BSI BS 5266-1:2025 Emergency Lighting – Code of Practice for the Emergency Lighting of Premises
The latest UK Code of Practice for emergency lighting, providing updated guidance for the design, installation and wiring of systems that help protect people when normal lighting fails.
BS 5266-1:2025 is the latest edition of the UK‘s Code of Practice for the emergency lighting of premises, replacing BS 5266-1:2016.
The standard sets out recommendations and guidance covering the design, installation and wiring of emergency lighting systems, helping ensure that appropriate lighting is available when the normal lighting supply fails.
The 2025 revision reflects changes in European standards together with the practical experience of professionals involved in the design, installation and operation of emergency lighting systems.
More than a collection of technical instructions, BS 5266-1:2025 provides a framework for best practice, promoting a more consistent approach to emergency lighting across different types of premises while recognising variations in hazard levels and the familiarity occupants may have with their surroundings.
Why Choose BS 5266-1:2025?
- The latest edition of the UK‘s Code of Practice for emergency lighting
- Replaces BS 5266-1:2016
- Provides guidance on the design, installation and wiring of emergency lighting systems
- Reflects changes in relevant European standards
- Draws on the practical experience of professionals who design, install and operate emergency lighting systems
- Promotes a consistent approach to safety across different types of premises
- Recognises differing hazard levels and occupant familiarity
- Aligns with changes in EN 1838 and EN 50172
Expanded Scope for Modern Emergency Lighting
One of the most significant developments in BS 5266-1:2025 is the expansion of its scope beyond traditional emergency escape lighting.
The new edition now explicitly addresses three important areas of emergency lighting:
- Emergency escape lighting – illumination designed to guide people safely towards an exit during an emergency
- Local area lighting – illumination for specific tasks or locations so that vital activities can be completed safely during a power failure
- Standby lighting – illumination intended to allow normal activities to continue when the main power supply is lost
This broader approach reflects the realities of modern building use, where evacuation may not always be the only consideration and there may also be a need to protect occupants who remain in place or maintain essential operations.
Alignment with EN 1838 and EN 50172
The 2025 revision aligns BS 5266-1 with changes in EN 1838 and EN 50172, the European standards relating to lighting requirements.
This alignment strengthens consistency with international best practice while maintaining guidance that is clear and practical for application within the UK.
The new edition also places greater emphasis on uniformity of application, encouraging a consistent level of safety across different building types while still recognising variations in risk profile.
A Framework for Emergency Lighting Best Practice
The central aim of BS 5266-1:2025 is to encourage a consistent approach to emergency lighting so that people can safely leave or remain within a building during an emergency, while also supporting the use of essential safety equipment.
Its recommendations are designed to help building owners, contractors and regulators achieve a higher degree of uniformity when applying emergency lighting requirements, helping reduce uncertainty and risk.
Who is BS 5266-1:2025 For?
This Code of Practice is relevant to professionals and organisations involved in the design, installation, operation and management of emergency lighting systems.
- Emergency lighting designers
- Electrical contractors and installers
- Building owners
- Professionals responsible for operating emergency lighting systems
- Regulators
Updated Guidance for Today‘s Buildings
Emergency lighting is no longer focused solely on helping people reach an exit. Modern premises may also require lighting that allows vital activities to be completed safely or enables essential operations to continue when normal power is lost.
By expanding its coverage to include emergency escape lighting, local area lighting and standby lighting, BS 5266-1:2025 provides a broader framework for addressing the emergency lighting needs of modern buildings.
Product Details
| Features | |
| Product | BS 5266-1:2025 Emergency Lighting – Code of Practice for the Emergency Lighting of Premises |
| Standard | BS 5266-1:2025 |
| Replaces | BS 5266-1:2016 |
| Published Date | 30th October 2025 |
| Format | Hard Copy – Loose-leaf with four holes punched |
| Aligned With | EN 1838 and EN 50172 |