Emergency lighting is a legal requirement for virtually every commercial premises in the UK. When the mains power fails or a fire alarm activates, your emergency lighting system must activate instantly and confirm people can navigate safely to the nearest exit. Our team installs, tests and certifies emergency lighting systems for London businesses, bringing non-compliant buildings up to standard and maintaining those that are already installed.
All our engineers hold the relevant qualifications and all work is carried out to BS 5266, the British Standard governing emergency lighting in commercial and public buildings. You receive a signed log book and completion certificate on every project.
The Legal Framework for Emergency Lighting
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) is the primary legislation governing fire safety in commercial premises in England and Wales. Under Article 13, the responsible person (typically the employer, building owner or managing agent) must confirm that the premises have adequate means of illumination for escape routes, exit signs and open areas through which people must pass to reach a place of safety.
The Order does not specify a technical standard directly, but in practice BS 5266 is the accepted standard used by fire risk assessors, local authority inspectors and insurers when assessing compliance. Failure to maintain a compliant emergency lighting system can result in an enforcement notice, a prohibition notice closing the premises, or prosecution.
BS 5266: Emergency Lighting
BS 5266 is a multi-part standard published by the British Standards Institution. Part 1 sets out the design, installation, operation and maintenance requirements for emergency escape lighting systems. Key requirements include a minimum maintained illuminance of 1 lux along the centre line of escape routes and 0.5 lux across the floor area of open escape routes, though higher levels are required in areas of high risk.
The standard also requires that all emergency fittings remain operational for a minimum duration of one hour in a standard application, or three hours where the premises are used as a place of entertainment or a hotel.
Types of Emergency Lighting
Non-Maintained Emergency Luminaires
Non-maintained luminaires remain off during normal operation and only activate when the mains supply fails. They are the most common type in commercial premises such as offices, warehouses and retail shops. They draw no energy during normal operation and switch on automatically when power is lost.
Maintained Emergency Luminaires
Maintained luminaires operate continuously as normal lighting and switch to emergency battery mode when mains power fails. They are required where the luminaire also serves as a regular light source in areas of public assembly such as theatres, cinemas, restaurants and places of worship.
Sustained Emergency Luminaires
Sustained luminaires have two lamp circuits: one for normal operation (mains powered) and a second emergency circuit that activates when mains power fails. They are specified where a maintained appearance is needed but a separate normal luminaire is not practical.
Central Battery Systems
For large buildings such as office blocks, hospitals and shopping centres, a central battery system powers all emergency luminaires from a single battery bank rather than individual self-contained batteries. Central battery systems are easier to test and maintain and offer a longer service life than individual battery packs.
Testing Requirements
Monthly Function Tests
BS 5266 requires a monthly function test in which each emergency luminaire is activated via its test switch or a simulated supply failure for a period sufficient to confirm the lamp operates. The result of each test must be recorded in the premises log book with the date, duration and the name of the person carrying out the test.
Annual Full-Duration Test
Once a year, every emergency luminaire must be subjected to a full-duration discharge test: one hour for standard systems, three hours for entertainment and hotel premises. The test confirms the battery retains sufficient charge to power the fitting for its full rated duration. Any fitting that fails must be replaced immediately. The annual test must be recorded in the log book alongside the monthly records.
Who Carries Out the Tests?
Monthly tests can be carried out by a competent person on site. Annual full-duration tests should be carried out by a qualified electrician to confirm they are conducted safely and recorded correctly. Our engineers carry out annual testing for London premises and provide a signed test certificate and updated log book on completion.
Our Emergency Lighting Installation Process
We begin with a fire risk assessment review and a walk-through of the premises to map escape routes, identify all areas requiring coverage and check any existing fittings. We then produce a design showing fitting locations, battery types and duration ratings to confirm full BS 5266 compliance.
Installation is typically carried out outside normal business hours. On completion, all fittings are tested, the log book is completed and you receive a signed completion certificate. For premises with existing systems that have fallen out of compliance, we carry out a full audit and replace or upgrade only the fittings that require attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is emergency lighting a legal requirement for my London office?
Yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires every commercial premises in England and Wales to have adequate emergency escape lighting. In practice this means a BS 5266-compliant emergency lighting system covering all escape routes, exit doors, stairwells and open areas through which people must pass to reach the building exit.
How often does emergency lighting need to be tested?
Emergency lighting requires a monthly function test and an annual full-duration test. Both must be recorded in a signed log book held on the premises. Our annual testing service covers both the test and the updated certification.
What is the penalty for non-compliant emergency lighting?
A fire risk assessment that identifies non-compliant emergency lighting can result in an enforcement notice requiring remedial work within a set timeframe. In serious cases, particularly where other fire safety failings exist, a prohibition notice can close the premises immediately. Prosecution is possible in persistent or severe cases.
Can you upgrade our existing emergency lighting to LED?
Yes. We regularly upgrade older fluorescent self-contained emergency fittings to modern LED versions, which offer a longer battery life, lower energy draw during maintained operation and a longer service life overall. LED emergency fittings are now the standard specification for all new and replacement work.
How long does an emergency lighting installation take?
For a standard London office or retail unit, a new emergency lighting installation typically takes one to two days. We work outside trading hours where possible and confirm the programme with you in advance.