By David Lloyd Riley
Commercial fit-outs are governed by building regulations and fire safety standards that directly affect how a space is designed, approved and used. If these requirements are not addressed early, projects can face delays at sign-off, additional costs to correct non-compliant work and potential liability for building owners or occupiers.
Emergency lighting is a clear example of this. In the event of a power failure, lighting must support safe evacuation by keeping escape routes visible and usable. If systems are missing, incorrectly specified or poorly installed, occupants may struggle to exit safely, and the responsible party may face enforcement action.
This guide explains the regulations that apply to emergency lighting and outlines what needs to be considered when specifying and installing compliant systems. It provides a practical overview of how to meet current standards across commercial workspaces.
In the UK, Building Regulations and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 set out requirements for lighting in commercial premises. These laws place responsibility on building owners and occupiers to provide adequate illumination that supports the safe use of the space at all times.
This applies across a range of environments, including offices, food and beverage businesses and schools, where emergency escape lighting must be installed. The system is designed to operate if the main power supply fails, maintaining visibility along escape routes and in key areas.
By maintaining consistent lighting during an emergency, these systems support safe evacuation and reduce the risk of injury to occupants.
The “responsible person” holds legal responsibility for maintaining a fully operational emergency lighting system. This duty usually sits with the employer, building owner or facilities manager, depending on how the premises are managed.
A fire risk assessment identifies the specific emergency lighting requirements for the building. This assessment considers factors such as layout, occupancy and escape routes, forming the basis for system design and installation.
Compliance is measured against recognised British and European standards. BS 5266-1:2025 sets out the code of practice for emergency lighting design, while BS EN 1838:2024 defines the required lighting levels and applications. BS 5266-1 remains the primary reference point for system design, and inspectors use it to assess whether installations meet current expectations.
When planning a fit-out or refurbishment, different types of emergency lighting are specified based on how the space will be used.
Understanding these distinctions supports correct specification and installation within a commercial environment.
Emergency lighting is generally divided into two categories: standby lighting and emergency escape lighting.
The appropriate type, or combination of both, is determined by the function of the space and the level of risk identified during assessment.
Emergency lighting systems are also defined by how they operate during normal conditions and power failure.
The choice between maintained and non-maintained lighting depends on how the space is used, particularly in areas where lighting must remain consistent, such as public or occupied environments.
Emergency lighting systems are powered either by self-contained batteries within each luminaire or by a central battery system.
All systems require regular testing and maintenance, as battery performance will degrade over time and can affect how the lighting operates during an emergency.
When the normal lighting supply fails, emergency lighting must provide sufficient illumination to support safe escape and allow occupants to identify firefighting equipment.
Systems are required to maintain a minimum of 1 lux along escape routes and 0.5 lux in open areas designed to prevent panic. Lighting along escape routes must guide occupants towards final exits, supporting safe movement out of the building.
High-risk task lighting applies to areas where ongoing processes present a hazard if lighting is lost.
Regulations set a minimum illumination level of 10% of normal lighting, or at least 15 lux, within these areas. This level of lighting allows individuals to shut down equipment or complete safety-critical actions without delay.
Lighting must remain in place for as long as the risk is present, supporting controlled shutdown and reducing the likelihood of injury.
Emergency luminaires and exit signage must be installed at defined locations throughout a building.
Lighting is required to highlight safety signs, exit doors, stairways and fire safety equipment. It must also be positioned wherever there is a change in floor level, such as steps, ramps or uneven surfaces.
Correct placement supports visibility across the space, helping occupants identify hazards and follow safe exit routes during an emergency.
Failure to maintain emergency lighting systems can lead to faults during a power failure, limiting visibility when occupants need to exit the building. Reduced illumination increases the risk of trips, falls and delays during evacuation.
Regular testing identifies issues such as battery degradation, wiring faults or failed luminaires before they affect performance. Maintenance confirms that systems activate as expected and continue to operate for the required duration.
The responsible person is required to arrange ongoing testing and maintenance. In the event of a mains power failure, emergency lighting must activate within 0.5 to 5 seconds and provide consistent illumination to support safe evacuation.
Emergency lighting must be tested at defined intervals to confirm it operates correctly and meets compliance requirements.
Testing must be recorded to demonstrate compliance and provide a clear maintenance history. A five-year verification of system photometric performance is required under updated standards. This assesses whether lighting levels remain within acceptable limits across the space.
All monthly and annual tests must be recorded in a log book. Any faults identified during testing must be addressed promptly, and all work must be carried out by a competent person.
During a fit-out or refurbishment, emergency lighting must be reviewed alongside any changes to the building layout.Alterations such as new partitions, relocated work areas or changes to circulation routes can affect how occupants move through the space. This may require additional luminaires or repositioning of existing fittings to maintain compliance.
Emergency lighting should be assessed as part of the wider electrical scope to confirm it remains suitable for the updated layout.
Emergency lighting must operate in coordination with the standard lighting system. When mains power fails, emergency systems must activate automatically and provide uninterrupted illumination to occupied areas and escape routes. Lighting must remain operational until the main supply is restored.
During phased projects, temporary arrangements may be required to maintain protection in active areas. The fire safety strategy should be reviewed throughout the works to reflect any changes in layout or occupancy.
For further information or to request a consultation, get in touch with Contact One today by calling 0161 839 9220 or submitting an online contact form
A compliant emergency lighting system supports occupant safety and meets the legal obligations placed on building owners and operators. It also enables a building to pass required duration tests and safety inspections without issue.
Contact One delivers commercial fit-outs and refurbishments on a fully managed, end-to-end basis, overseeing the complete implementation of electrical installations in line with all relevant regulations and standards. Emergency lighting is integrated as part of a wider, coordinated approach, ensuring every element works together and meets compliance requirements from day one.
Each solution is designed around the specific needs of the business, taking into account how the space operates, how people move through it, and what the environment demands on a day-to-day basis. Installations are carefully planned and delivered in a way that reduces disruption, allowing business operations to continue with minimal impact throughout the project.
From the outset, Contact One carries out a detailed assessment of the premises, reviewing layout, occupancy, and risk factors to define the most effective approach. From initial specification through to final installation and sign-off, every stage is managed to maintain quality, compliance, and continuity.
Get in touch by calling 0161 839 9220 or submitting an online contact form and speak to our team about your emergency lighting requirements. We can review your current systems, identify any gaps in compliance, and provide a clear plan to bring your premises in line with regulations.
