Definition
Emergency 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.
Terms mentioned in this definition
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View training courseWhen a fire or electrical fault causes the mains lighting to fail, building occupants must still be able to navigate safely to an exit — even in conditions of smoke or panic. Emergency lighting fulfils this function by switching on automatically the moment mains power is lost, illuminating escape routes, exit signs, and key safety equipment such as fire alarm call points and fire extinguishers.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 explicitly requires the responsible person to ensure that emergency routes and exits are equipped with emergency lighting where occupants could be at risk in the event of mains failure. This applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. BS 5266-1 defines what "adequate" emergency lighting means in practice.
Emergency lighting must be designed to provide the required illuminance levels on all designated escape routes without placing luminaires more than 2 metres above floor level in narrow corridors. Every exit and emergency exit sign must be illuminated. The system must operate for at least one hour on battery (or three hours in higher-risk premises such as hospitals, cinemas, and sleeping accommodation).
Installation must comply with BS 5266-1 and all wiring must meet the requirements of BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations). On completion, the installing engineer must issue a completion certificate confirming that the system has been designed, installed, and tested to BS 5266-1. This certificate must be retained by the responsible person as part of the fire safety record.
BS 5266-1 requires a structured testing programme:
Any change to building layout — new partitions, changed escape routes, repositioned signage — may require the emergency lighting design to be updated. This should be reviewed as part of any fire risk assessment that follows a building alteration.
The British Fire Consortium offers accredited training for emergency lighting installation and maintenance. Completing a recognised qualification in emergency lighting demonstrates competence to the responsible person, enforcement authorities, and insurers.
Emergency 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.
Requirements for emergency lighting 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.
Emergency Lighting and BS 5266 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 emergency lighting. 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.
