Emergency lighting systems: everything you need to know

When a fire breaks out in a building, emergency lighting systems act as a lifeline. They facilitate the safe, quick and efficient evacuation of occupants.

According to UK law, all large buildings, including hotels, hospitals, offices, industries, residential buildings and retail spaces, must have effective emergency lighting systems installed on their premises. 

It’s essential that all buildings provide clear and well-illuminated exit routes. In this guide, we’ll explain emergency lightning, the rules and regulations, and what systems are available for businesses.

What is an emergency lighting system? 

An emergency lighting system is lighting that activates when the main power supply is cut and normal lighting fails. This could be due to a fire or a power outage. These systems must run automatically and provide light at a sufficient luminosity to allow all building occupants to safely evacuate the premises.

Who is responsible?

The responsibility for emergency lighting systems rests with the person with control over fire safety within the premises. Usually, the building manager (or appointed qualified expert) is fully responsible. This responsibility includes setting up appropriate emergency lighting systems to meet the requirements described the British standards for fire safety, BS 5266. They will also be responsible for periodic function and autonomy tests, annual visual inspection and control appointments as well as keeping an up-to-date emergency lighting file. 

What are the legal requirements/regulations?

As previously mentioned, all public buildings are required by law to have installed fully functioning emergency lighting.

The BS 5266 specifies that all emergency lighting should;

• clearly and unambiguously indicate escape routes
• provide illumination along such routes to enable safe movement towards and through the exits
• ensure that fire alarm call points and firefighting equipment can be easily located
• include a luminaire above the door and signs pointing building occupants in the right direction at all times

Defined escape routes should be illuminated to a level of one lux along their centre line at floor level. The term ‘lux’ refers to a unit of illumination provided when one lumen is evenly distributed over an area of one square meter. 

What type of emergency lighting systems are available?

Most people are unaware that there are a number of different types of emergency lighting systems. Emergency lighting is a general term which can be subdivided into different categories. 

There are three main types of emergency lighting. These systems can be set up in the form of either maintained, non-maintained or combined.

• Maintained emergency lighting

Maintained emergency lighting refers to a lighting system that is supplied by the mains, remains on at all times and is used as part of the standard room lighting system. These lights are usually powered by a backup emergency output, so they will continue to illuminate in an emergency situation. 

This system is particularly popular in cinemas, theatres and locations where there are usually areas of darkness. These lights are usually dimmed when the premises are occupied but still continue to indicate emergency pathways and exits. 

A benefit of maintained emergency lighting systems is that they are usually cost-effective because they are used for general lighting as well as emergency lighting and require less maintenance and routine testing. 

• Non-maintained emergency lighting

Non-maintained emergency lighting refers to a lighting system that is designed purposely for emergency use and only activates in the event of a power outage.  

The system is usually favoured in workplaces such as factories and offices, where people are more familiar with the escape routines.

Building owners typically favour this lighting system since non-maintained fittings use less energy as they only require power in an emergency. They do however require regular testing, as this is the only way you can be certain a fitting is working correctly. 

• Combined emergency lighting

There are two emergency light sources in the combined emergency lighting system—one for regular lighting and the other for power outages.

As one fixture may easily fail, many building owners install a combined lighting system to have complete peace of mind. With a backup, you can always rely on there being a functional light in the event of an emergency.  

However, these kinds of systems are less common today as the majority of emergency lights installed in buildings have been moved to LED, which can always be counted on in the event of a power outage. 

Conclusion

There are many considerations to take into account before installing emergency lighting systems.  Many people hire a third party to certify a system to make sure it is fit for its intended use. This helps to guarantee reliability, quality and conformance.

At Nortec Fire, we deliver effective and efficient fire safety services to clients across the North East, and can work to supply, install and service your emergency lighting, ensuring that your lights are visible and in good working order. 

Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements. You can call us on  0191 691 1297 or send an email to info@nortecfire.co.uk.