Emergency Lighting - Chilvers Electrical

Emergency Lighting Services

Emergency lighting is a critical part of any building’s safety system, designed to activate automatically when normal lighting fails due to a power outage or fire. Whether you’re managing a business, rental property, or communal space, ensuring compliant and functional emergency lighting is essential for the safety of occupants.

1. What is Emergency Lighting?

Emergency lighting provides illumination during power failures, ensuring that people can exit the building safely and locate emergency equipment like fire alarms and extinguishers. It includes:

Escape Route Lighting – Lights that guide occupants safely to exits
Open Area (Anti-Panic) Lighting – Prevents panic in open spaces
High-Risk Task Area Lighting – For safe shutdown of dangerous equipment
Exit Signs – Illuminated signs that remain visible in total darkness

2. Why Emergency Lighting is Essential

Life-Saving Visibility: In a fire, power cut, or emergency, visibility is often compromised. Emergency lighting provides clear direction and visibility, helping people evacuate safely.

Legal Requirement: In the UK and many other countries, emergency lighting is required by law in all non-domestic buildings under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and BS 5266-1 standards.

Fire Risk Assessment Compliance: Properly installed and maintained emergency lighting is part of your legal responsibility as a property owner, manager, or landlord.

3. Where Emergency Lighting is Needed

Commercial buildings: Offices, shops, warehouses
Residential blocks: Communal areas in flats or HMOs
Educational institutions: Schools, colleges, universities
Healthcare settings: Hospitals, care homes, clinics
Public venues: Cinemas, theatres, gyms, community centres

4. Types of Emergency Lighting Systems

Maintained: Lights stay on at all times and continue to operate during a power failure (common in public spaces).
Non-Maintained: Lights remain off during normal operation but activate only when power is lost (common in workplaces and stairwells).
Combined Units: Include both a standard and emergency light source in one fitting.

5. Installation & Power Sources

Typically powered by battery back-up systems (self-contained or central).
Must be installed by qualified electricians to ensure proper coverage, compliance with regulations, and optimal visibility.

6. Testing and Maintenance

Emergency lighting must be regularly tested and maintained to remain compliant and functional. This includes:

Monthly functional tests: Ensure lights activate and stay on briefly.
Annual full-duration tests: Lights must remain on for their full rated duration (usually 3 hours).
Record-keeping: Results must be logged in a fire safety logbook for inspection and insurance purposes.

7. Benefits of a Reliable Emergency Lighting System

Compliance: Meet legal safety regulations and avoid penalties
Safety: Protect lives during unexpected power loss
Peace of Mind: Know that your property is prepared for emergencies
Insurance Validity: Non-compliance could invalidate insurance policies

Conclusion: Emergency Lighting is More Than a Backup – It's a Lifeline

In any emergency, lighting is a silent but vital protector. Whether guiding someone to an exit or helping emergency crews navigate safely, emergency lighting is essential to any building’s safety strategy. Make sure your system is installed correctly, tested regularly, and always ready to respond when it matters most.