Emergency Lighting


Other externally illuminated safety signs (5.2.9.2)


Clause 5.2.9.2 now combines the previous recommendations of 52.9.2.1 and 5.2.9.2.2 and simplified the clause.


Power supplies and equipment used as electrical sources for safety services (ESSS) (7)


The commentary clarifies that the ESSS is exclusively for supplying emergency escape lighting during normal power failure. Clause 7.1.1 emphasises that ESSS must remain operational even if a fault occurs in a dedicated safety circuit, and designers should apply independent ESSS for each safety service.


Systems must be rated in both watts and volt-amperes, considering power factor, inrush current and any future load changes. UPS systems must follow manufacturer instructions and comply with BS 7671 Regulation 560.11 and BS 8519. Power supplies must be accessible only to skilled or instructed persons and adequately ventilated.


Wiring systems and circuits (8) Section 8 has been substantially rewritten. Clause 8.2.1 now lists designer responsibilities, including continuity of supply and situations where


EIC Update


The EFP in action W


hen Brent’s son was facing mental health challenges due to bullying at school and changes within the family home, he knew he had to take action to support his family by reaching out to the Electrical Industries Charity.


Despite doing well academically, his son was finding the transition into secondary school difficult, particularly when it came to navigating new social circumstances. He had been experiencing persistent bullying, including hurtful comments linked to how others perceived his identity, personality and social presentation. This had started to affect his confidence, school attendance and emotional wellbeing.


There were also wider family pressures at play, including parental separation, which appeared to be adding to his son’s emotional distress. The family had already accessed some school-based support, but felt he needed specialist therapeutic support


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Supporting the whole family in times of need. outside of school.


Brent and his son were quickly assigned to a Case Manager, who explored what support was already in place through school, whether any referrals had been considered, and whether the family needed help sourcing a suitable therapist. The family felt the situation needed an immediate response, as his wellbeing, confidence and school attendance were already being affected.


The family’s Case Manager matched them with a local therapist with experience supporting young people affected by bullying, anxiety, social difficulties and emotional distress. Brent’s son engaged well with the therapist, and the family reported that he felt comfortable with the support. While Brent’s son was being treated, the family also raised concerns about his younger sibling, who had started to show behavioural changes and emotional distress. The sibling had also expressed an interest in speaking to someone. The Electrical


looping in/out of luminaires is not possible. Cable type recommendations remain broadly consistent, but premature collapse requirements now reference BS 7671. Clause 8.2.14 requires emergency lighting cables to be clearly identified by colour or marking at every connection.


Design procedure (10)


Several new checks have been added, including assessment of disability glare (10.3) and procedures for prolonged system shutdown (10.4). Handover documentation (10.7.2) is now more detailed, providing a comprehensive checklist.


Certificates and logbooks (11) Conclusion


The 2025 update introduces meaningful changes across illuminance levels, documentation, siting requirements and verification intervals. Designers, installers and responsible persons should familiarise themselves with the revised standard to ensure compliance and maintain robust emergency lighting provision.


Commissioning inspections and tests from BS EN 50172:2024 must be included in handover documentation. Variations from BS 5266-1 must be recorded. Photometric verification is now required initially and at intervals not exceeding five years to ensure ongoing system performance.


Industries Charity was able to offer support to both children, showing the importance of taking a whole-family approach rather than simply responding to the initial request. This case demonstrates how the Electrical Industries Charity can step in when a family is feeling overwhelmed, help them access appropriate mental health support, and provide practical assistance at a difficult time.


For further information, please contact the Electrical Industries Charity directly: 020 3696 1710


fundraising@electricalcharity.org


August 2026 electrical wholesaler | 29


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