Most non-domestic premises in the UK need emergency lighting on escape routes. But the requirements depend on your specific premises, its use, and the fire risks present.
Answer the questions below to find out whether you need emergency lighting.
Do I need emergency lighting?
Takes about 2 minutes. Your answers will help determine your emergency lighting requirements.
What type of premises do you have?
Select the option that best describes your situation.
Legal requirements
Emergency lighting is required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO). The FSO requires the responsible person to:
- Ensure adequate emergency escape lighting is provided
- Maintain emergency lighting in efficient working order
- Test emergency lighting regularly
Your fire risk assessment must identify where emergency lighting is needed based on your specific circumstances.
The Fire Safety Order doesn't specify exactly where emergency lighting is needed. Your fire risk assessment determines this based on BS 5266 guidance and the specific risks in your premises.
Where is emergency lighting needed?
BS 5266-1:2016 provides detailed guidance on where emergency lighting should be installed:
Mandatory locations
All escape routes:
- Corridors used as escape routes
- Stairways and changes in level
- Changes in direction on escape routes
- Every final exit door from the building
- External areas forming part of the escape route
Exit doors:
- Each exit door or emergency exit
- Fire exit doors from high-risk areas
- Doors giving access to escape routes
Near fire safety equipment:
- Fire alarm call points
- Fire extinguisher locations
- Fire-fighting equipment
- Emergency equipment storage
Other essential areas:
- Lift cars (separate emergency lighting)
- Moving walkways and escalators
- Toilet facilities over 8m² or for disabled persons
- Motor generator rooms, plant rooms, switch rooms
- First aid rooms
High-risk areas
Additional emergency lighting may be needed in:
- Kitchens with commercial equipment
- Boiler rooms and plant rooms
- Storage areas with high fire load
- Areas with hazardous processes
- Windowless rooms regularly occupied
Open areas (anti-panic lighting)
Large open areas over 60m² may need anti-panic lighting:
- Open-plan offices
- Large retail floors
- Assembly halls
- Dining areas
- Large foyers
Every final exit door must have emergency lighting. This is non-negotiable regardless of premises size. If people use that door to escape, it must be lit during power failure.
When emergency lighting may not be required
Emergency lighting is not always mandatory. It may not be needed when:
Borrowed light exemption
If escape routes receive adequate "borrowed light" from permanent lighting powered by a supply independent of the main lighting (rare in practice).
Small premises with exceptional conditions
ALL of the following conditions must be met:
- Very small premises with simple layout (typically single room or very simple multi-room under 60m²)
- Straightforward escape with direct routes to exits visible from anywhere
- Adequate natural light throughout all escape routes during all hours of occupancy
- Daylight operation only - premises only occupied during good daylight conditions
- Familiar occupants - same small group of people who know the layout
- Low risk - no significant fire hazards or vulnerable occupants
This exemption is narrow and must be documented in your fire risk assessment. Even small premises usually need emergency lighting at exit doors. When in doubt, install it.
External escape routes
External escape routes with good natural light or adequate street lighting may not need additional emergency lighting, but this must be reliably maintained.
Types of emergency lighting
Understanding the types helps you choose the right system:
By operation mode
Non-maintained:
- Only lights when mains power fails
- Most common in offices, shops, warehouses
- Lower running costs
- Suitable where normal lighting is always on during occupancy
Maintained:
- Lights continuously (on mains and emergency power)
- Required in cinemas, theatres, entertainment venues
- Recommended for 24-hour premises
- Doubles as normal lighting
By power system
Self-contained:
- Each unit has its own battery
- Easy to install and maintain
- Suitable for most small to medium premises
- Battery replacement every 4-5 years
Central battery:
- One central battery powers all lights
- Better for large buildings
- Easier centralized testing
- Higher initial cost
Non-Maintained vs Maintained Emergency Lighting
Non-Maintained
Recommended- •Suitable for most commercial premises
- •Only illuminates during power failure
- •Lower electricity costs
- •Longer lamp life
- •Standard for offices, shops, factories
Maintained
- •Required for places of entertainment
- •Continuously illuminated
- •Higher running costs
- •Works as normal and emergency lighting
- •Essential for cinemas, theatres, clubs
Bottom line: Non-maintained is sufficient for most premises. Maintained lighting is legally required in places of public entertainment and strongly recommended for 24-hour operations.
Duration requirements
Emergency lighting must operate for a minimum duration:
Standard requirements (BS 5266)
1-hour duration:
- Most commercial and public premises
- Offices, shops, factories
- Premises where immediate re-occupation is unlikely
3-hour duration:
- Sleeping accommodation (hotels, care homes, HMOs, hostels)
- Places of assembly (cinemas, theatres, clubs)
- Premises where re-occupation is expected after fire is controlled
- High-rise residential buildings
- Shopping complexes where people may shelter
The duration starts when mains power fails. After the rated period, lights will go out. That's why testing is critical - you must know batteries hold enough charge.
Illumination levels (BS 5266 & BS EN 1838)
Emergency lighting must provide adequate light levels:
Escape routes
- Minimum: 1 lux along the centre line of escape route
- Uniformity: No more than 40:1 ratio between maximum and minimum
- Higher levels needed: At changes in direction, floor level changes, exit doors
Open areas (anti-panic lighting)
- Minimum: 0.5 lux average at floor level
- Uniformity: 40:1 maximum ratio
- Coverage: Central core of area, not just perimeter
High-risk task areas
- Minimum: 10% of normal lighting level, or 15 lux (whichever is greater)
- Purpose: Allow safe shutdown or termination of dangerous processes
Testing requirements
Regular testing is a legal requirement:
Emergency Lighting Testing Schedule
Check charging indicators show green (as part of daily premises inspection)
Simulate power failure for short period (5-10 minutes), check all units illuminate
Full-duration test (1 or 3 hours) to verify battery capacity meets requirements
Replace batteries in self-contained units (or sooner if duration test fails)
Monthly function test
What to do:
- Simulate mains failure (use test switch or isolate circuit)
- Check all emergency lights illuminate properly
- Verify adequate brightness
- Run for sufficient time to confirm operation (5-10 minutes)
- Restore mains power and check charging indicators
Record: Date, who tested, any defects found
Annual duration test
What to do:
- Simulate mains failure
- Let emergency lights run for full rated duration (1 or 3 hours)
- Verify all lights remain illuminated throughout
- Check brightness doesn't drop significantly
- After test, allow full recharge time (24 hours minimum)
Record: Detailed records including duration achieved, any failures, corrective action
Who should test?
- Monthly tests: Any competent person (trained staff member)
- Annual tests: Competent person with proper training, or professional electrician/fire safety technician
Keep a simple logbook. Record every test with date, tester name, and results. Fire authorities may ask to see test records going back several years during inspections.
Common deficiencies
Fire officers commonly find these issues:
No emergency lighting installed
The problem: Premises with internal escape routes or operating after dark have no emergency lighting
The consequence: People unable to evacuate safely in power failure or fire
The fix: Install emergency lighting immediately on all escape routes and exits
Inadequate coverage
The problem: Some escape routes or exits lack emergency lighting, or units too widely spaced
The consequence: Dark patches create trip hazards and confusion
The fix: Walk escape routes in darkness to identify gaps, install additional units
Wrong duration
The problem: 1-hour lights installed in premises requiring 3-hour duration (e.g., hotels, HMOs)
The consequence: Non-compliance, lights may fail before safe evacuation
The fix: Replace with 3-hour rated units
Not tested or poor records
The problem: Emergency lighting installed but never tested, or no test records kept
The consequence: Flat batteries, failed lamps, system not working when needed
The fix: Implement monthly and annual testing immediately, maintain records
Old batteries
The problem: Batteries over 5 years old no longer hold charge
The consequence: Lights illuminate initially but fail before rated duration
The fix: Replace batteries in self-contained units every 4-5 years
Wrong type for premises
The problem: Non-maintained lighting in premises requiring maintained (cinemas, theatres)
The consequence: Legal non-compliance
The fix: Replace with maintained or combined units
Restaurant fined after fire during evening service
A restaurant fire occurred during busy evening service. The main fuse board failed, plunging the premises into darkness. Over 100 diners needed to evacuate.
- ✗No emergency lighting installed on escape routes
- ✗Fire exits at rear of premises in total darkness
- ✗Staff using mobile phone lights to guide customers out
- ✗One customer injured falling down unlit stairs
- ✗Fire risk assessment had identified need for emergency lighting but never actioned
- ✗Monthly fire safety inspections had noted absence of emergency lighting for 8 months
The restaurant was prosecuted for fire safety breaches. Fine of £15,000 plus £8,000 costs. Civil claim from injured customer. Temporary prohibition notice preventing evening trading until emergency lighting installed. Total cost including installation and lost revenue exceeded £40,000.
Emergency lighting isn't optional for premises operating in darkness or with public access. The cost of non-compliance far exceeds the installation cost (around £1,500 would have prevented this). Fire risk assessment findings must be acted upon.
Design considerations
When planning emergency lighting:
Coverage planning
- Walk the escape routes in darkness to understand what's needed
- Identify critical points: exits, turns, level changes, hazards
- Avoid dark spots: overlap illuminated areas
- Consider unfamiliar users: what would a visitor need to see?
System selection
Self-contained systems:
- Best for small to medium premises
- Each unit independent (one failure doesn't affect others)
- Easy to install in existing buildings
- Lower initial cost
- Battery maintenance every 4-5 years
Central battery systems:
- Best for large or complex buildings
- Centralized testing and maintenance
- Longer battery life (up to 25 years)
- Higher installation cost
- Requires specialist design
Modern features
Self-testing emergency lights:
- Automatically perform monthly and annual tests
- Store test results digitally
- Alert when attention needed
- Reduce manual testing burden
- More expensive but highly recommended
LED technology:
- Longer battery runtime
- Brighter output
- Lower power consumption
- Virtually no lamp replacement needed
- Standard for new installations
Self-testing LED emergency lighting is a wise investment for busy premises. Units test themselves and flag any issues. You still need to review the results, but the system does the work.
Exemptions and special cases
Very small premises
Genuinely small, simple premises with excellent natural light may not need full emergency lighting, but must still consider:
- Emergency torches available
- Staff familiar with layout
- Only daylight operation
- Fire risk assessment justification
Outdoor premises
Open-air premises (e.g., garden centres, outdoor event spaces) may not need emergency lighting if:
- Natural light adequate at all times of use
- Escape routes simple and clear
- No internal areas used
Temporary premises
Temporary structures (marquees, event tents) should still have emergency lighting if:
- Used after dark
- Complex internal layout
- Public access
- Multiple exits required
Installation: DIY or professional?
DIY vs Professional Installation
DIY Installation
- •Suitable for very simple premises
- •Self-contained units only
- •Basic electrical competence required
- •Lower initial cost (£300-800)
- •Responsibility for compliance is yours
- •May not satisfy insurance requirements
Professional Installation
Recommended- •Guaranteed BS 5266 compliance
- •Proper lighting levels calculated
- •Certification provided
- •Required for sleeping accommodation
- •Satisfies insurance requirements
- •Typically £800-3,000+ depending on premises
Bottom line: For sleeping accommodation, public premises, or complex buildings, professional installation is essential. For small, simple premises, DIY installation of self-contained units may be acceptable if you're confident in basic electrical work and understand the requirements.
Costs
Typical costs for emergency lighting:
Equipment costs
Self-contained LED emergency lights:
- Basic units: £20-40 each
- Quality LED units: £40-80 each
- Self-testing units: £80-150 each
Typical premises requirements:
- Small office (6-8 units): £240-640 for equipment
- Medium premises (15-20 units): £600-1,600
- Large premises: £2,000+ for equipment
Installation costs
Professional installation:
- Small premises: £800-1,500 total installed
- Medium premises: £1,500-3,000
- Large or complex: £3,000-10,000+
Ongoing costs:
- Battery replacement: £15-30 per unit every 4-5 years
- Annual testing: £100-300 (if using external contractor)
Emergency lighting is not expensive compared to other fire safety measures. For most small premises, a complete system costs less than £1,500 installed. The legal and human consequences of not having it are far greater.
Frequently asked questions
Possibly not, but only if ALL escape routes have adequate natural light at ALL times you're occupied. If you operate in evenings, or any part of your escape route goes through internal areas, you need emergency lighting. Your fire risk assessment must justify any decision not to install it.
No. Torches are not a substitute for fixed emergency lighting. They require someone to find and distribute them in an emergency, batteries may be flat, and they don't illuminate escape routes adequately. However, torches are useful as a backup in addition to proper emergency lighting.
Yes. Exit signs must be illuminated at all times. Use illuminated signs powered by emergency lighting, or internally illuminated signs with their own backup battery. Non-illuminated signs are useless in the dark.
It depends on your layout. Generally, you need emergency lighting at every exit door, every change in direction, every change in level, and spaced along escape routes to avoid dark patches. A typical small office might need 6-10 units. Your fire risk assessment or a professional survey will identify exact requirements.
For simple premises with straightforward requirements, DIY installation of self-contained units is possible if you have basic electrical skills. However, professional installation is recommended for sleeping accommodation, public buildings, or complex layouts. You must ensure compliance with BS 5266 standards.
If units fail the monthly function test, replace or repair them immediately. If batteries fail the annual duration test, replace the batteries (or the whole unit if very old). While awaiting repairs, implement compensatory measures like increased fire patrols or restrictions on operating hours.
1-hour duration is sufficient for most commercial premises (offices, shops, factories). 3-hour duration is required for sleeping accommodation (hotels, care homes, HMOs), places of assembly (cinemas, theatres), and premises where re-occupation is expected after fire is controlled.
Emergency lighting is required in toilets larger than 8m² (small room exemption) or toilets designed for disabled persons. Very small single toilets with borrowed light from adjacent areas may not need separate emergency lighting, but it's good practice.
Wireless emergency lighting systems are not common. Emergency lights are typically self-contained (each unit independent) or connected to a central battery system via wired connections. Wireless connectivity may refer to self-testing features that transmit test results wirelessly, which is acceptable.
No. Emergency lights are either self-contained with their own batteries, or powered by a central battery system. They operate independently of normal mains circuits. The important thing is they activate automatically when mains lighting fails, regardless of which circuit is affected.
Next steps
If you need emergency lighting:
- Conduct or review your fire risk assessment to identify exactly where emergency lighting is needed
- Walk your escape routes in darkness to understand what lighting is required
- Choose appropriate equipment (1-hour or 3-hour, maintained or non-maintained)
- Install emergency lighting at all required locations
- Implement testing schedule (monthly function, annual duration)
- Keep proper records of all tests and maintenance
Not sure if your emergency lighting is adequate or need help designing a compliant system? A fire safety professional can assess your premises, specify the right equipment, and ensure BS 5266 compliance.
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