The Code of practice,
BS 5266 :1999 – 2016, is an essential point of reference. Its accompanying standard; BS
5266 Part 7 - EN 1838: 2013, defines the minimum lux levels and photometric requirements when designing the emergency lighting scheme. Also, in place is the standard;
BS EN 60598-2-22: 2014, for luminaires used in emergency lighting and ensures that they achieve the performance required whilst remaining electrically and mechanically safe.
In addition, the European Application Standard with improved testing regimes,
EN 50172: 2004, is a vital supporting part of the BS 5266 series.
The design objective for any emergency lighting system is established by
BS 5266 Section 5.2.1 which says that, when the supply to the normal lighting fails, emergency lighting is required to:
- Indicate clearly the escape routes
- Provide illumination along such routes to allow safe movement through the exits
- Ensure that fire-alarm and fire-fighting equipment can be readily located