Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting systems in the UK are a legal requirement in almost all non-domestic buildings under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO). Their primary purpose is to automatically provide illumination when the normal power supply fails, enabling occupants to safely evacuate the premises and preventing panic. 

Types of Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting is a general term subdivided into two main types:

  • Emergency Escape Lighting: The part of the system that helps people leave the building safely or terminate dangerous processes before evacuation. This is a legal requirement. This is further broken down into:
    • Escape Route Lighting: Illuminates the path to the final exit, including stairways, changes in level, and corridor intersections, to a minimum of 1 lux along the centre line.
    • Open Area Lighting: (also known as anti-panic lighting) Provides enough light (minimum 0.5 lux) in large spaces (>60m²) to reduce panic and help people find an escape route.
    • High-Risk Task Area Lighting: Ensures safety for people involved in potentially dangerous processes (e.g., near machinery or in plant rooms) so they can shut down equipment safely before leaving. A minimum of 10% of normal lighting levels (or at least 15 lux) is required here.
  • Standby Lighting: Provides sufficient illumination to allow normal activities to continue unchanged during a power failure. This is not a legal requirement for fire safety and is an optional facility. 

Operation Modes

Systems are classified by how they operate and are powered: 

Maintained:

The light source is on continuously, both under normal power and during a power cut (at a lower output).Cinemas, theatres, public assembly areas, hotels, and wherever dimming occurs.

Non-Maintained:

The light source is off under normal power and only switches on when the mains supply fails.Offices and factories where artificial lighting is generally on when occupied.

Combined:

A luminaire with multiple lamps, where at least one is for emergency use and another for normal use.Areas needing both standard and emergency lighting from a single fixture.

 

Power Source

Power sources include:

  • Self-Contained: Each luminaire has its own integrated battery pack and charging circuit. This is the most popular choice due to easier, cheaper installation.
  • Central Battery: A large, central battery bank powers all connected emergency lights via fire-resistant cabling. This is typically used in large buildings (e.g., hospitals, large offices).

Key Requirements and Maintenance

  • Duration: Emergency escape lighting must operate for a minimum duration of one hour if the building is immediately evacuated and not reoccupied until fully recharged. A three-hour duration is recommended (and often required) if the premises are not evacuated immediately (e.g., hotels, sleeping accommodations) or will be reoccupied quickly.
  • Location: Lights and exit signs must be strategically placed near exit doors, stairways, changes in direction, first aid points, and fire-fighting equipment.
  • Testing and Documentation: Regular testing is mandatory to ensure functionality.
    • Monthly functional test: A brief test to ensure lights turn on.
    • Annual full-duration test: A test for the entire rated duration (e.g., 3 hours) to confirm battery capacity.
    • All tests and repairs must be recorded in a fire safety logbook.
  • Responsible Person: The RRO designates a "Responsible Person" in control of the premises to ensure that these systems are installed, maintained, and fully operational.