29 August 2025

Emergency lighting is an important safety device in emergencies when normal electrical lighting has a mains power supply failure caused by a power cut or fire. Even a sudden blackout can cause panic, and it may be difficult to evacuate the building unless it is safe to occupy inside. The majority of power outages need emergency lights that can automatically turn on in select sections of a building to allow occupants to safely evacuate using designated routes. The British Standard gives detailed advice to emergency lighting designers installing emergency lighting fixtures, BS 5266-1, addressing a wide range of facilities: colleges, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, licensed premises, clubs, hotels, shops, museums, offices, and multi-storey buildings.  The installation and maintenance of these systems is regulated in the UK, and it is important that property owners and managers are up-to-date with what is required of them in terms of compliance with their premises. When the primary power is shut down, everyone should be aware of the escape route, and it should be ensured that the emergency lighting does not stop under any circumstances, whether the condition is hot, cold, or some special circumstances, which may involve special requirements. What Is Emergency Lighting? Emergency lighting offers much-needed light in times of emergency when the mains power supply is disrupted by a power cut or fire. When power to the usual light fixtures is disrupted, these systems turn on automatically to provide uninterrupted visibility at any given time. In addition to essential functionality, emergency lighting is crucial in saving lives in unforeseen circumstances because power failure scenarios need emergency lighted escape paths to assist occupants in evacuating safely. The main objective goes beyond mere lighting; emergency lighting aims at curbing panic through a sense of direction and safety in a situation where vision is impaired. Publicly, emergency lighting is more than just precautionary, but a legislative necessity to keep people safe and to maintain orderly evacuation in case of emergency. Conducting a thorough fire risk assessment helps identify potential hazards and ensures compliance with safety regulations. Types of Emergency Lighting Systems Emergency lighting systems fall under either the maintained or non-maintained category, and they have different uses in various settings. Maintained systems are systems that are kept running and can be lit regularly, but during a power outage, they turn on to battery power. Such systems are best used in social places such as theatres and shopping malls where the lighting requirements are similar. Non-maintained systems remain off during normal conditions and turn on when power goes off, and are therefore applicable in workplaces and industrial environments where emergency lights are required, namely in cases of emergency. Central battery systems are emergency lighting systems in which a localized power source is used to provide emergency backup power to a series of lights throughout a facility. These also have great benefits, such as ease of maintenance, as all the batteries are in one area and thus easily checked and replaced. They are especially useful in large buildings, where there is a lot of lighting to be done. Self-contained units, also called standalone emergency lights, are individual fixtures equipped with their own power source, typically a rechargeable battery. These versatile units can be easily installed in various locations, making them a convenient choice for many buildings. Historical Context and Development Emergency lighting has evolved significantly over the years, driven by the need to enhance safety in buildings. The origins trace back to the early 20th century, when basic systems were introduced to illuminate exits during power cuts. As urbanisation increased, so did the complexity and size of buildings, necessitating more sophisticated emergency lighting solutions. The tragic events of fires and building collapses, where inadequate lighting led to loss of life, underscored the importance of reliable exit routes. This spurred legislative changes and the development of standards like the British Standard BS 5266-1, which formalised the requirements for emergency lighting systems. What’s the Difference Between Non-maintained and Maintained Emergency Lights? Maintained emergency lights remain always on and are mains powered, typically forming part of a room’s normal lighting system but continuing to stay lit during emergencies like a power cut. When powered by a backup battery, the duration they stay on depends on battery capacity. This emergency lighting system suits non-residential buildings, including shopping centres, cinemas, and leisure centres. In public buildings such as bars, theatres, and cinemas, where normal lighting systems are often dimmed, maintained luminaries become compulsory. Non-maintained lights typically activate for a certain duration when supply to standard lighting fixtures fails. These lights serve buildings that are usually well-lit when occupied, such as offices. Non-maintained lighting systems rely on batteries charged by a constant trickle of power from the mains, requiring sufficient charge to stay lit for a minimum of 3 hours when mains power fails. Emergency Lighting Power Supply Types Emergency lighting systems are powered by either single-point or Self-contained Power Source systems or Central Battery Source configurations. The main advantage of single-point systems lies in installation being faster and cheaper, eliminating the need for additional emergency lighting wiring or hardware. However, these options typically have limited battery life and can be affected by local conditions like humidity. Central battery source systems prove more straightforward for maintenance and testing purposes, but are significantly more expensive to set up. The choice between these power supply types depends on building size, budget constraints, and long-term maintenance considerations. Our system control access services provide real-time monitoring and restricted access to enhance overall safety and efficiency. Key Regulations Article 14 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates emergency lighting installation in all commercial and public buildings. Emergency routes and exits must have illuminated signage and adequate lighting during power failures. The responsible person—typically the employer or building controller- bears legal responsibility for compliance. Primary standards include British Standard BS 5266-1 governing design, installation, and maintenance, and BS 5266-7 for risk assessment procedures. Building Regulations Approved Document B and European standard EN 1838 establish minimum illumination