Emergency Lighting for Commercial Properties: Your Guide to Compliance and Safety

When the power fails in a commercial building, it’s not just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. That’s where emergency lighting comes in. Designed to guide occupants to safety during a power outage or fire, emergency lighting is a legal requirement for most commercial spaces in the UK.

This blog covers everything you need to know about emergency lighting requirements for commercial buildings, how to stay compliant, and why it’s a vital part of your commercial lighting compliance strategy.  Lighting Installation Wantage

What Is Emergency Lighting?

Emergency lighting is a backup lighting system that activates automatically when the main power supply fails, it’s basically a battery backup system. Think of it as Emergency escape lighting, which is designed to:

Illuminate escape routes

Highlight fire exits, alarms, and safety equipment

Provide visibility in high-risk areas (like stairwells, corridors, or plant rooms)

Under UK law, it must be present and fully functional in all commercial buildings where people are present for work or public use.

Why Is Emergency Lighting Important?

Legal Compliance

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic buildings must have emergency lighting in place. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, fines, or even prosecution.

Safety of Occupants

In an emergency, visibility is crucial. Emergency lighting reduces panic and allows safe, orderly evacuation.

Commercial Lighting Compliance

Meeting commercial lighting compliance standards is essential for legal, insurance, and health & safety purposes. Outdoor Driveway Lighting

Insurance Validity

Inadequate or untested emergency lighting could void your insurance if a claim arises from a fire or electrical fault.

Emergency Lighting Requirements for Commercial Buildings

To meet emergency lighting requirements for commercial buildings, your system must:

Illuminate all escape routes clearly

Light up exit signs, stairwells, corridors, and high-risk areas

Activate automatically when the main power supply fails

Include self-contained luminaires or central battery systems

Provide at least 1 lux of illumination on the centre line of escape routes (lux requirements differ in per location but 1 lux is a good rule of thumb as a minimum)

Run for a minimum of 3 hours on battery power

How to Ensure Emergency Lighting Is Compliant in the UK

Staying compliant involves regular testing, correct installation, qualified inspection and planned maintenance. Here's how:

1. Install According to British Standards

Your system should comply with BS 5266-1 and BS EN 1838, the key standards for emergency lighting design, installation, and maintenance in the UK.

2. Carry Out Regular Testing

Monthly “flick” tests to check lights operate correctly

Annual 3-hour duration tests to confirm full battery function

Keep a logbook of all tests, showing where each light is located and any remedial work that has been carried out

3. Use a Qualified Electrical Contractor

Only certified electricians with experience in commercial lighting compliance should design, install, and maintain emergency lighting systems.

4. Include Emergency Lighting in Your Fire Risk Assessment

Your fire risk assessment must evaluate whether emergency lighting covers all critical areas effectively—and whether it functions as intended.