BS 5266 is the British Standard that governs emergency lighting in UK buildings. If you own, manage or occupy a commercial property, it almost certainly applies to you. Get it wrong and you're looking at insurance issues, regulatory action and (in the worst case) lives at risk in an evacuation.
This is a clear walkthrough of what BS 5266 actually requires, written for property managers and building managers who need to understand it without becoming a fire engineer.
What is BS 5266?
BS 5266-1:2016 (currently the active version, with periodic amendments) is the Code of Practice for emergency lighting in premises. It covers the design, installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance of emergency lighting systems. Other parts of the standard cover specific applications:
- BS 5266-1: Code of Practice for emergency escape lighting
- BS 5266-7 (also EN 1838): Lighting applications for emergency lighting
- BS 5266-8: Emergency escape lighting systems
Together they define what "good" emergency lighting looks like in the UK.
Where do you need emergency lighting?
In short: anywhere people need to be able to evacuate safely if the normal lighting fails. The standard splits this into:
- Escape route lighting: illuminates the exit routes (corridors, stairs, doors)
- Open area (anti-panic) lighting: lights up open spaces over 60 m² so people can find the exits
- High-risk task area lighting: where a process needs to be safely shut down
Specific locations you must light:
- All exit doors intended for emergency use
- Stairs (each flight directly illuminated)
- Changes of direction
- Changes of level (steps and ramps)
- Outside each final exit
- Near firefighting equipment and call points
- Near disabled refuge points and accessible toilets
How long does emergency lighting need to stay on?
BS 5266 specifies minimum duration based on occupancy and risk:
| Occupancy type | Minimum duration |
|---|---|
| Most commercial premises (offices, retail, hospitality) | 3 hours |
| Premises evacuated immediately and not re-occupied until restored | 1 hour (in some circumstances) |
| Sleeping accommodation (hotels, residential) | 3 hours |
| Healthcare, special-needs settings | 3 hours, with additional considerations |
In practice, almost everyone needs to design for 3 hours. The 1-hour exception is narrow and rarely worth relying on.
What testing does BS 5266 require?
Testing is split into three regimes:
Monthly function test
Every month, the system is switched to emergency mode (typically by isolating mains supply to test circuits) and visually inspected to confirm all luminaires illuminate. This is usually a brief test, just enough to verify the lamps work and the batteries are charged. Record the test in your log book.
Annual full-duration test
Once a year, the system is run for its full rated duration (usually 3 hours). Every luminaire is checked at the end of the test to confirm it stayed lit and at minimum brightness. After the test, batteries need to fully recharge (typically 24 hours).
Documentation
Every test must be recorded with date, result, faults found, action taken. The log book lives at the property. Modern setups (like Avero FM Works) store the test history digitally against the property and asset, ready when the inspector asks.
Self-contained vs centrally-powered
Two main types of emergency lighting:
- Self-contained: each luminaire has its own battery. Most common in new installs. Easier to install, more diffuse to test (each unit individually).
- Centrally-powered: all luminaires powered from a central battery system. More complex to install, easier to manage and monitor centrally. Usually only seen in larger or higher-risk sites.
Self-contained systems can be "self-testing", where each unit reports its own status, simplifying the monthly check.
Who's responsible?
The "responsible person" under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England and Wales) or equivalent in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In practice this is the building owner, managing agent or duty holder. Failing to maintain emergency lighting is an offence.
What does it cost to maintain?
Costs depend on the size of the system and the access required:
- Monthly function test: often done in-house or as part of broader on-site maintenance. Modern self-testing systems reduce this to a status review.
- Annual full-duration test + certificate: typically £200-£600 for a small commercial property, more for larger or multi-level sites.
- Battery replacement: every 4-5 years per luminaire. Budget for this in capex planning.
- Lamp/luminaire replacement: ongoing as units fail.
Common compliance failures
What inspectors and insurers find most often:
- No monthly test log (or only the annual)
- Annual test not at full duration
- Failed luminaires not replaced after a test
- Coverage gaps when premises have been altered (new partitions, new rooms) without updating the emergency lighting design
- No record of who is responsible
How Avero handles BS 5266
Avero coordinates BS 5266 emergency lighting installation and servicing through Avero FM Approved contractors, BAFE and FIA accredited. Monthly tests, annual full-duration tests, certificates and asset records all stored against the property in Avero FM Works. When the inspector or insurer asks, the evidence is one click away.
If you need an emergency lighting test or want to review your current setup, get in touch, or read more about our life safety service.