The short answer
UK emergency lighting is designed to BS 5266-1:2025, the current code of practice, which replaced the 2016 edition. It works with BS EN 1838:2024 for light levels, including at least 1 lux across the width of an escape route, and BS EN 50172:2024 for installation, testing and records.
The three main standards
| Standard | What it covers |
|---|---|
| BS 5266-1:2025 | Code of practice for emergency lighting of premises: escape route, open area, high-risk task and standby lighting |
| BS EN 1838:2024 | Light levels, including at least 1 lux across the floor width of an escape route |
| BS EN 50172:2024 | Installation, verification, operation and testing, including monthly and annual tests and records |
Types of emergency lighting
- Escape route lighting: lets people find and follow routes to exits.
- Open area (anti-panic) lighting: lets people reach an escape route from large open spaces.
- High-risk task area lighting: lets people make a dangerous process safe before leaving.
- Standby lighting: lets normal activity continue, which is not a life-safety function.
Fittings can be maintained (lit all the time) or non-maintained (lit only when the supply fails). Exit signs are usually maintained.
Where the law comes in
Standards describe how to do it; fire safety law says who must do it. In England and Wales, the responsible person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 must assess the risk and provide adequate emergency lighting where escape routes need it. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own legislation with similar duties.
Questions
Do existing systems have to be upgraded to the 2025 edition?
Codes of practice are not usually retrospective, but your fire risk assessment should consider whether the existing system is still adequate. Major alterations are a sensible time to bring a system up to date.
Related services
Emergency lighting installation
Escape route lighting and exit signs designed to BS 5266-1.
Emergency lighting testing
Monthly function tests, annual duration tests and certificates.
Lighting maintenance contracts
Planned maintenance, emergency lighting tests and reactive repairs.
Fit-out and new-build lighting
First and second fix lighting for fit-outs, refurbishments and new units.
Last reviewed 9 November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or engineering advice for a specific site.