Definition
BS 5266
BS 5266 is the British Standard that governs the design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems in the UK. Part 1 (BS 5266-1) covers non-domestic premises and specifies categories of emergency lighting, minimum illuminance levels, battery duration requirements, testing regimes, and the competence expected of installers and maintenance engineers.
Terms mentioned in this definition
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View training courseWhat BS 5266 Covers
BS 5266 is a family of standards governing emergency lighting from multiple angles. The most widely applied part is BS 5266-1, which provides the code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of emergency lighting in non-domestic premises — offices, factories, schools, hotels, and all other buildings where the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies.
The standard defines the types of emergency lighting required (escape route, open area anti-panic, and high-risk task area lighting), sets minimum illuminance levels at floor level, specifies battery duration requirements (minimum 1 hour; 3 hours for higher-risk premises), and prescribes the testing regime that must be followed throughout the life of the system.
Key Parts of BS 5266
- Part 1 — Code of practice for emergency lighting of premises (non-domestic)
- Part 7 — Lighting applications: emergency lighting (code of practice for design, installation and maintenance)
- BS EN 1838 — Applied lighting: emergency lighting (European photometric performance standard referenced by BS 5266-1)
Does BS 5266 Have Legal Force?
Like many British Standards, BS 5266 is not directly enacted as law. However, it is the accepted industry benchmark for compliance with the emergency lighting duty under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire and rescue authority inspectors use BS 5266-1 as the reference when assessing whether emergency lighting is adequate. Failure to comply would be used as evidence of negligence in enforcement action.
For new-build and major-refurbishment projects, Approved Document B references emergency lighting requirements by occupancy type. BS 5266-1 gives the technical specification for meeting those requirements.
Competence Under BS 5266-1
BS 5266-1 requires that emergency lighting systems are designed, installed, commissioned, and maintained by a competent person — someone with sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience to carry out the work safely and to the required standard. Holding an accredited qualification in emergency lighting (such as a BFC EAL qualification) demonstrates the level of competence the standard expects, and gives the responsible person a defensible record of due diligence.
Relevant UK Standards & Legislation
- BS 5266-1:2016Emergency lighting — code of practice for non-domestic premises (primary part)
- BS 5266-7Lighting applications — emergency lighting guidance
- BS EN 1838Applied lighting — emergency lighting (European product/performance standard)
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005Underpins the legal requirement for emergency lighting in non-domestic premises
Related Terms
- Emergency LightingEmergency LightingEmergency lighting is a lighting system that activates automatically on failure of the normal mains supply, providing sufficient illumination to enable safe evacuation of a building. UK law requires emergency lighting in all non-domestic premises, and it must be designed, installed, commissioned, and maintained in accordance with BS 5266-1 by a competent person.View definition
- Maintained Emergency LightingEmergency LightingMaintained emergency lighting is a system in which the emergency luminaires remain illuminated continuously during normal mains operation and stay on — powered by their batteries — when the mains supply fails. It is typically specified in cinemas, theatres, and venues where sudden darkness would cause panic, and must be designed and maintained in accordance with BS 5266-1.View definition
- Non-Maintained Emergency LightingEmergency LightingNon-maintained emergency lighting is a system in which the emergency luminaires only illuminate when the normal mains power supply fails. It is the most common type of emergency lighting installed in offices, industrial premises, and commercial buildings, and must meet the illuminance and battery duration requirements of BS 5266-1.View definition
- BS 5839Fire Regulations & StandardsBS 5839 is the British Standard covering the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems in the UK. It is published by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and is divided into multiple parts, each covering specific building types or system components.View definition
- Approved Document BFire Regulations & StandardsApproved Document B is the UK Building Regulations guidance document covering fire safety in the design and construction of new buildings and major extensions. It sets requirements for means of escape, internal fire spread, compartmentation, external fire spread, and access for the fire and rescue service, and references British Standards — including BS 5839 and BS 5266 — for specific technical requirements.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
BS 5266 is the British Standard that governs the design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems in the UK. Part 1 (BS 5266-1) covers non-domestic premises and specifies categories of emergency lighting, minimum illuminance levels, battery duration requirements, testing regimes, and the competence expected of installers and maintenance engineers.
Requirements for bs 5266 in the UK depend on the type of premises and applicable legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and relevant British Standards. The responsible person for a premises must ensure adequate fire safety provisions are in place. The British Fire Consortium can provide guidance — contact our team or search our member directory to find a qualified specialist.
BS 5266 and Emergency Lighting are related fire safety concepts but serve different purposes. See our individual glossary entries for detailed definitions. For expert guidance on which applies to your premises, consult a BFC member company.
The British Fire Consortium offers EAL Level 3 accredited training covering fire safety systems including topics related to bs 5266. Our courses are the only nationally recognised Level 3 qualifications across all fire disciplines. View our training courses or use the member directory to find a qualified trainer near you.