Buy emergency lighting testing on comparable terms
Give each provider the same fitting schedule and test type. Compare competence, safe timing, asset-level reporting and exclusions.
A comparable quote must answer five things
- Who will test and what comparable system experience can they evidence?
- Which fittings, signs, central units and sites are included?
- Is this a function test, full rated-duration test or both?
- How will occupation, recharge time and failures be managed?
- What VAT, travel, access, repairs and return visits are excluded?
Information to assemble before requesting quotes
Mark unknown items explicitly. Discovery can be priced; hidden assumptions cannot be compared.
- Responsible person and fire risk assessment
- Site addresses, escape routes and building use
- Luminaire and illuminated-sign counts by site
- Central battery and self-test details
- Designed rated duration and test facilities
- Prior test logs, certificates and open defects
- Occupancy, access and suitable test window
- Desired report and remedial-response dates
Project brief
Business and site: ______________________________________________
Reason for commissioning: first / periodic / new installation / change or event
Equipment and identifiers: ______________________________________
Use, process or operating conditions: ______________________________
Documents available: ___________________________________________
Sites and areas in scope: ________________________________________
Access and shutdown constraints: _________________________________
Target visit and report date: _____________________________________
Required quotation format
- Who will test and what comparable system experience can they evidence?
- Which fittings, signs, central units and sites are included?
- Is this a function test, full rated-duration test or both?
- How will occupation, recharge time and failures be managed?
- What VAT, travel, access, repairs and return visits are excluded?
Competence and evidence questions
Competence is specific to the equipment, system and judgement being bought. Ask about the proposed person, not only the company.
- Who is the named test engineer?
- What training and experience covers this exact system?
- How will failure of normal lighting be simulated safely?
- How will the designed duration be confirmed?
- Can they show a redacted fitting-level report?
- How are failures and temporary precautions escalated?
- What current insurance applies?
Comparable quote scorecard
| Comparison point | Provider A | Provider B | Provider C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named engineer and relevant experience | |||
| Fitting and site schedule | |||
| System type and rated duration | |||
| Function or full-duration test | |||
| Access and test timing | |||
| Recharge and interim precautions | |||
| Asset-level results and failures | |||
| Logbook update and report date | |||
| Remedials priced separately | |||
| Travel, VAT and return visit | |||
| Total comparable fee |
Do not add the scores blindly. Missing competence, equipment scope or statutory reporting can be a stop condition rather than a small disadvantage.
Report acceptance check
- Agreed fittings and sites are traceable
- Test type and duration are explicit
- Each fitting or zone has an intelligible result
- Failed units and affected routes are flagged
- Normal supply and charging were checked after test
- Temporary precautions are documented where needed
- Logbook and action list are updated
- Provision or design concerns are not disguised as a passed test
Primary basis: Home Office fire safety guide .