendations to help responsible persons prioritise the action needed. This results in far greater confidence that, should the normal lighting fail, people will have the visibility they need to respond safely. Furthermore, it ensures you have the evidence needed to demonstrate your ongoing maintenance responsibilities.

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OUR APPROACH

Testing and maintenance: what is involved

You need to be confident your emergency lighting is fit for purpose and can be relied upon in the event it is needed. Regular inspection and testing provides an opportunity to check that emergency lighting is working as intended and identify issues that could affect its performance during a power failure. Discover how our engineers tackle a project.

Visual inspection

We visually inspect emergency lighting in commercial buildings – checking the fittings and ensuring lights are functioning properly. We also look for signs of wear and tear, damage, or loose connections that could affect how they work.

Functional testing

We simulate a failure of the normal power supply to check your emergency lights activate correctly and operate for the required duration, helping identify any issues that could affect their performance during an emergency.

Battery checks

We assess battery performance as part of maintenance. At this stage, we identify batteries that are failing load tests or approaching the end of their expected service life and may therefore require replacement.

Recording and reporting

We are meticulous about documenting findings from testing and maintenance phases. This provides a clear record of the condition of the emergency lighting and any issues identified during the visit, for review and ongoing maintenance planning.

Remedial works

Where batteries or other components are no longer performing as they should, we can identify the need for replacement and support the necessary remedial work to help restore reliable emergency lighting provision.

Planned maintenance

Many make the mistake of assuming that once testing or installation is complete, this is the end of the project. However, we always recommend a PPM programme, which is a scheduled roster of regular inspections that will identify worn or failing components before they develop into more significant problems.

Emergency lighting is covered by various standards and pieces of legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order and BS 5266-1 and BS EN 50172.

PLANNED PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

The longevity of emergency lighting in commercial buildings

Checkmate Fire’s PPM programmes leave you with peace of mind that minor faults and worn components are identified in the earliest stages, before they are given a chance to develop into a bigger issue. By addressing this proactively – rather than waiting for equipment to fail and then having to call an engineer to a more costly problem – regular servicing ensures systems remain reliable. Unexpected repair or replacement costs are also kept to a minimum, while the working life of your emergency lighting is extended considerably.

Crucially, you have greater oversight across the building, with monitoring and reporting supporting timely intervention and giving you a clearer understanding of what is happening on the ground.

Complete fire safety assurance

We deliver all fire safety services in line with current legislation, guidance, and third-party accreditation standards.

Technical expertise and practical delivery

Combining specialist fire safety knowledge with practical experience, we bridge the gap between strategy and reality to deliver greater certainty, informed investment decisions, and confidence in managing assets.

Nationwide coverage

Our UK-wide network provides consistent expertise wherever your buildings are located, supporting sprawling estates and multi-site portfolios.

An end-to-end service

Bringing together specialist consultancy, inspections, remediation, and installation, we provide a complete view of fire safety – from initial assessment through to long-term assurance and evidence.

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Case Studies

Delivering a seamless fire alarm system replacement in a bustling hotel environment

In such an expansive hotel, a phased, loop-by-loop replacement strategy allowed our specialists to maintain continuous fire protection, working around guest occupancy and returning each area to a full

News

Checkmate achieves CHAS elite accreditation

We’re pleased to share that Checkmate Fire Solutions has achieved CHAS elite accreditation and completed Building Safety Act (BSA) verification through Constructionline.

Fire Protection Services

Fire alarms

Intelligent detection systems designed to identify danger early, initiate response, and protect building users.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Need support with your emergency lighting?

Our commercial emergency lighting services give you peace of mind – the confidence that, should your normal lighting fail and building occupants have to evacuate the building, their path is illuminated and they are aware of directions. Whether you want to find out about regular maintenance and testing or simply discuss a fault, get in touch and our specialists will be happy to help.