Definition
Maintained Emergency Lighting
Maintained 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.
Terms mentioned in this definition
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- 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
- BS 5266Emergency LightingBS 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.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
Frequently Asked Questions
Maintained 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.
Requirements for maintained 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.
Maintained Emergency Lighting 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 maintained 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.