In the UK, the required duration of emergency lighting depends on how the premises are used, the evacuation strategy and whether the building may need to be reoccupied shortly after a power failure.
Standard Duration Requirements
1-hour duration
A 1-hour emergency lighting system may be appropriate where the premises are expected to be evacuated immediately following failure of the normal lighting supply and will not be reoccupied until the emergency lighting batteries have fully recharged.
This can include some offices, workplaces, teaching and training premises where those conditions are met.
3-hour duration
A 3-hour emergency lighting system should be provided where evacuation may not be immediate, where occupants may be unfamiliar with the building, or where the premises may need to be reoccupied soon after the normal lighting supply is restored.
Typical examples include:
- Hotels, guest houses and other sleeping accommodation
- Hospitals and care premises
- Theatres, cinemas and other places of entertainment
- Shops and other premises open to the public
- Buildings using phased evacuation
Three-hour emergency lighting is therefore very commonly specified in commercial and public buildings.
Regulations and Standards
BS 5266-1:2025 is the current British Standard providing guidance on the design, installation and application of emergency lighting systems.
The minimum duration for emergency escape lighting is normally either 1 hour or 3 hours, depending on the use of the premises and its evacuation arrangements.
Fire safety legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England and Wales, requires suitable fire precautions to be provided. The need for emergency lighting, and the appropriate system design, should form part of the premises’ fire risk assessment.
Which Duration Do I Need?
The correct emergency lighting duration should be determined from the type and use of the premises, its evacuation strategy and the fire risk assessment.
Where there is any likelihood that evacuation will be delayed or that the building will be reoccupied before the emergency lighting batteries have recharged, a 3-hour system will normally be appropriate.
Need help determining the emergency lighting requirements for your premises? Get in touch.
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