BS 5266 Overview: Emergency Lighting Standard

BS 5266 is the British Standard code of practice for emergency lighting. It guides the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems that provide illumination automatically when the normal supply fails.

What BS 5266 covers

• Where emergency lighting is needed — escape routes, open areas, high-risk task areas.
• How much light is required and for how long (the rated duration, commonly up to three hours).
• Testing and maintenance regimes to keep the system reliable.
• Documentation — the completion certificate and logbook.

Standard, not law — but it satisfies the law

Like other British Standards, BS 5266 is not itself legislation. However, meeting it is the recognised way to satisfy the duty under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to provide and maintain appropriate emergency lighting. A fire risk assessment determines the extent required.

Why it matters

Following BS 5266 ensures the system will actually perform when it is needed — the whole point of emergency lighting. For the practical testing regime, see monthly testing and annual duration testing.