Emergency Lighting Solutions
Emergency lighting systems are designed to operate automatically when the normal mains power supply fails, providing illumination to maintain safety and assist occupants in evacuating a building safely during an emergency.
Legal Requirements & Standards
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, businesses are required to provide suitable emergency lighting where it is necessary to ensure the safety of occupants.
The performance and design requirements for emergency lighting systems are specified in BS EN 1838, while installation, inspection, and maintenance guidance is set out in BS 5266. Compliance with these standards helps ensure systems perform effectively when required.
Purpose of Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting is intended to illuminate escape routes and exits, allowing occupants to leave a premises safely during a power failure or emergency. By providing sufficient lighting, the system helps prevent panic, enables safe movement, and supports access for emergency services if required.
Emergency lighting systems are typically designed to operate for one to three hours, depending on the type and use of the building. Once the normal power supply is restored, the system automatically recharges.
Escape Route Lighting
Provides illumination along designated escape routes and at final exits, enabling occupants to reach a place of safety.
Open Area (Anti‑Panic) Lighting
Installed in larger open spaces to allow occupants to orientate themselves and safely locate escape routes.
Types of Emergency Lighting
High‑Risk Task Area Lighting
Provided in areas where dangerous processes or machinery are present, allowing work to be safely shut down during a power failure.
Standby Lighting
Allows normal activities to continue during a power failure. While not always a legal requirement, standby lighting may be installed where business continuity is essential.
Emergency Lighting Locations
Emergency lighting should be positioned so that escape routes and exits are clearly visible. In line with BS 5266 guidance, emergency luminaires are typically installed in key areas including:
Stairways
Changes in floor level
Corridor intersections
Changes in direction along escape routes
Toilet areas larger than 8 m²
Where the final exit is not immediately obvious, illuminated exit signs should be installed to clearly indicate the escape route.
Three‑Hour Systems
Used in buildings where evacuation may take longer, or where occupants may be asleep, such as hotels and residential premises.
Duration of Operation
One‑Hour Systems
Suitable for buildings that can be evacuated quickly and safely.
Self‑Contained Systems
Each luminaire contains its own battery supply. These systems are generally more cost‑effective and easier to install but require routine battery maintenance.
Emergency Lighting Power Supplies
Central Battery Systems
Multiple luminaires are powered from a central battery unit. While installation costs are higher, these systems can be easier to monitor and maintain across larger premises.
Illumination Levels
Minimum illumination levels are defined in BS EN 1838:
Escape routes: Minimum 1 lux at floor level
Open (anti‑panic) areas: Minimum 0.5 lux
Escape routes wider than two metres should be treated as multiple two‑metre strips, each meeting the minimum illumination requirements.
Inspection, Servicing & Testing
Emergency lighting systems must be inspected and tested in accordance with BS EN 50172 and BS 5266‑8. A responsible person should be appointed to manage and record maintenance activities.
Typical testing requirements include:
- Daily: Visual check of central battery indicators (where applicable)
- Monthly: Functional test to confirm luminaires illuminate on mains failure
- Annually: Full duration test (one or three hours)
Any luminaire failing to operate for the full duration should be repaired or replaced.