When the power fails during a fire or other emergency, people need to be able to see their way out safely. That's the job of emergency lighting, and for most UK businesses, landlords of multi-occupied buildings and other non-domestic premises, it's a legal requirement rather than an optional extra.
This guide explains the essentials in plain English. It's a starting point rather than a substitute for professional advice: the design, installation and certification of emergency lighting should always be carried out by a competent person.
The law: who is responsible?
In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the "Responsible Person" for a non-domestic premises (usually the employer, owner, landlord or managing agent) to carry out a fire risk assessment and put suitable fire safety measures in place. Emergency escape lighting is one of those measures wherever the risk assessment identifies a need. Scotland and Northern Ireland have equivalent legislation.
This applies to offices, shops, warehouses, factories, pubs and restaurants, and to the common areas of blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
The standards: BS 5266 and BS EN 1838
The main code of practice is BS 5266-1, which covers the design, installation and maintenance of emergency lighting. It works alongside BS EN 1838, which sets the minimum light levels. Following these standards is the accepted way of showing your system is adequate.
Types of emergency lighting
- Escape route lighting illuminates corridors, stairs and exits so people can find their way out.
- Open area (anti-panic) lighting covers larger spaces, such as open-plan offices and halls, so people can reach an escape route.
- High-risk task area lighting allows people to safely shut down dangerous processes or machinery before leaving.
Maintained vs non-maintained
- Non-maintained fittings only light up when the mains power fails. They're common in offices, warehouses and corridors.
- Maintained fittings are on all the time and stay on when the power fails. They're typically used where the public gather, such as cinemas, theatres, pubs and clubs, so exit signs are always visible in low light.
- Sustained fittings contain two lamps: one for normal use and one that only comes on in an emergency.
Where is emergency lighting needed?
Your fire risk assessment will set out the specifics, but emergency lights are typically needed:
- Along all escape routes and at each final exit door
- Near each staircase so every step gets direct light
- At any change of direction or floor level
- Near fire alarm call points and firefighting equipment
- In lift cars, toilets over a certain size and plant rooms
- Outside the final exit, to help people reach a place of safety
- On illuminated exit signs showing the escape route
You can find LED exit signs and emergency fittings in our professional lighting range.
Light levels and duration
As a general guide under BS EN 1838 and BS 5266:
| Area | Typical minimum |
|---|---|
| Escape routes (centre line) | 1 lux |
| Open areas (anti-panic) | 0.5 lux |
| High-risk task areas | 10% of normal lighting, minimum 15 lux |
Emergency lighting must run for at least 1 hour after a power failure, but 3 hours is required in many situations, including premises where people sleep (such as hotels and HMOs) and places of entertainment, and wherever the building may be re-occupied as soon as the power returns. In practice, most new installations specify 3-hour fittings.
Testing and record keeping
BS 5266-1 sets out a simple routine:
- Monthly: a short functional "flick test" of every fitting and sign, using a test key switch to simulate a mains failure, checking each one lights correctly.
- Annually: a full-duration test (for example a full 3 hours) to make sure the batteries can still last the required time.
- Logbook: record every test, fault and repair. Fire officers and insurers may ask to see it.
Self-testing fittings can automate much of this and report faults, which is useful for larger sites. Because batteries are drained during a full-duration test, schedule it when the building can be left unoccupied or with reduced occupancy while they recharge.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Relying on emergency lighting that was installed years ago without testing it
- Missing lights at stairs, changes in direction or outside final exits
- Blocking or covering exit signs with stock, shelving or decorations
- Mixing fittings with different durations in the same system
- No logbook, or tests that aren't recorded
Getting it right
Emergency lighting is a life-safety system, so design and installation should be done by a competent electrician or fire safety professional, who will provide certification. Once your system is in place, we can supply replacement fittings, exit signs, lamps and components. Browse our emergency lighting range or contact us with your requirements.
