Emergency Lighting Standards and Regulations

The current practice for emergency lighting illumination levels under BS 5266-1:2016 establishes specific minimum lux requirements for different areas [1] [2]:

Escape Routes: A minimum of 1 lux along the centre line at floor level, with a central band consisting of not less than half the width of the route illuminated to at least 50% of that value (0.5 lux)[1] [2] [3]. This represents a significant change from previous standards, as the 2016 revision removed the old “A” deviations that previously allowed 0.2 lux minimums and aligned with European requirements [4].

Open Areas (Anti-panic Lighting): A minimum of 0.5 lux at floor level, excluding a 0.5-metre border around the perimeter, for areas greater than 60m²[1][2][5]. However, industry guidance indicates that future revisions are likely to increase this to 1 lux minimum [2].

High-Risk Task Areas: Not less than 10% of the average normal lighting at that location, with a minimum of 15 lux [5][6].

Safety Equipment Areas: A minimum of 5 lux for fire alarm call points, firefighting equipment, and safety devices[2][5].

Specific Applications: Treatment rooms require 50 lux, first aid rooms require 15 lux, and reception areas require 15 lux [5].

Luminaire Performance Requirements under BS EN 60598-2-22:2020/2021

The standard BS EN 60598-2-22 has undergone significant updates, with the latest version being IEC 60598-2-22:2021 (adopted as BS EN 60598-2-22:2022) [7][8][9]. The key performance changes include:

Updated Requirements [8][9][10]:

Rest mode and inhibiting mode requirements have been updated and clarified
High temperature operation tests have been clarified with more specific testing procedures
New requirements for lithium batteries have been introduced to address modern battery technologies
Electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) now have specific requirements
Resistance to heat, fire and tracking requirements have been clarified
Test facilities for self-contained luminaires have been clarified
Contrast measurements for exit signs test methods have been improved

The luminaires must comply with these performance standards to ensure reliable operation during emergency conditions[11][12].

Changes to Emergency Lighting Maintenance and Testing

Recent updates to maintenance and testing requirements have introduced more stringent procedures:

BS EN 50172:2024 Updates [13][14][15]:

Introduction of bi-annual testing requirements for emergency luminaires and externally illuminated safety signs
Enhanced initial verification requirements
Improved handover documentation standards
Modified maintenance and verification procedures
New guidance for system durations and activation times
Considerations for emergency lighting during lockdowns or prolonged power disconnections

Testing Frequencies [16][17][18]:

Daily tests: Only required for central battery systems
Monthly functional tests: Brief 30-second to 1-minute tests to verify operation [16][17]
Annual duration tests: Full 3-hour discharge tests to verify battery capacity [16][17]
Bi-annual inspections: New requirement to check for damage, dirt, dust, and material degradation

Fire-Resisting Cable and Circuit Routing Requirements

Emergency lighting cables must meet enhanced fire protection requirements [19][20]:

Cable Performance Standards:

Cables should have a minimum 60-minute survival when tested to BS EN 50200:2015 [20]
Standard cables (like FP200 Gold) are suitable for most applications including sprinklered buildings [19]
Enhanced cables (like FP PLUS) may be necessary for large, complex, un-sprinklered buildings [19]

Installation Requirements [21] [22]:

Fire-resisting supports are required for wiring systems in escape routes under BS 7671 Regulation 521.11.201 [21]
Segregation requirements when emergency lighting cables share containment with other services [20]
Non-combustible support methods are required – plastic clips, ties, or trunking cannot be the primary means of support [20]
Cables must be exclusive to the emergency lighting installation and separate from other circuits [20]

Circuit Protection [23] [24]:

Emergency system wiring must be entirely independent of all other wiring, with limited exceptions [23] [25]
Two-hour fire protection is required for specific installations in assembly occupancies or buildings above 23m height [24]
Listed fire-rated assemblies or electrical circuit protective systems may be required

Updates from BSI and Emergency Signage

BS 9991:2024 Updates [26] [27] [28]:
The revised BS 9991:2024 (Fire safety in residential buildings) was published on November 27, 2024, introducing:

Expanded scope to include residential care homes
Enhanced guidelines for evacuation lifts
Revised height limits for sprinkler installation and single-stair buildings
European classifications for fire doors
Smoke control enhancements

BS EN 1838:2024 Updates [29] [30]:
The new emergency lighting standard, published December 31, 2024, includes:

Revised escape route lighting requirements to cover the entire route width
Adaptive Emergency Escape Lighting Systems (AEELS) recommendations for all building types
Enhanced specifications for points of emphasis and hazardous areas
5 lux minimum vertically at fire alarm call points and firefighting equipment

PLS (Photoluminescent Safety) Location Criteria

Photoluminescent safety systems are governed by the following standards [31] [32] [33]:

Key Standards:

ASTM E2072-10: Standard Specification for Photoluminescent Safety Markings [34]
ISO 7010: International standard for safety symbols [32]
UL 924: Standard for Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment [35] [33]

Installation Requirements [32] [33]:

Minimum 5 foot-candles of ambient illumination on photoluminescent signs [36]
Continuous illumination required while buildings are occupied [33]
- Charging illumination must be from reliable light sources as determined by authorities [33]

CIBSE Updates

The CIBSE LG12 Emergency Lighting (2022) edition [37] [38] provides updated guidance emphasising:

Risk assessment-based approaches to emergency lighting design
Standardised terminology from BSI definitions
Enhanced design management procedures
Compliance documentation requirements for safety legislation
Updated equipment and system guidance

This guide reflects the evolution from prescriptive rules to risk-based design approaches, ensuring emergency lighting systems are optimised for specific building circumstances while maintaining full compliance with safety legislation [37] [39].

Two-Hour Fire Protection Requirement

The requirement for two-hour fire protection in emergency lighting and associated circuits is a key safety measure in high-risk environments. This is primarily applied to:

Assembly occupancies (buildings used for gathering people, such as theatres, halls, large restaurants)
Buildings above 23 metres (75 ft) in height (about 7–8 storeys and above)

These settings present unique evacuation challenges due to high occupancy or complex layouts, which can necessitate prolonged evacuation times.

Why Two-Hour Fire Protection?

Purpose: To ensure emergency systems—especially escape lighting, alarms, and evacuation controls—remain operational long enough for safe evacuation, even under severe fire conditions.
Evacuation Complexity: High-rise buildings and assembly spaces may require staged or delayed evacuations, necessitating longer circuit integrity.
Regulatory Basis: This minimum is reflected in British Standards such as BS 5266-1 (emergency lighting) and referenced in wiring regulations and circuit design practice for life safety systems [39] [40] [41].

Where Two-Hour Fire-Rated Circuits Are Required

Emergency lighting circuits in large assembly spaces and buildings over 23 metres
Fire alarm cabling and control circuits for critical fire safety systems
Evacuation lift supplies, smoke control, and firefighting equipment circuits in high-rise or assembly buildings

Fire resistance must be ensured either by:

Cables with at least 120 minutes (PH120) fire resistance (tested typically at 830°C, complying with BS EN 50200/BS8434-2 or BS 8519 for control circuits)
Or installation within a fire-resisting enclosure, fire-protected shaft, or concrete encasement giving minimum two-hour protection [40] [41] [42] [43]

Methods of Achieving Two-Hour Protection

Solution Type	Examples & Notes
Fire-resistant cable	Enhanced fire-resistant cables (PH120) such as those complying with BS 7629-1, BS 8491, or BS 8434-2
Mineral-insulated (MI)	MI cables listed as fire-resistive, typically with 2-hour rating
Protected containment	Installation in fire-protected shafts, ductwork, or concrete encasement with 2-hour fire rating
Listed assemblies	Specially tested assemblies or trays with documented 2-hour circuit integrity

Regulatory Guidance

As per BS 5266 and related commentary, the application of two-hour-rated cable or protection is required in:
- Assembly occupancies where evacuation is complex, phased, or where large numbers delay escape
- High-rise (typically above 23m/75 ft) buildings, to allow for delayed or progressive evacuation
Enhanced fire resistance (two hours) is also recommended where evacuation cannot be immediate or is undertaken in stages [40] [41] [42].

Summary Table: Circuit Fire Protection for Emergency Systems

Installation Scenario	Minimum Circuit Fire Rating
Standard buildings (normal risk)	1 hour (PH60) inside escape routes
Assembly occupancy/high-rise (>23m)	2 hours (PH120) throughout circuit
Unsprinklered, complex evacuation	2 hours (PH120), enhanced specification

Key Takeaways

Use enhanced (PH120) cables or equivalent protection for life safety circuit integrity in high-rise and assembly buildings.
This requirement ensures escape and evacuation systems remain functional under extended fire exposure, matching the realistic needs of complex, crowded, or high-rise environments.
Consult BS 5266, BS 8519, and applicable local standards for full specification details; always confirm fire strategy with the project fire engineer [40] [41] [42].

Related Standards:

BS 5266-1: Emergency Lighting
BS 8519: Selection and installation of fire-resistant power and control cable systems
BS EN 50200, BS 8434-2: Fire testing of cables
UK Building Regulations, Section B for fire safety

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Current Emergency Lighting Minimum Lux Levels (BS 5266-1:2016)