Emergency lighting testing in Surrey is a critical fire protection requirement for commercial, strata, and multi-unit residential buildings. During a fire, power outage, or emergency, emergency lighting must activate immediately and remain illuminated long enough to guide occupants safely to exits. If emergency lights fail—or if testing records are missing—buildings can fail fire inspections even when equipment appears operational.
This guide focuses specifically on emergency lighting testing in Surrey, British Columbia, explaining monthly and annual testing requirements, what local fire inspectors check, and how to stay compliant with the BC Fire Code.
Emergency lighting testing verifies that emergency lights and exit lighting function correctly during a power failure. Testing confirms battery backup performance, lamp operation, charging systems, and automatic transfer to emergency power.
In Surrey, emergency lighting failures are among the most common fire inspection deficiencies. In many cases, the issue is not missing equipment, but missed testing, weak batteries, or poor documentation.
It’s important to understand the distinction:
Emergency lighting testing confirms systems operate during power failure
Emergency lighting inspection reviews compliance, records, and deficiencies
This article focuses strictly on testing requirements, not service comparisons.
Emergency lighting testing requirements are outlined under Section 6.5 of the BC Fire Code, which governs emergency power systems and emergency lighting. The code requires emergency lighting systems to:
Activate automatically when normal power fails
Provide sufficient illumination along exit routes
Operate for the required duration based on occupancy
Be tested on a monthly and annual basis
Be properly documented
While the BC Fire Code is provincial, enforcement is handled locally. Surrey fire inspectors routinely review testing frequency, battery runtime, and emergency lighting log books during inspections.
Responsibility for emergency lighting testing typically rests with:
Property owners
Strata councils
Building managers
For province-wide compliance details, see our guide on Emergency Lighting Inspection Requirements in BC.
Monthly emergency light testing in Surrey is a short functional test designed to confirm basic operation. It typically includes:
Activating emergency lights using a test button or simulated power interruption
Confirming lights illuminate immediately
Checking indicator and charging lights
Verifying fixtures are not damaged, obstructed, or corroded
Activate emergency lighting
Confirm immediate illumination
Check indicator lights
Inspect for damage or obstruction
Record results in the log book
Monthly tests must be recorded in an emergency lighting log book in Surrey. Inspectors frequently request these records during on-site inspections. A proper log should include:
Date of testing
Units tested
Test results
Name of person performing the test
Missing or incomplete log books are one of the most common reasons for inspection deficiencies.
Proper documentation is also often reviewed during insurance audits. Missing records can affect inspection outcomes and insurance compliance, even when emergency lighting units appear functional.
Annual emergency lighting testing in Surrey verifies full system performance and battery reliability under simulated power-failure conditions. It typically includes:
Full battery discharge testing
Runtime verification
Battery recharge confirmation
Inspection for corrosion, damage, or component failure
LED emergency lighting testing to confirm consistent output
Emergency lighting runtime requirements depend on building occupancy. In Surrey, high-rise buildings typically require emergency lighting to operate for up to two hours. Hospitals and detention facilities generally require a minimum of one hour of runtime. Most commercial buildings are required to maintain emergency lighting for at least thirty minutes during a power failure, in accordance with the BC Fire Code.
Annual testing is typically performed by trained professionals, often including ASTTBC certified technicians, to ensure accurate testing results and inspection-ready documentation.
Monthly emergency lighting testing confirms basic operation, ensuring emergency lights activate during a power failure and indicator lights function properly. These short tests help catch obvious issues early and must be recorded in the emergency lighting log book.
Annual emergency lighting testing verifies full system performance, including battery capacity, runtime, and charging reliability under simulated power-failure conditions. This testing requires detailed documentation and is closely reviewed during fire inspections.
Both monthly and annual testing are required to remain compliant with emergency lighting testing requirements in Surrey.
During routine inspections, Surrey fire inspectors commonly review:
Emergency lighting log books
Evidence of completed monthly emergency light testing
Annual testing documentation
Battery runtime performance
Automatic activation during power failure
Surrey fire inspectors commonly request on-site testing records during inspections of commercial and strata buildings.
Frequent emergency lighting testing issues include:
Dead or weak batteries requiring emergency light battery replacement
Emergency lights failing to activate
Missed monthly tests
Incomplete or missing log books
LED emergency lighting output failures
Poor emergency lighting maintenance
Most of these failures are preventable with consistent testing and documentation.
Failing to complete required emergency lighting testing can result in:
Written fire inspection deficiencies
Re-inspection orders
Delayed occupancy or business approvals
Increased liability during emergencies
Routine testing significantly reduces inspection and insurance risk.
Emergency lighting testing is commonly required in:
Office buildings
Retail spaces
Warehouses
Industrial and manufacturing facilities
Schools and educational buildings
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Strata and multi-unit residential properties
Testing is often reviewed alongside other fire protection systems such as fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers during inspections.
Emergency lighting is a critical component of a complete fire protection system. At Otis Fire Protection, emergency lighting testing is approached as part of broader life-safety planning—working alongside fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and inspection readiness to help Surrey buildings remain compliant and protected.
Emergency lighting testing cost in Surrey depends on:
Number of fixtures
Required discharge duration
Building size and occupancy
Corrective actions required
Routine testing helps reduce long-term costs by identifying issues early and preventing system-wide failures.
Emergency lighting testing in Surrey is not optional—it is a core fire protection requirement under Section 6.5 of the BC Fire Code. Monthly emergency light testing confirms basic functionality, while annual emergency lighting testing verifies full battery performance and system reliability.
If your building requires certified emergency lighting testing, inspection-ready documentation, or verification by trained professionals, Otis Fire Protection can help ensure your systems meet BC Fire Code requirements.
Schedule Emergency Lighting Testing
Get a Free Quote
Copyright © 2025 | Otis Fire All rights reserved
