Best Emergency Lighting Units for Landlords & Home Safety: 2025 Expert Review
Oli
Owner, OR Electrics (18th Edition Qualified)
Emergency lighting often gets overlooked until the power goes out or a fire inspection notice lands on the doormat. For landlords, particularly those with HMOs in areas, strict compliance with BS 5266 is non-negotiable. But even for private homeowners, having reliable illumination during a power cut is a safety basic.
In my time working across local properties, from damp Victorian cellars to high-density student housing, I've replaced hundreds of failed emergency bulkheads. The common issues are always the same: cheap batteries that cook themselves, housings that crack, or confusing testing regimes that get ignored.
In this review, I'm breaking down three distinct options: a standard reliable bulkhead for ticking the compliance box, a clever plug-in solution for residential use where chasing wires isn't an option, and a self-testing unit that saves landlords serious time on maintenance logs.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Maintenance Free"
"Once installed, you can forget about the unit for years."
There is no such thing as maintenance-free emergency lighting. Batteries (usually Ni-Cd or LiFePO4) typically degrade after 3-4 years. If it fails the annual 3-hour duration test, replace it immediately.
The Spec: "Maintained vs Non-Maintained"
"Maintained lights are on all the time; non-maintained only come on when power fails."
Whilst non-maintained saves energy, some regulations (especially in public escape routes) may require maintained lighting. Always check your Fire Risk Assessment requirements before buying.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Sight ECO Outdoor Emergency LED Bulkhead Lights - Maintained & Non-Maintained With Exit Sign - IP65 Weatherproof
National Lighting
This is the 'bread and butter' unit for most HMOs and commercial corridors. It’s robust, IP65 rated (meaning it handles damp cellars or external exit routes fine), and does exactly what the regulations require without breaking the bank.
The Good
- Supports both Maintained and Non-maintained wiring
- Includes self-adhesive exit signage stickers
- IP65 rating makes it suitable for damp locations or outdoors
The Bad
- Aesthetic is very 'industrial' - not pretty in a living room
- Requires manual monthly testing (key switch)
Installer Tip:
When installing this in older properties with solid brick walls, use conduit availability to your advantage. The IP65 glands are tight, so ensure you don't nick the cable sheathing upon entry to maintain that moisture seal, especially in basements.
Priced at £15.45 at the time of writing
Check Price on Amazon2 Pack Plug in Motion Sensor Night Light, 4 in 1 Emergency Light with Rechargeable Base
HuuppHip
This isn't a hard-wired compliance unit for a commercial fire exit, but it is brilliant for residential safety. It plugs into a standard socket, acts as a motion sensor night light, and automatically lights up during a power cut. Perfect for elderly relatives or highlighting stairs without expensive electrical work.
The Good
- Zero installation cost - just plug it in
- Detachable torch function is genuinely useful during a blackout
- Motion sensor adds convenience for landings and hallways
The Bad
- Occupies a plug socket
- Not a substitute for hard-wired BS 5266 compliance in HMO common areas
Installer Tip:
I recommend these for the top of staircases or landings in private dwellings. Since Victorian terraces often lack landing sockets, check you have a spare outlet nearby. They are brilliant for preventing trips and falls at night.
Priced at £30.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonKnightsbridge LED Emergency Lighting with Selftest, Polycarbonate, 4 W, Grey
Knightsbridge
For landlords managing properties remotely, this is the problem solver. Its 'Self Test' feature automatically performs the required monthly function tests and annual duration tests, signalling any faults via LED. This saves huge amounts of time on manual testing visits.
The Good
- Self-testing feature automates compliance checks
- Reduces maintenance labour costs significantly
- Robust polycarbonate construction capable of handling knocks
The Bad
- Higher initial purchase price than standard bulkheads
- You still need to visually check the status LED periodically
Installer Tip:
Even though it self-tests, you must record the results. I advise landlords to ask their cleaner or agent to take a dated photo of the green LED indicator once a month. This serves as your logbook evidence that the system is healthy.
Priced at £32.00 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between maintained and non-maintained lighting?
How often does emergency lighting need testing?
Do I need an electrician to install emergency lighting?
Can I just use plug-in emergency lights for my HMO?
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