Emergency lighting guide
The following information provides guidance for the design and implantation of emergency lighting as set out in BS5266-1. The guides look a standards and best practice for Lux levels and cabling requirement. We look at the different types of emergency exit signage currently in use and its best practice. We also look at the importance of system documentation and compliance and provide a useful editable completion certificate along with a free downloadable guide.
Lux levels
BS 5266 sets out minimum lux levels for open area (anti panic), escape routes and locations of safety devices. There are also recommended lux levels for high-risk areas for example factory floors, areas with dangerous machinery and hazardous working environments.
The current emergency lux levels are going through a review process which will most likely see the minimum levels increase for both BS 5266 and EN 1838
The following images and information shows the different lux levels requirements.
The current emergency lux levels are going through a review process which will most likely see the minimum levels increase for both BS 5266 and EN 1838
The following images and information shows the different lux levels requirements.
Open area
- Open Area (anti panic) Lighting needs to meet 0.5 lux minimum. Future revision will request 1 lux minimum.
- The core area excludes the 0.5m perimeter of the area.
- The shadowing effects of movable objects in the core area are excluded.
Escape route
- Escape Route Lighting needs to meet 1 Lux minimum and focus attention to achieve luminaires at change of direction, intersections, changes in level and specific points of emphasis for evacuation.
- The likely revision of BS 5266 is perceiving 5 Lux minimum to assist high volume of evacuants and differently abled persons.
Safety devices
- Lighting at fire safety devices needs to be 5 lux minimum.
- The luminaires are required to provide illumination on the floor of the routes and directly projected for the safety equipment. Dialux or Relux design context is required for all of the emergency lighting process.
BS 5266 sets out minimum lux levels for open area (anti panic), escape routes and locations of safety devices. There are also recommended lux levels for high-risk areas for example factory floors, areas with dangerous machinery and hazardous working environments.
The current emergency lux levels are going through a review process which will most likely see the minimum levels increase for both BS 4266 and EN 1838
The following images set out the (and) show the different lux levels
The current emergency lux levels are going through a review process which will most likely see the minimum levels increase for both BS 4266 and EN 1838
The following images set out the (and) show the different lux levels
It is important to note that these are the minimum lighting levels required by the standards. In some cases, higher lighting levels may be necessary depending on the specific application and the level of difficulty of the task being performed in the area.
Task
Level
Examples of the application
Low Difficulty
5 Lux
- Identifying clear signs and equipment, exit signs, fire alarm and refuge call points
- Panic bolts and manual control of exit doors
- The perimeter of swimming pools
Medium Difficulty
15 Lux
- Reading Ariel 10pt print and LCD screens (not back lit)
- Fire alarm control Panels and Diagrams
- First aid rooms, Kitchens
- Plant rooms and operating switches
- Reception areas for communications.
High Difficulty
50 lux
- Medical centre minor operations
- Dentists operating chair
Outside lighting after an exit
Lighting is required outside and near exits covering the route to a place of safety. Emergency lighting should also be provided if the escape route passes a hazard before reaching an ultimate place of safety.
Emergency luminaire failure
The risks of occupants being in total darkness in the event of failure of individual emergency lighting luminaires should be compensated for by ensuring that illumination from at least two luminaires are visible in each room or zone of the escape route or protected rooms.
Cabling requirement
Central power supply Fire Protected cabling for centrally supplied luminaires.
- Must be fire resistant cable and metal clipped
- Joints must be the same fire resistant as the cable
- Joints must be labelled – an example of this is the ICEL verification sticker showing four columns with letters and numbers referenced
- A protective device (MCB/Fuse) is needed for every up to maximum of 20 luminaires
- The circuits can be spurred
- The maximum cable voltage drop should be no more than 4%
Cabling requirements
Central power supply FP cabling for centrally supplied luminaires.
Emergency Exit Signage
Signage systems
The current emergency exit sign system that should be used is the ISO 3864 7010 format showing a running person silhouetted within a door and a directional arrow. The arrow should be pointing up on a sign placed above a door and when the sign is directing to a door.
This system supersedes the Signs Directive and BS 5499 formats, although both are still able to be used. The Signs Directive format separates the running person, arrow and door. The interim standard BS 5499 shows supplementary text followed by running person silhouetted within a door and a directional arrow.
While the three signs are all legally compliant, sites should aim to use only one signage system style throughout their premisses.
This system supersedes the Signs Directive and BS 5499 formats, although both are still able to be used. The Signs Directive format separates the running person, arrow and door. The interim standard BS 5499 shows supplementary text followed by running person silhouetted within a door and a directional arrow.
While the three signs are all legally compliant, sites should aim to use only one signage system style throughout their premisses.
Signage location
Signs need to be located at all emergency exits, along escape routes and anywhere that the route may be in doubt. Where direct sight of a sign is not possible a directional sign or series of signs must be used. There should be no ambiguity as to which direction the escape route follows.
Signs should be illuminated to EN 1838/BS 5266-7. Internally illuminated exit signs must meet 2cd/m2 projection from the green light; in the next revision of BS 5266 this is likely to be increased to 8cd/m2
Signs should be illuminated to EN 1838/BS 5266-7. Internally illuminated exit signs must meet 2cd/m2 projection from the green light; in the next revision of BS 5266 this is likely to be increased to 8cd/m2
Painted signs
While it is acceptable to use painted signs illuminated from a remote emergency light provided it is within 2 metres it is difficult to prove that the adequate values of illumination have been achieved and particular care must be taken that they will be adequately visible in an emergency. BS 5266 requests near to within 2 meters 5 lux projection to these sticker devices and so again this needs to be verified for the projection using DIALUX or RELUX document design detail.
Signage systems currently in use
BS 5499
Signs Directive
ISO 3864 / ISO 7010
System Documentation Guide
The enforcing authority will look for evidence that systems have been designed, installed are being maintained correctly to minimise the risks too occupants in the event of a supply failure or fire.
Enforcing authority
The enforcing authority will look for evidence that systems have been designed, installed are being maintained correctly to minimise the risks too occupants in the event of a supply failure or fire.
The enforcing authority will look for evidence that systems have been designed, installed are being maintained correctly to minimise the risks too occupants in the event of a supply failure or fire.
Documentation
BS 5266-1 recommends that this is achieved by documentation on the installed system supported by a logbook certificate to show that it operated correctly when tested.
BS 5266-1 recommends that this is achieved by documentation on the installed system supported by a logbook certificate to show that it operated correctly when tested.
Engineers inspection
If the original documentation is not available a substitute record can be provided by a competent engineers inspection.
This is not as complete as records produced correctly at installation but it will check the most important aspects of the emergency lighting system.
If the original documentation is not available a substitute record can be provided by a competent engineers inspection.
This is not as complete as records produced correctly at installation but it will check the most important aspects of the emergency lighting system.
Free Download
Free Guide to BS 5266
Covering standards and legislation (BS 5266/en1838), risks to responsibility, this overview also covers system documentation and test records, plus a completion certificate template.
Thank you.
Click the button for the guide.
Download your free Emergency Lighting GuideClick the button for the guide.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
The key to compliance.
Documentation.
It is important that the responsible person can demonstrate that the emergency lighting is appropriate to protect the properties occupants. To achieve this a completion certificate is required under BS 5266-1and is to be completed after the installation of a new system or changes to older systems. There is also a section that covers existing premises where current valid documentation is not available.
The completion certificate requires the general declaration shown in annexes H1 to be completed by the responsible person, after the separate design, installation and verification certificates shown in H.2, H.3 and H.4 have been completed by the competent person who carried out the work.
This Certificate is only valid when accompanied by current:
a) Signed declaration(s) of design, installation and verification.
b) Photometric design data. This can be in any of the following formats but in all cases appropriate de-rating factors must be used and identified to meet worst case requirements.
i) Authenticated spacing data such as Lighting Industry Association, ICEL 1001 registered tables**.
ii) Calculations as detailed in Annex G and CIBSE/SLL Guide LG12***.
iii) Appropriate computer print of results.
c) Test logbook.
If no existing documents are available for your site, then annex K1 and K2 document is acceptable as an overview and ability to verify deviations with all involved parties. providing any “Deviations that are Variations” that the legally culpable person of the property has agreed with their insurance company.
The completion certificate requires the general declaration shown in annexes H1 to be completed by the responsible person, after the separate design, installation and verification certificates shown in H.2, H.3 and H.4 have been completed by the competent person who carried out the work.
This Certificate is only valid when accompanied by current:
a) Signed declaration(s) of design, installation and verification.
b) Photometric design data. This can be in any of the following formats but in all cases appropriate de-rating factors must be used and identified to meet worst case requirements.
i) Authenticated spacing data such as Lighting Industry Association, ICEL 1001 registered tables**.
ii) Calculations as detailed in Annex G and CIBSE/SLL Guide LG12***.
iii) Appropriate computer print of results.
c) Test logbook.
If no existing documents are available for your site, then annex K1 and K2 document is acceptable as an overview and ability to verify deviations with all involved parties. providing any “Deviations that are Variations” that the legally culpable person of the property has agreed with their insurance company.
Can you answers these?
Example questions taken for the completion certificate.
Are plans of the system available, and correct?
The plans should show the location and details of the luminaires and other emergency lighting equipment?
Do the luminaires conform to BS EN60598-2-22 if it is not marked?
If it is not marked it is not compliant and judgement on its suitability should be made.
If a central power supply unit is used, does it conform to BS EN50171?
If it is not marked it is not compliant and judgement on its suitability should be made.
Free Download
Completion Certificate
Download our free BS-5266-1 Emergency Lighting Completion Certificate and test log in an editable word document.
The document also includes section K1 and K2. which is acceptable to use if no existing documents are available for your site as an overview and ability to verify deviations with all involved parties who then must verify approval with their insurance provider.
The document also includes section K1 and K2. which is acceptable to use if no existing documents are available for your site as an overview and ability to verify deviations with all involved parties who then must verify approval with their insurance provider.
Further information
BS 5266-1: 2016 Companion Guide
We recommend BIP 2081:2020 companion guide to BS 5266-1:2016 Emergency lighting. Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises.
The guide gives comprehensive information and guidance on the choice, design and application of emergency lighting based on the latest versions of the appropriate standards and regulations, helping designers optimise a system for specific applications.
The guide gives comprehensive information and guidance on the choice, design and application of emergency lighting based on the latest versions of the appropriate standards and regulations, helping designers optimise a system for specific applications.
Contact
