Emergency Lighting


Changes to BS 5266-1 Emergency Code of Practice


What do the 2025 updates to BS 5266-1 mean for emergency lighting designers and installers?


J


ake Green, head of technical engagement at Scolmore Group - which includes the Orbik emergency lighting range by Ovia - shares a deep dive on the 2025 updates that wholesalers should be abreast of.


The updating of the emergency lighting code of practice, BS 5266-1: 2016, to the 2025 version has recently been published. This update follows the amendments to the related EN standards EN 1838 (Lighting applications. Emergency lighting for buildings), and EN 50172 (Emergency escape lighting systems), both of which were published in 2024.


This article highlights some of the changes made to the standard. However, it should be noted in general that some notes have become clauses, and some clauses have become notes.


Emergency lighting functions The 2025 edition has added emergency local area lighting (formerly ‘emergency safety lighting) which provides lighting for safe movement in premises when the occupants do not need to evacuate the premises immediately.


Supply of plans Clause 4.2 has incorporated the


recommendations in BS EN 50172 for the supply of plans to include escape route signs and special locations.


Defi ned escape routes (5.2.5) There has been a slight change to the minimum recommendations regarding the fl oor level illuminance in defi ned escape routes. The minimum level is now to be 1 lx across the whole escape route width. However, the border up to 0.5 m may be excluded. Where the defi ned escape route is less than 2 m, the borders of ¼ of the escape route width should be excluded.


Open areas (5.2.6)


Open areas over 60 m² still require 0.5 lx minimum illuminance. However, where an escape route passes through an undefi ned open area, the entire space must now be treated as an escape route, raising the minimum illuminance to 1 lx. EN 1838 continues to provide supporting detail.


High-risk task areas (5.2.7) The recommendations regarding high-risk task areas to have a minimum illuminance level of 10 % remains. However, the 2025 standard recommends that the illuminance is never less


than 15 lx at the location of the point of risk.


Siting of luminaires and special locations (5.2.8.1)


This clause has been expanded signifi cantly. Emergency escape lighting must now be provided at points of emphasis including: •


• •


• • •


• each change of direction


external routes leading to a place of ultimate safety


lift alarm call points and winding facilities corridors from lift doors to escape routes


fi refi ghting equipment and call points, with 5 lx vertical illuminance


fi rst aid posts, also requiring 5 lx vertical illuminance


External areas in the immediate vicinity of exits (5.2.8.2)


The standard now refers specifi cally to places of ultimate safety. Performance requirements for external areas and assembly points should be defi ned within the building’s fi re risk assessment and evacuation plan


Toilet facilities and changing rooms (5.2.8.5)


Recommendations have been broadened. Areas over 8 m² require anti-panic lighting and escape route illuminance (1 lx). Single-occupancy toilets with baby changing facilities must provide 5 lx at the changing mat, and accessible toilets must achieve 5 lx at fl oor level. Multi-closet accessible facilities must include emergency illumination from at least one luminaire.


Public indoor swimming pools (5.2.8.8) A new clause recommends 5 lx minimum illuminance on the water surface, circulation areas and pool surrounds, referencing BS EN 12193:2018.


Distance factors and viewing distance for sign identifi cation (5.2.9.1.3) Clause 5.2.9.1.3 has been updated and has had a title change. Reference is still made to BS 5499- 4:2013 Table 3 and Table 2.


Figure 1 (above) of the standard has been updated to detail this change. 28 | electrical wholesalerAugust 2026 ewnews.co.uk


externally illuminated escape route signs and safety signs


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