BS 5266-1-1988 Emergency Lighting

BRITISH STANDARD BS 5266-1:1988
Emergency lighting —
Part 1: Code of practice for the
emergency lighting of premises other
than cinemas and certain other
specified premises used for
entertainment
Licensed copy:RMJM, 07/09/2005, Uncontrolled Copy, © BSI
UDC 628.978.6:696.6:621.32
BS 5266-1:1988
Committees responsible for this

British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Electrical

Illumination Standards Committee (LGL/–) to Technical Committee LGL/24
upon which the following bodies were represented:
Association of Ballrooms
Association of British Generating Set Manufacturers
Association of British Theatre Technicians
Association of County Councils
Association of Manufacturers Allied to the Electrical and Electronic Industry
(BEAMA Ltd.)
Association of Metropolitan Authorities
British Battery Makers’ Society
British Bingo Association
British Retailers’ Association
Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers’ Association
Cinematograph Exhibitors’ Association of Great Britain and Ireland
Department of Health and Social Security
Department of Trade and Industry, Consumer Safety Unit, CA Division
Electrical Contractors’ Association
Electricity Supply Industry in England and Wales
Home Office
Incorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors
Institution of Electrical Engineers
Institution of Gas Engineers
Institution of Lighting Engineers

Lighting Industry Federation Ltd.
London Underground Ltd.
National Association of Licensed Bingo and Social Clubs
National Illumination Committee of Great Britain
National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting
Post Office
Royal Institute of British Architects
Scottish Development Department
Society of Engineers Incorporated
Society of Fire Protection Engineers
Society of Theatre Consultants
Tenpin Bowling Proprietors Association of Great Britain
This British Standard, having
been prepared under the
direction of the Electrical
Illumination Standards
Committee, was published under
the authority of the Board of BSI
and comes into effect on
29 February 1988
© BSI 10-1998 Amendments issued since publication
First published July 1975 Amd. No. Date of issue Comments

First revision February 1988
The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference LGL/24
Draft for comment 85/31970 DC
ISBN 0 580 16279 6

BS 5266-1:1988
Contents
Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Consultation and records 2
4 Need for emergency lighting 3
5 Illumination for safe movement 3
6 Emergency lighting design 5
7 Batteries 8
8 Wiring systems and circuit requirements 8
9 Choice of appropriate emergency lighting systems 11
10 Emergency lighting design procedure 14
11 Certificate and log book 15
12 Servicing 16
Appendix A Measuring illuminance of emergency lighting 19
Appendix B Model completion certificate 20
Appendix C Model periodic inspection and test certificate 22
Appendix D Model servicing schedule 24
Publications referred to Inside back cover
© BSI 10-1998 i
BS 5266-1:1988
Foreword
This Part of BS 5266 has been prepared under the direction of the Electrical
Illumination Standards Committee and is a revision of BS 5266-1:1975, which is
withdrawn.
This code of practice is the first Part of a British Standard dealing with
emergency lighting. Part 2 will also be a code of practice and will constitute a
revision of CP 1007:1955, which covers maintained lighting for cinemas, to
include requirements for other similar types of premises to which the general
provisions of CP 1007 are at present applied, e.g. dance halls, ballrooms, licensed
bingo premises and ten-pin bowling establishments.
Safety legislation applicable to premises designated by the Home Secretary is
likely to be extended and encouragement given towards the rationalization of the
fire precautions in the many types of premises.
The aim of this code is to promote wider understanding of the different types of
emergency lighting system which may be employed and to give guidance on their
correct application to the varied requirements of different categories of premises.
The recommendations given in this code of practice have been drawn up to
encourage uniformity of application, based on providing adequate safety to
persons in the event of interruption of the normal lighting and having due regard
to the hazard level and degree of familiarity of occupants with particular
premises. The code recognizes that in addition to ensuring safe unobstructed
means of escape from the premises at all times, an important function of
emergency lighting is to make possible the immediate location and operation of
fire alarm points and fire fighting equipment and another is to minimize the
chance of panic arising in enclosed spaces, such as lifts. Although the code makes
recommendations for the provision of emergency lighting in a wide variety of
premises, the fact that particular types of premises are mentioned in

clause 9 does not necessarily mean that all such premises will be required by law
to have emergency lighting installed. For certain classes of premises the
provisions of this code may be supplemented or replaced by alternative
requirements at the discretion of the enforcing authority.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 24, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.
ii © BSI 10-1998
BS 5266-1:1988
1 Scope 2.4
emergency lighting
This Part of BS 5266 relates to the provision of
electric emergency lighting in most types of lighting provided for use when the supply to the
premises, other than private domestic premises, normal lighting fails
cinemas and existing premises to which the 2.5
provisions of CP 1007, covering maintained lighting emergency lighting systems
for cinemas, have been applied by the enforcing
a complete but discrete emergency lighting
authority. This code does not apply to premises that
installation from the standby power source to the
will be covered in detail in a revision of CP 1007
emergency lighting lamp(s), e.g. a self-contained
which will be published as BS 5266-2. Premises not
emergency luminaire or a circuit from central
covered are those used primarily as:
battery/generator connected through wiring to
ballrooms and dance halls several escape luminaires
cinemas licensed under the Cinemas Act 1985 2.6
bingo premises licensed under the Gaming end of duration battery voltage
Act 1968 as amended by the Gaming the minimum voltage of the battery as declared by
(Amendment) Act 1982 the manufacturer that will occur at the end of the
ten-pin bowling establishments rated duration at the end of the declared battery
Although the code does not cover private domestic replacement interval
premises, its provisions are applicable to common 2.7
access routes within multistorey dwellings. escape lighting
The code gives recommendations for the indication that part of the emergency lighting which is
and illumination of escape routes in the event of provided to ensure that the escape route is
failure of the normal supply, and proposes minimum illuminated at all material times
continuous periods of operation of such emergency
2.8
lighting based on the size, type and usage of the

premises. escape route
NOTE 1 Should it be necessary to apply the code to any other a route forming part of the means of escape from a
type of lighting, the exact way in which each of its provisions is to point in a building to a final exit
be met should be the subject of agreement with the enforcing
and/or other relevant authority before work is started. 2.9
NOTE 2 The titles of the publications referred to in this exit
standard are listed on the inside back cover.
a way out which is intended to be used at any time
2 Definitions whilst the premises are occupied
2.10
For the purposes of this Part of BS 5266 the
final exit
following definitions apply.
the terminal point of an escape route, beyond which
2.1
persons are no longer in danger from fire
combined (sustained) emergency luminaire
2.11
an emergency lighting luminaire containing at least
illuminance
two lamps, one of which is energized from the
normal lighting supply and the other from an the luminous flux density at a surface, i.e. the
emergency lighting supply. Such a luminaire is luminous flux incident per unit area. The unit of
intended to sustain illumination at all material illuminance is lux
times NOTE The term “illumination” is now used only to describe the
general process of lighting.
2.2
duration 2.12
input voltage
the period of time that the luminaire can
continuously provide the minimum illuminance the voltage applied to a luminaire
required in the emergency condition. The time is 2.13
specified in hours lighting point
2.3 a termination of a fixed wiring system intended for
emergency exit the attachment of a luminaire
an exit which is intended to be used only during an
emergency
© BSI 10-1998 1
BS 5266-1:1988
2.14 2.23
luminaire self-contained emergency luminaire
apparatus which distributes, filters and transforms a luminaire providing maintained or
the light given by a lamp or lamps and which non-maintained emergency lighting in which all the
includes all the items necessary for fixing and elements, such as the battery, the lamp, the control
protecting these lamps and for connecting them to unit and the test and monitoring facilities, where
the supply circuit provided, are contained within the luminaire or
NOTE Internally illuminated signs are a special type of adjacent to it (that is, within 1 m)
luminaire.
2.24
2.15 slave luminaire
maintained emergency lighting
luminaire supplied from a central emergency power
a lighting system in which all emergency lighting source and not having its own internal secondary
lamps are in operation at all material times supply
2.16 2.25
material times standby lighting
times during which the emergency lighting is that part of emergency lighting which may be
required to be illuminated, e.g. at all times that provided to enable normal activities to continue
persons are on the premises, or at the times the
2.26
main lighting is not available, according to the
uniformity
regulations, conditions of certificate or licence as
appropriate the ratio of the minimum illuminance to the average
illuminance applied to the values on the working
2.17
plane
mounting height
NOTE Throughout this code the floor is taken to be the working
the vertical distance between a luminaire and the plane.
working plane
NOTE Throughout this code the floor is taken to be the working 3 Consultation and records
plane.
3.1 Consultation
2.18
nominal battery voltage Consultation between the owner and/or occupier of
the premises, the architect, the lighting engineer,
the nominal voltage of a battery as declared by the the installation contractor, the enforcing authority
manufacturer (e.g. the fire authority), the electricity authority and
2.19 any others concerned should be arranged at a very
non-maintained emergency lighting early stage. In addition to the recommendations of
a lighting system in which all emergency lighting this code it is important that the requirements of
any national and/or local legislation which may
lamps are in operation only when the supply to the
apply to the premises in question are fully
normal lighting fails
recognized and discussed at this time.
2.20
3.2 Supply of plans
normal lighting
Plans showing the layout of the building and of all
all permanently installed electric lighting operating
existing or proposed escape routes, fire alarm call
from the normal supply which, in the absence of
points and fire fighting equipment and indicating
adequate daylight, is intended for use during the
the positions of all items, structural or otherwise,
whole time that the premises are occupied
which may offer obstruction to escape, should be
NOTE Also known as “general lighting”.
provided at an early stage for use during the
2.21 consultations referred to in 3.1.
normal supply
3.3 Records
that source of electrical energy used to provide
On completion of the work, drawings of the
normal lighting
emergency lighting installation should be provided
2.22 and retained on the premises. Such drawings should
premises be regularly updated to keep them in line with any
the whole or part of a building which is to be treated subsequent changes to the system.
as a single unit for the purposes of applying the
recommendations of this code
2 © BSI 10-1998
BS 5266-1:1988
In addition, and in accordance with 11.3, a log book 5 Illumination for safe movement
should be provided for the recording of routine
5.1 General
examinations, tests, defects and alterations.
A manual of operation and maintenance should be The safe movement of persons along escape routes
handed to the occupier. Recommendations on the towards and through the exits provided to a place of
measuring of illuminance of emergency lighting are safety depends upon the illumination and the ability
given in appendix A. to see hazards, changes of level and direction.
5.2 Vision and visibility
4 Need for emergency lighting The stimulus for vision is not the light which falls on
4.1 General objects but the light reflected to the eyes. Different
objects are distinguished by contrast, the changes in
When the supply to normal lighting of premises
fails, emergency lighting may be required. light reflected to the eyes. A light coloured object on
Throughout this code reference to “emergency a dark background can be made conspicuous with
far less light than a dark coloured object on a dark
lighting” covers “escape lighting” in particular, but
background.
also includes any element of standby lighting which
may be used for escape lighting. All calculations of illuminance should be made
ignoring reflectance; however, once the system is
4.2 Escape lighting
designed it is preferable to maximize the
When the supply to the normal lighting or parts of illumination by reflectance where acceptable.
the normal lighting to occupied premises fails, The amount of light falling on an object
escape lighting is required to fulfil the following (illuminance) is affected not merely by the power
functions: and position of the lamps used for illumination but
a) to indicate clearly and unambiguously the also by reflection from the surroundings. In most
escape routes; interior spaces a very high proportion of the light
b) to provide illumination along such routes to falling on any surface comes from light reflected
allow safe movement towards and through the from the light sources by the other surfaces in the
exits provided; room. Where the walls, floor and ceiling are light in
c) to ensure that fire alarm call points and fire colour, up to 60 % of the illuminance at floor level
fighting equipment provided along escape routes may have been reflected from the walls or ceiling.
can be readily located. In a room where the decorative finishes are dark in
Escape lighting is required not only on complete colour (i.e. have low reflectance) the contribution of
failure of the supply to the normal lighting but also reflected light to the illuminance is much smaller.
on a localized failure if such a failure would present The reflected light may be negligible in, say, a
a hazard, e.g. a single subcircuit on stairways. discotheque or restaurant, where the carpets, walls
and ceiling have been deliberately kept dark in
4.3 Standby lighting colour to produce a feeling of intimacy and
For areas where a continuous operation is needed relaxation.
during the failure of the supply to the normal All potential obstructions or hazards on an escape
lighting, standby lighting should be installed to route should be light in colour with contrasting
meet some suitable proportion of the standard surround. Such hazards include the nosings of stair
service illuminance required for that task. treads, barriers and walls at right angles to the
For extreme situations this may mean direction of movement.
providing 100 % service illuminance. In restricted spaces such as corridors, light coloured
If the standby lighting forms part of the escape decoration throughout is an advantage. Prominent
lighting, then that part of the escape lighting should edges to vertical surfaces at changes of direction can
be segregated from the rest of the standby lighting assist emergency evacuation.
circuit and comply with the provisions of this code. 5.3 Minimum illuminance and adaptation
If the whole of the standby lighting is used for 5.3.1 General. Visual acuity varies considerably
escape lighting then the installation should comply from one person to another with regard to the
with the provisions of this code. amount of light required to perceive an object
clearly and the time taken to adapt to changes in the
illuminance (visual adaptation). In general, older
people need more light to follow an escape route and
have longer visual adaptation times.
© BSI 10-1998 3
BS 5266-1:1988
The maximum period which should be allowed to 5.4 Uniformity of illuminance

elapse between failure of the normal supply and the Care should be taken to avoid abrupt changes
switch-on of the emergency lighting depends upon between excessive dark and light areas on the floor
the rate at which panic may be expected to mount in of the escape route. It is therefore necessary to
a particular building. It also depends upon the time illuminate the route reasonably uniformly. In this
taken to adapt to the new, and normally much code for all relevant areas the recommended
lower, illuminance provided by the emergency illuminance should be achieved with a uniformity of
lighting. The illuminances in this code have been not less than 0.025.
determined from experience and practical test.
5.5 Glare
5.3.2 Defined escape routes. The horizontal
illuminance at floor level on the centre line of a High contrast between a luminaire and its
defined escape route should be not less than 0.2 lx. background may produce glare. In escape route
In addition for escape routes up to 2 m wide, 50 % of lighting the main problem will be disability glare, in
the route width should be lit to a minimum of 0.1 lx. which the brightness of the luminaires may dazzle
and prevent obstructions being seen, e.g. the beam
Wider escape routes can be treated as a number of a car headlight or floodlight seen against a very
of 2 m wide bands. dark background at the end of a corridor.
5.3.3 Undefined escape routes (open areas). Where To minimize this effect, the individual escape
no defined escape route is convenient, the horizontal luminaires should be chosen and mounted to have a
illuminance over the whole area should be not less restricted output and limited luminous intensity in
than 1 lx average. the zone 0º to 20º below the horizontal.
5.3.4 Response time. The emergency lighting 5.6 Identification of exits and escape routes by
detailed in this code should be provided within 5 s of signs
the failure of the normal lighting supply, but at the
discretion of the enforcing authority this period may Signs are required at all exits, emergency exits, and
be extended to a maximum of 15 s in premises likely escape routes, such that the position of any exit or
to be occupied for the most part by persons who are route to it is easily recognized and followed in an
familiar with them and the escape routes. emergency.
Where direct sight of an exit or emergency exit is not
5.3.5 Design conditions. The recommended
possible and doubt may exist as to its position, a
illuminances that are specified as a maximum or
directional sign (or series of signs) should be
average should be regarded as the lowest value
provided, placed such that a person moving towards
acceptable during the rated discharge period or due
it will be progressed towards an exit or emergency
to the effects of the system ageing.
exit.
In designing a system, allowances should be made
A supplementary directional arrow may be either
for all of the relevant factors including reduction in
integral or placed adjacent to the sign carrying the
voltage, voltage drop in the system wiring, lamp appropriate legend.
ageing and the accumulation of dirt and dust.
All signs marking exits, emergency exits, and
Recommendations on the measuring of illuminance
escape routes are to comply with the graphic
of emergency lighting are given in appendix A of this
requirements of BS 5499 and be illuminated
code.
(see 6.9.3).
NOTE Further guidance on design can be found in CIBSE
technical memorandum TM12 “Emergency lighting” (1986), All signs marking exits, emergency exits or escape
published by the Chartered Institution of Building Services routes in a particular building should be uniform in
Engineers1). colour and format.
1) Obtainable from CIBSE, Delta House, 222 Balham High Road, London SW12 9BS.
4 © BSI 10-1998
BS 5266-1:1988
6 Emergency lighting design 6.6 Spacing between luminaires

6.1 General The provision of a highly reliable illuminance on the
escape route is essential. It is therefore better to use
Emergency lighting is provided for use when the
a larger number of low power luminaires than few
normal lighting fails and has therefore to be
high powered units so that the light reaching any
powered from a source independent of that
part of the escape route is from more than one
supplying the normal lighting (see 6.11).
luminaire and in the event of a luminaire failing will
6.2 Failure of normal supply to part of a not plunge the route into total darkness or make the
premises beacon effect of the lights inoperative.
Except in the case of a maintained system, it is 6.7 Siting of essential escape lighting
normally necessary to ensure that the emergency luminaires
lighting is provided in the event of the normal An escape lighting luminaire should be sited near
supply subcircuit failure in particular areas. This each exit door and emergency exit door and at the
should also be considered desirable where the
points where it is necessary to emphasize the
normal supply distribution system within a large
position of safety equipment and potential hazards,
complex involves lateral supplies from a main
e.g.:
electrical intake to submain switchrooms and the
emergency lighting is supplied from a single central a) near each intersection of corridors;
source. In such cases arrangements should be made b) at each exit door;
to ensure that local emergency lighting will operate c) near each change of direction (other than on a
in the event of failure of normal supply. staircase);
6.3 Failure of individual lamp d) near each staircase so that each flight of stairs
It is not normally possible to cater for an receives direct light;
interruption of the normal lighting due solely to the e) near any other change of floor level;
failure of an individual lamp. Should the normal f) outside each final exit and close to it;
illumination of, say, a short corridor depend upon a

g) near each fire alarm call point;
single lamp, consideration should be given to
methods of eliminating any probable hazard which h) near fire fighting equipment;
might arise due to the failure of this lamp. i) to illuminate exit and safety signs required by
6.4 Failure of emergency lighting luminaire the enforcing authority.
NOTE 1 For the purposes of this clause “near” is normally
Emergency lighting systems should be designed to considered to be within 2 m measured horizontally.
ensure that a fault or failure in any one luminaire NOTE 2 If compliance with items a) and c) results in two
does not further reduce the effectiveness of the luminaires being less than 4 m apart, consideration may be given
system. to using only one if it can be positioned to illuminate adequately
both hazards simultaneously.
6.5 Mounting height of luminaires NOTE 3 The downward illumination from a sign may
The mounting height of the individual luminaires contribute to meeting the illuminance recommendations of 5.3.
will usually be governed by the physical 6.8 Siting of additional escape lighting
characteristics of the area under consideration and 6.8.1 General. Consideration should be given to
the best compromise should be chosen. The provision of additional escape lighting at the
luminaires should be mounted as low as possible but locations described in 6.8.2 to 6.8.7.
at least 2 m above the floor level measured to the
underside of the luminaires except in circumstances 6.8.2 External areas in the immediate vicinity of
where a lower mounting level may be accepted. The exits. To assist dispersal and to enable final exits to
possibility of smoke accumulation rendering the be negotiated safely the illuminance in the area
emergency lighting ineffective should be considered immediately external to such exits should not be
with regards to mounting heights. significantly lower than that immediately inside the
exit. Local authority lighting already provided on
public thoroughfares may be considered to fulfil the
recommendations of this clause; if this is not
available then suitable luminaires should be
installed outside the exits and linked to the
emergency lighting to provide the necessary
illuminance.
© BSI 10-1998 5
BS 5266-1:1988
6.8.3 Lift cars. Except in very special circumstances 6.9.3 Illumination of signs. All exit, emergency exit
and then normally only when they are fitted with and escape route signs should be illuminated so that
their own emergency operating power supply, lifts they are legible at all material times. In the event of
cannot be considered as escape routes. However, failure of the supply to the normal lighting, such
lifts do present a problem because the experience of signs should be illuminated utilizing the emergency
being confined in the dark within a small space for lighting supply. Any of the following methods of
an indefinite period is not only unpleasant, but may illumination may be used.
cause harm to those who are nervous or suffer from a) Externally illuminated signs, usually
claustrophobia. An emergency lighting luminaire associated with painted or applied lettering,
should therefore be fitted in a lift car in which should comply with BS 5499-1. The average
persons may travel. Such luminaires should illuminance on externally illuminated signs
preferably be of the self-contained type. should be at least 5 lx with a uniformity of 0.7.
NOTE If the disabled are given access to a building, their
means of escape in emergency conditions may only be available
b) Internally illuminated signs, where the lamps
by lift car (in accordance with BS 5588-5 or BS 5588-8). are contained within the sign. These should
comply with BS 25602).
6.8.4 Moving stairways and walkways. Moving
stairways and walkways should be illuminated as if NOTE It is usual to require that this type of illumination be
used within any area where the normal lighting may be
they were part of an escape route. deliberately dimmed or extinguished, e.g. places of
6.8.5 Toilets, lobbies and closets. Facilities entertainment.
exceeding 8 m2 gross area and facilities of less c) Self-luminous signs in accordance with
than 8 m2 without borrowed light should be BS 5499-2.
provided with escape lighting complying as if they 6.10 Escape lighting luminaires
were part of an escape route.
6.10.1 Construction. Emergency lighting luminaires
6.8.6 Motor generator, control and plant rooms. can be either self-contained (sometimes referred to
Battery powered emergency lighting should be as self-contained emergency luminaires) or slave
provided in all motor generator rooms, control
luminaires. Both may be used for escape signs or

rooms, plant rooms, switch rooms and adjacent to escape route lighting. These luminaires should be
main control equipment associated with the designed and constructed in accordance with
provision of normal and emergency lighting to the BS 4533-102.22. For certain applications the
premises. luminaire itself should have satisfactory protection
6.8.7 Covered car parks. The pedestrian escape against the ingress of foreign bodies or moisture;
routes from covered and multi-storey car park areas such protections are indicated by the IP
should be easily identifiable and should be provided classification as defined in BS 5490. Furthermore, if
with emergency lighting. used in hazardous areas, where luminaires are
certified to national or international standards by a
6.9 Emergency signs
recognized certification authority, compliance with
6.9.1 Signs for exits and escape routes. Signs are temperature limits and explosion protection may be
required to ensure that escape routes from any required. (See BS 5345 and BS 6467-2.)
position within the premises may be easily
6.10.2 Flammability. Emergency lighting
recognized and followed in an emergency.
luminaires used on defined escape routes (see 5.3.2)
Where direct sight of an exit or emergency exit is not should comply with the non-flammability
possible and there could be any doubt as to the (resistance to flame and ignition) provisions
direction of the appropriate exit, a directional sign specified in BS 4533 and external parts should also
or series of signs should be provided, so placed that be subjected to the 850 ºC hot wire test; any burning
a person moving towards each sign will be parts should self-extinguish within 30 s.
progressed towards an exit or emergency exit.
6.11 Mode of operation
6.9.2 Mounting height of signs. Signs should be
6.11.1 General. The recommendations of 6.11 are
positioned between 2 m and 2.5 m above floor level
written primarily in terms of battery systems,
measured to the base of the sign. If this is not
although similar considerations will apply to the
practicable the relevant authority should be
possible alternatives mentioned (see 6.11.4).
consulted (see 3.1 and 6.5).
2) Under revision as BS 5499-3.
6 © BSI 10-1998
BS 5266-1:1988
6.11.2 Maintained operation. With maintained If separate lamps are required to provide normal
operation the emergency lighting system is lighting and emergency lighting in the same place,
energized continuously, using the normal supply these lamps may either be housed in separate
source when available, employing the same lamps to luminaires or may be combined in single sustained
provide at least the minimum specified illuminance luminaires. Such sustained luminaires may also
from an emergency supply whenever the normal contain a separate charger, battery and control
supply is interrupted. circuit for use with non-centralized battery systems.
The effect of this method of operation is continually As the emergency lighting only comes into operation
to prove the wiring and lamps, but not the battery. on failure of the normal supply it is important to
Any failure should be noted at normal times and ensure that the recommendations given in clause 5
defective lamps can be replaced before an for the emergency lighting are fully met by the
emergency arises. normal lighting at all other material times.
A maintained mode of operation may be achieved 6.11.4 Prime mover driven generator operation. The
using a prime mover driven generator as the enforcing authority may permit a prime mover
emergency lighting power source, provided that it driven generator as the sole source of supply to an
can be run up and put on load in the required time emergency lighting system provided that it can be
(see 5.3). In such circumstances, failure of the run up to the required output in 5 s (or 15 s in
normal supply would automatically start up the certain circumstances, see 5.3). Where a generator
generator and switch the input to the lighting supplied for emergency lighting takes longer than
circuits from the normal supply to the generator the required period to run up, a back-up battery
output. system will be necessary to supply the emergency
Where batteries are used, either as the sole source lighting load for the first hour of the emergency.
of emergency lighting supply or as back-up to a The alternative of using a continuously running
generator, there are two methods of achieving generator to supply the emergency lighting load is
maintained operation. unlikely to be economically acceptable except in
a) Maintained floating systems. In this mode of very exceptional circumstances.

operation the battery charger is fed from the A further possibility, in premises in which the
normal supply and is connected in parallel with normal lighting is obtained from a local generator,
the battery and the emergency lighting loads. If would be to use the public electricity supply mains
the normal supply fails the battery will continue as the emergency lighting power source. Such an
to supply the emergency lighting load and no alternative, however, would have a very limited
changeover switch or similar device is required. application.
b) Maintained changeover system. In this mode of 6.12 Categories
operation the emergency lighting system and the
Any emergency lighting system may be designed to
battery charger are separately connected to the
supply the required load for any desired time.
normal supply and no load is connected to the
However, for most applications, it is considered that
battery. If the normal supply is interrupted, an
a duration of between 1 h and 3 h should meet all
automatic changeover device is actuated to
normal requirements.
connect the emergency lighting system to the
battery. An automatic changeover device is In the interests of uniformity to the user, therefore,
essential in order to meet the recommendations emergency lighting systems are categorized in this
of 5.3. Automatic changeover contactors code by the prefix “M” for maintained and “NM” for
complying with BS 764 or an equivalent standard non-maintained systems, followed by an “/” and the
of electrical performance are recommended for number of hours duration claimed for the
this application. installation, e.g.:
6.11.3 Non-maintained operation. In this mode of M/1 is a maintained 1 h duration system
operation the emergency lighting lamps are not NM/3 is a non-maintained 3 h duration system
normally energized. An automatic monitoring and 6.13 Marking
switching system is provided to switch on the
emergency lighting if the normal supply is The category and nominal operating voltage of the
interrupted. emergency lighting system should be clearly
marked and readily identifiable; for centralized
systems this should be either on or adjacent to the
control unit and for non-centralized systems this
should be on or adjacent to the appropriate
luminaires.
© BSI 10-1998 7
BS 5266-1:1988
In addition, all luminaires providing emergency Wiring connecting a self-contained emergency

lighting should be marked with details of the luminaire to the normal supply is not considered to
replacement lamp necessary to obtain the design be part of the emergency lighting circuit.
performance. Such details may be in the form of a Cables used for the connection of an escape lighting
manufacturer’s name and type number or the type, luminaire to the standby power supply should either
rated voltage and rated wattage of the lamp possess inherently high resistance to attack by fire
required. Where sustained luminaires are used, and physical damage or be enclosed in suitable
these details should be given for both lamps, if these conduit, ducting, trunking or in a channel so as to
are different, together with a clear indication as to obtain the necessary fire protection and mechanical
which lamp is which. (See BS 4533-102.22.) strength. Additional fire protection may be required
Manufacturers should also provide sufficient (see 8.2.11).
additional information to enable batteries to be 8.2.2 Fire protection of cables. Cables should be
correctly replaced. routed through areas of low fire risk. It may be
possible to reduce the fire protection of cables where
7 Batteries they follow routes of very low fire risk and such
Batteries provided for central systems or motor areas also contain a sprinkler installation. In
generator starting should be of a type designed for general the following cables and wiring systems
stationary use. Batteries made for automotive use should be used.
are not normally acceptable. a) Cables with inherently high resistance to
In the case of premises which may only be used very attack by fire.
occasionally by the public and in certain other 1) Mineral-insulated copper-sheathed cable in
circumstances at the discretion of the enforcing accordance with BS 6207-1. The cable may be
authority, the use of emergency lighting powered by installed with or without an overall PVC
automotive batteries may be considered. sheath.
2) Cable in accordance with BS 6387. The cable
8 Wiring systems and circuit
should be at least of category B.

requirements
b) Wiring systems requiring additional fire
8.1 General protection.
The emergency lighting installation is required to 1) PVC-insulated cables in accordance with
comply with any statutory requirements applicable BS 6004 in rigid PVC conduits. Rigid PVC
to the particular building and with any local conduit should be of classification 405/100 000
regulations. or 425/100 000 of BS 6099-2.2:1982.
The installation should be undertaken generally in 2) PVC-insulated cables in accordance with
accordance with the latest edition of the BS 6004 in steel conduit.
“Regulations for electrical installations” published 3) PVC-insulated and sheathed steel wire
by the Institution of Electrical Engineers3). armoured cable in accordance with BS 6346 or
Although those parts of the emergency lighting BS 5467.
system connected to a safety source are specifically
excluded from the scope of those regulations, the Additional fire protection may be present if cables
general principles of good practice in wiring are, for example, buried in the structure of the
installations in those regulations should be followed building or situated where there is negligible fire
throughout the emergency lighting system. risk and separated from any significant fire risk by
a wall, partition or floor compliance with any of the
8.2 Wiring following:
8.2.1 Quality of installation. The importance of i) specifications tested or assessed under the
reliability of an emergency lighting system makes a appropriate Part of BS 476;
high standard of wiring essential and limits the
ii) appropriate British Standard specifications
permissible systems to those described in 8.2.
or codes of practice;
Wiring within a luminaire is excluded from this
clause and is covered separately in the appropriate iii) specifications referred to by building
luminaire standard. regulations applicable for the building;
iv) cables enclosed in steel conduit to be
subjected to the tests given in BS 6387 for fire
resistance.
3) Obtainable from the Institution of Electrical Engineers, Savoy Place, London WC2R 0BL.
8 © BSI 10-1998
BS 5266-1:1988
Where appropriate, compliance is for stability, that, in the applications in which it is to be used, the
integrity and insulation. The test by fire is following apply.
considered to be applied to the side of the a) The resistance to heat and fire is not less than
construction remote from the cable. In certain that of the type described in 8.2.4 as being
premises a longer duration of fire resistance suitable for the application.
may be necessary for escape purposes.
b) The resistance to ambient conditions,
c) Any wiring system giving equivalent including mechanical impact, is not less than that
protection. of the type described in 8.2.4 as being suitable for
NOTE Test requirements for cables in conduit or protected by a the application.
fire wall are not currently given in BS 6387, but are to be
included in a revision currently in preparation. c) It is not prone to failure due to faulty assembly
8.2.3 Cable sizes. In selecting cable sizes, due regard or installation.
should be paid to limitations imposed by voltage 8.2.6 Segregation. It is essential that the wiring of
drop and physical strength. Each conductor shall be escape lighting installations is exclusive to the
of copper having a nominal cross-sectional area of installation and separate from the wiring of any
not less than 1 mm2. other circuits, either by installation in a separate
The voltage drop in cables connecting a central conduit, ducting, or trunking or by separation from
battery or generator to a slave luminaire is not to the conductors of all other services by a
exceed 10 % of the system nominal voltage at mechanically strong, rigid and continuous partition
maximum rated current and at the highest working of non-combustible material.
temperature likely to be experienced (see also 8.3.5 Escape lighting system cables should be separated
regarding the compatibility of slave luminaires with from the cables of other services by a minimum
central systems). distance of 300 mm between centre lines of the
8.2.4 Conduit, ducting, trunking and channel. If an cables. Where such separation is not provided,
emergency lighting system cable is to be run in mineral-insulated copper-sheathed cable, with or
without PVC oversheath, in accordance with
conduit, ducting, trunking or channel, the material

of the conduit, ducting, trunking or channel should BS 6207-1 should be used for the escape lighting and
either be metallic or be non-metallic of adequate should be rated in accordance with the “exposed to
strength and resistance to fire. Non-flame touch” conditions of the IEE “Regulations for
propagating trunking complying with BS 4678-4 electrical installations”. Equally acceptable would
may be used bearing in mind that the non-flame be any cable complying with BS 6387 and assessed
propagating test does not necessarily indicate the as suitable for use where separation is not provided
suitability of the trunking to maintain the circuit under the “BASEC Certificate of assessment”
integrity under fire conditions. Additional fire scheme.
protection may be required in accordance The escape lighting system cable should be
with 8.2.2 b)3). completely enclosed when the cover of the ducting,
Where cables are run in conduit, either screwed trunking or channel is in place.
metal or rigid PVC conduit may be used. Rigid PVC Ducting, trunking or channel reserved for escape
conduit should be in accordance with lighting system cable should be marked to indicate
classification 405/100 000 or 425/100 000 of this reservation.
BS 6099-2.2. PVC conduit should not be used where Multicore cables should not be used to serve both
the ambient temperature is likely to exceed 60 ºC; escape lighting and any other circuit.
where temperatures below –5 ºC for 405/100 000
8.2.7 Joints. A joint, except a joint in an emergency
or –15 ºC for 425/100 000 are likely, suitable
lighting luminaire or a control unit, should be
precautions should be taken to avoid physical
enclosed in a suitable box labelled “EMERGENCY
damage. Additional protection should be provided at LIGHTING” or “ESCAPE LIGHTING” or
any point where PVC conduit or non-metallic “STANDBY LIGHTING” as appropriate, to avoid
ducting or trunking is likely to suffer physical
confusion with other services, and also with the
damage. It should not be assumed that the use of
warning “MAY BE LIVE”. A joint should not be such
this conduit will necessarily indicate the suitability
as to reduce the reliability and resistance to fire of
of the conduit to maintain circuit integrity under
the cable below that of an unjointed cable.
fire conditions. Additional fire protection may be
required in accordance with 8.2.2.
8.2.5 Alternative conduit, ducting or trunking.
Conduit, ducting or trunking not in accordance
with 8.2.4 should be used only if it can be shown
© BSI 10-1998 9
BS 5266-1:1988
8.2.8 Overhead lines. Overhead lines for an 8.2.13 Wiring to emergency lighting supply power
emergency lighting system should be avoided. sources. Where the emergency lighting supply
Where they are unavoidable the methods source is a secondary battery/battery charger
recommended in the IEE “Regulations for electrical combination, the wiring from the normal supply to
installations” should be followed. If overhead lines the battery charger should be a fixed installation,
cross or are installed in close proximity to electricity not incorporating plugs and sockets unless they are
power lines, public telephone or other overhead of a type requiring a tool to separate them or are
lines, agreement relating to protection should be sited so as to prevent unauthorized interference.
reached with the appropriate authority. The cables forming the load circuit from the battery
8.2.9 Damp, corrosive or underground locations. to the load fuses or other protective devices should
Cables intended for installation in damp, corrosive be separated from each other along their length and
or underground locations should be PVC-sheathed should not be contained within a harness, loom,
overall. Where the environment may attack PVC conduit, ducting or trunking constructed of metal.
then a suitable alternative sheath should be Battery cables should be separately supported on
adopted. In some locations further protection may insulating material. Multicore cables should not be
be necessary. Some plasters have a corrosive effect used.
on metals. At the point where any battery conductor passes
8.2.10 Ambient temperatures. Cables should not be through an aperture, the conductor should be
installed in locations where the combination of protected by the provision of a suitable insulated
ambient temperature and temperature rise due to bushing or grommet; d.c. conductors should not pass
load currents results in a conductor temperature through the same aperture as a.c. conductors and
exceeding the cables’ rated temperature. (The PVC should be separated from them along their entire
insulated cables listed in 8.2.2 are rated at 70 ºC.) If length.
such locations cannot be avoided, cables having 8.3 Circuit requirements
appropriate heat-resistant properties should be
used, such as: 8.3.1 General. The normal supply to the emergency
lighting system should be so arranged that

a) 85 ºC rated rubber insulated cables in continuity of supply is assured. Where it is the
accordance with Tables 1 and 5 of BS 6007:1983. practice to switch off the normal supply to the
b) 150 ºC rated rubber insulated cables in premises, for example when unoccupied or for
accordance with Table 6 of BS 6007:1983. economy in the use of electricity, the electrical
c) 85 ºC rated PVC insulated cables generally in design should ensure that such switching off does
accordance with BS 6004:1984 but having type 4 not interrupt the normal supply to the emergency
or 5 insulation and sheath in accordance with lighting.
BS 6746:1984. 8.3.2 Isolators, switches and protective devices.
d) 90 ºC rated XLPE or EPR insulated cables in Inadvertent operation of an isolator, switch or
accordance with BS 5467 or BS 6724. protective device causing prolonged interruption of
the normal supply could result in the premature
8.2.11 Protection against physical damage. Suitable
failure of the emergency lighting standby power
additional protection should be provided at any
source. To reduce this risk, the number of such
point where cables are likely to be subjected to
devices should be restricted to the minimum
accidental damage, for example by the passage of
necessary to comply with the IEE “Regulations for
vehicles or persons carrying goods, ladders being
electrical installations”.
rested on them, or articles falling from racks, etc.
Each isolator, switch and protective device
8.2.12 Avoidance of flue-like openings. In order to
associated with an emergency lighting system
reduce the likelihood of damage by fire, emergency
should be situated in a position inaccessible to
lighting system cables should not be run in
unauthorized persons or be protected against
unprotected shafts. Cables, other than those feeding
unauthorized operation.
emergency lighting luminaires in lifts, should not be
run in lift wells. Each isolator switch, protective device, key and
operating device should be marked
“EMERGENCY”, “ESCAPE” or “STANDBY
LIGHTING” as appropriate and the marking should
indicate its use.
10 © BSI 10-1998
BS 5266-1:1988
If an emergency lighting system is fed from a 8.4 Radio and electrical interference
standby supply, other than a safety source installed Emergency lighting systems should be so designed
in accordance with the supplies for safety sources and installed that they do not cause radio
detailed in the IEE “Regulations for electrical interference in excess of the limits specified in
installations”, the earth leakage and protective BS 800 or BS 5394 as appropriate.
measures will need special consideration.
Special care should be taken in the design and
8.3.3 Test facility. Each emergency lighting system installation of emergency lighting equipment to
should have suitable means for simulating failure of reduce the possibility of interference signals from
the normal supply for test purposes. other services affecting the normal operation of the
8.3.4 Isolation and maintenance hazards. Warning emergency lighting. High levels of interference may
labels should be provided in positions where they be likely from equipment such as discharge lighting
can be readily seen and read. The labels should state and external sources such as mains-borne power
that switching off the normal supply to an supply transients.
emergency lighting system may not make it safe for Where an emergency lighting system is controlled
maintenance purposes. Such warnings are by a programmable electronic device, care should be
necessary because, for example, non-illumination of taken that the device cannot be influenced
a lamp does not always indicate that a circuit is adversely by spurious signals or electromagnetic
dead, and a circuit still alive could present a hazard transmissions.
to maintenance personnel.
A test for voltage should be made before touching 9 Choice of appropriate emergency
parts which may be live. lighting systems
8.3.5 Voltage compatibility of a slave luminaire 9.1 Duration
and a central battery system The time required to evacuate premises depends
8.3.5.1 General. The considerations in 8.3.5.2 upon their size and complexity but it should
or 8.3.5.3 should be taken into account to ensure normally be possible to complete an orderly
that a slave luminaire is compatible with the central evacuation, even of the largest premises, in less
power supply to which it is connected. than 1 h. However, in an emergency, evacuation
times may be considerably increased because, for
8.3.5.2 A d.c. only system. Slave luminaires have to
example, some of the escape routes may have been
be capable of operating over the following input
cut off, or injured people may have to be found and
voltage range.
possibly given on-the-spot medical treatment. The
a) Maximum voltage: battery float voltage. time for which escape lighting is required to operate
b) Minimum voltage: voltage at end of duration will therefore always be longer than the absolute
battery voltage less a further allowance for minimum time required to evacuate the premises
cabling voltage drop, up to a maximum of 10 % of under ideal conditions. Furthermore, particularly in
the system nominal voltage. larger premises, emergency lighting which will
NOTE For maintained systems the luminaires have also to be remain in operation after the evacuation of the
capable of operating continuously at the maximum system building has been substantially completed may be a
voltage plus the r.m.s. voltage ripple content of the d.c. supply necessary safety requirement in order, for example,
which should not be above 3.5 %.
to enable an adequate search of the premises to be
8.3.5.3 A combined a.c. and d.c. supplied system. In carried out easily and quickly to ensure that no-one
the d.c. condition the luminaire should operate as has been left behind, or to allow reoccupation of the
in 8.3.5.2. In the a.c. condition the luminaire should premises after the emergency in order to get people
operate continuously over the following voltage off the street and into a place of relative safety.
range. In some premises, continued occupation for a
a) Maximum voltage: the design transformer limited period following a simple failure of the
voltage plus the supply voltage variations plus normal lighting may be permitted by the enforcing
transformer load regulation, not exceeding 11 % authority. In such cases the minimum duration of
total. the emergency lighting should be 1 h plus any such
b) Minimum voltage: the design transformer period of permitted occupation.
voltage less the supply variation less an
allowance for cabling voltage drop up to a
maximum of 10 % of the system nominal voltage.
© BSI 10-1998 11
BS 5266-1:1988
Emergency lighting systems designed, installed and 9.3.2 Premises used as sleeping accommodation.
subjected to routine tests in accordance with the This class includes such premises as hospitals4),
recommendations of this code should normally nursing homes, hotels, guest houses, clubs, colleges
provide their rated output and duration whenever and schools.
called upon to so do. However, consideration may Persons using premises of this kind may be
have to be given to a possible degradation of the unfamiliar with their overall layout and/or may be
performance of emergency lighting systems due to infirm. Furthermore, particularly in the case of
unforeseen circumstances immediately preceding hospitals and similar premises, large hotels on busy
the emergency. It would be unwise to design any thoroughfares, etc., it may be desirable to reoccupy
system to meet the bare requirements of the the premises immediately the emergency has
premises under consideration, particularly as to passed or to delay evacuation after the initial failure
duration of operation, and an additional safety of the normal supply, should this be permitted.
factor should be built into the design to cover
possible technical problems which may reduce the Based on these considerations, it is recommended
light output and duration to less than the rated that the category of emergency lighting to be
value. installed in hospitals, nursing homes and similar
premises should invariably be NM/3 or M/3 except
Taking all these factors into account, it is considered for small premises, as defined in this subclause,
that a design period of operation of the emergency where a minimum category of NM/2 or M/2 should
lighting system of 1 h should be the absolute be used. For other types of premises in this general
minimum for even the smallest premises considered class the category should be related to size, ranging
in this code. from NM/1 for small premises up to M/3 for large
9.2 Category of system to be adopted hotels, etc.
The type and category of system to be used is For the purposes of this recommendation, small
dependent upon the size and function of the premises are defined as those having not more
premises. than 10 bedrooms and not more than one floor above
or below ground level. However, designating orders
The requirements of emergency lighting systems

are fully described in clauses 5, 6 and 10. For many relating to the provision of emergency lighting in
types of premises there are statutory requirements particular types of premises may define “small
relating to emergency lighting, and it is important premises” differently.
that the appropriate authority is consulted; 9.3.3 Non-residential premises used for treatment or
however, for most applications it is considered that care. This class includes such premises as special
a duration of between 1 h and 3 h should meet all schools, clinics and similar premises. Reaction time
normal requirements. to an emergency in premises of this type may be
A maintained mode of operation should invariably expected to be shorter than when emergencies arise
be employed in premises where the normal lighting during the night in residential premises and it will
can be dimmed or reduced below the levels required normally be satisfactory to provide a NM/1
for escape route identification and illumination emergency lighting system.
while the premises are occupied, e.g. places of public 9.3.4 Non-residential premises used for recreation.
entertainment (see 5.3 and 6.11). In all other This class includes such premises as theatres,
premises a non-maintained mode of operation may concert halls, exhibition halls, sports halls, public
be suitable. houses and restaurants, except for those particular
9.3 Typical premises types of premises excluded by clause 1 which will be
separately covered in BS 5266-2.
9.3.1 General. The types of premises to which this
code applies may be divided into the broad classes
of 9.3.2 to 9.3.11. Examples of premises falling
within each of these classes are given but these are
not necessarily comprehensive. In case of doubt, the
appropriate class should be agreed with the
enforcing authority.
4) Hospital Technical Memorandum No. 11 “Emergency electrical services” gives guidance on the provision of all emergency
electrical services in hospitals, and compliance with the recommendations of the memorandum may, at the discretion of the
enforcing authority, supplement or replace the recommendations of this code. The memorandum is obtainable from
HMSO, 49 High Holborn, London WC1 for personal callers, or by post from HMSO, PO Box 276, London SW8 5DT.
12 © BSI 10-1998
BS 5266-1:1988
The people using such premises may be expected to In general, persons using this class of premises will
be unfamiliar with their layout and regard should be reasonably familiar with the layout and safety
be paid to the possible effects of the consumption of provisions and orderly evacuation can normally be
alcohol. In parts of premises where the normal expected in the event of an emergency. Also, except
lighting may be dimmed it is considered essential possibly in some types of process laboratories, there
that a maintained emergency lighting system will not normally be any safety requirement for
should be installed, but even where this is not the early reoccupation after an emergency and the
case a maintained system may still have minimum duration of escape lighting should
advantages, particularly in respect of exit signs, etc. therefore be adequate.
However, early reoccupation of such premises It is recommended, therefore, that emergency
following an emergency is not usual and a maximum lighting systems of NM/1 category be used in
duration of emergency lighting of 2 h should premises of this type unless there is a particular
normally be satisfactory, even for the largest types requirement for early reoccupation, in which case a
of premises in this class. longer duration may be necessary.
It is recommended, therefore, that a M/2 emergency 9.3.6 Non-residential public premises. This class
lighting system should be used for theatres, concert includes such premises as town halls, libraries,
halls, discotheques and any other premises in this offices, shops, art galleries and museums.
class in which there is either provision for dimming
the normal lighting or facilities for the consumption The majority of persons present in this class of
of alcoholic liquor. For all other types of premises in premises will be unfamiliar with the layout, and
this class a NM/2 category system may be used. In evacuation may involve discharging large numbers
small premises, i.e. with not more than 250 persons of persons (large shops) or gathering together
present at any time, a M/1 or NM/1 system, as smaller numbers of persons from large dispersed
appropriate, may be employed. areas. However, early reoccupation following an
emergency is not usual.
For some theatre auditoria where the recommended
maintained illuminance of 0.2 lx is likely to affect Except within areas of such premises where the
normal working, it is considered acceptable to normal lighting may be deliberately dimmed,

reduce this level to not less than 0.02 lx, provided e.g. special displays in art galleries and museums,
the system is so arranged that in the event of failure where a system of M/1 category should be used, a
of the normal system of lighting within the auditoria system of NM/1 category will be satisfactory.
the escape lighting illuminance is immediately and 9.3.7 Industrial premises used for manufacture,
automatically restored to a minimum of 0.2 lx. processing or storage of products. This class includes
Complete or substantially complete blackouts, such premises as factories, workshops, warehouses
which may be required for production reasons, may and similar establishments.
only be permitted with the approval of the enforcing A non-maintained emergency lighting system will
authority. normally be satisfactory for use in this class of
In other places where it is desired to reduce the premises but whether or not a duration in excess
artificial lighting for effects purposes (e.g. a of 1 h will be required can only be determined with
discotheque), it may be permissible with the reference to the actual premises and the use to be
approval of the enforcing authority to extinguish the made of them.
emergency lighting, provided that the switching for In certain industrial processes a break in the power
this arrangement is under continuous management supply of even 5 s may constitute a hazard to
control and that the area is visible from the personnel. In such circumstances a supplementary
switching position. It is essential that the circuit battery system will always be necessary for use with
and equipment adopted is such that the emergency a generator, even where the generator can be run up
lighting is automatically restored in the event of the to its required output within a period of 5 s.
failure of the normal supply. Exit signs should
remain illuminated at all material times. 9.3.8 Multiple use of premises. Where any premises
fall into more than one of the broad classes of 9.3.2
9.3.5 Non-residential premises used for teaching, to 9.3.7, the whole premises should be treated in
training and research. This class includes such accordance with the most stringent of the applicable
premises as schools, colleges, technical institutes recommendations. In this connection, a
and laboratories. recommendation for a maintained category is
considered to be more stringent than a
recommendation for a non-maintained category.
© BSI 10-1998 13
BS 5266-1:1988
Where, however, the differing uses are contained 10.2 Determine requirements
within separate fire compartments having Complete the following actions, by consultation
independent escape routes, they may be considered (see clause 3), when necessary.
separately.
a) Verify escape routes (see 6.7).
9.3.9 Common access routes within multistorey
b) Establish fire alarm call point positions
dwellings. The majority of persons using access
(see 6.7).
routes within multi-storey dwellings will be familiar
with them and the identification of such routes by c) Establish position of fire fighting equipment
signs may not, therefore, always be necessary. (see 6.7).
However, the routes should be provided with d) Establish position of fire and safety signs
emergency illumination for safe movement meeting (see 6.7).
the recommendations of 5.3. A NM/1 system will e) Investigate potential hazards on escape routes
usually be satisfactory for buildings of up (see 6.7).
to 10 storeys but for buildings in excess of 10 storeys
it is recommended that a NM/3 system should be f) Establish open areas (see 6.8).
installed. g) Establish requirements for external escape
lighting (see 6.8.2).
In premises where occupants are unlikely to be
familiar with the escape routes illuminated signs h) Locate lifts (see 6.8.3).
should be used even during daylight hours. i) Locate moving stairways and walkways
9.3.10 Enclosed shopping malls. There are often (see 6.8.4).
many types of commercial premises within these j) Locate toilet accommodation over 8 m2 gross
enclosed malls without natural light and evacuation area (see 6.8.5).
may involve discharging large numbers of people k) Locate motor generator, control and plant
along extensive escape routes to safety. Many of the rooms (see 6.8.6).
people may be unfamiliar with the layout of the
l) Locate covered car parks (see 6.8.7).
malls and escape routes and the advice given in 9.2

should be followed. m) Investigate need for standby lighting (see 4.3).
Walkways and escape routes within the enclosed n) Establish areas or routes of low fire risk
mall should have emergency lighting category M/2. (see 3.1).
Commercial premises off such routes should have 10.3 Design of illuminance
emergency lighting category NM/1. Having determined the positions and areas which
9.3.11 Covered car parks. The normal pedestrian need to be illuminated from the emergency lighting
escape routes from covered car parks should be system, the detailed design can commence, as set
easily identifiable and should be provided with out below.
emergency lighting to the same standard as escape a) Position emergency luminaires on plan
routes within non-residential public premises. (see 10.2).
9.3.12 Sports stadia. Reference should be made to b) Verify mounting height of luminaires (see 6.5).
the Home Office’s “Guide to safety at sports c) Investigate possible deterioration of luminaire
grounds”5) items 166 to 169. light output due to dirt and dust (see 5.3).
d) Check voltage and possible volt drop
10 Emergency lighting design (see clause 8).
procedure
e) Determine the duration (see 9.3).
10.1 General f) Determine the mode of operation (see 6.11
Before any detailed design work commences it is and 9.3).
essential that consultation is carried out in g) Choose emergency lighting luminaires.
accordance with clause 3. The design procedure
h) Obtain detailed light distribution of the
should proceed as set out in 10.2 to 10.6.
luminaires.
i) Calculate the illuminance (see 5.3).
j) Check uniformity (see 5.4).
5) Obtainable from HMSO, 49 High Holborn, London WC1 for personal callers, or by post from HMSO, PO Box 276,
London SW8 5DT.
14 © BSI 10-1998
BS 5266-1:1988
10.4 Design of system 10.6 Operation and maintenance following

The design of the electrical installation will involve design and installation
additional consultation with various organizations The designer should include the preparation of
in order to verify certain facts, e.g. the cost and instructions on the operation and maintenance of
facilities for maintenance of the system when the system in the design schedule. The instructions
installed. Aspects to be covered are as follows. should preferably be in the form of a manual for
a) Determine the type of system of emergency retention by the occupier. A suitable log book should
lighting (see 9.2) (central battery, also be provided (See 3.3)
self-contained etc.).
11 Certificate and log book
b) Establish mode of operation (see 6.11).
c) Choose the wiring system (see clause 8). 11.1 Completion certificate
d) Determine the routes of cable installation On completion of the work of installing an
(see clause 8). emergency lighting system, or part thereof, or of a
major alteration to an existing installation, a
e) Ensure correct fire protection of cables
completion certificate should be supplied to the
(see clause 8).
occupier/owner of the premises. A copy of this
f) Ensure wiring is segregated (see clause 8). certificate may be required by the enforcing
g) Check suitability of wiring and circuit authority. A model completion certificate is given in
components for use in any damp, corrosive and appendix B.
underground locations (see clause 8). Recommendations on the measuring of illuminance
h) Check protection of wiring and circuit of emergency lighting are given in appendix A.
components against mechanical damage 11.2 Periodic inspection and test certificate
(see clause 8).
On completion of a three-yearly inspection and test
i) Ensure avoidance of flue-like openings schedule as recommended in 12.4.5 a periodic
(see clause 8).
inspection and test certificate should be supplied to

j) Check joints in cables and labels (see 8.2.7 the occupier/owner of the premises. A model
and 8.3.4). inspection and test certificate is given in
k) Check overhead lines (see clause 8). appendix C. This certificate should be supplied at
l) Establish volt drop calculations (see clause 8). intervals of not more than 3 years or on the
completion of a major alteration or addition to an
m) Ensure radio and electrical interference existing installation, or at such other times as
suppression (see 8.4). required by the enforcing authority. A copy of this
10.5 Design of circuit protection and controls certificate may be required by the enforcing
The design of the circuit protection and controls authority.
requires consultation with those responsible for the 11.3 Log book
continued operation and maintenance of the system. A log book should be kept on the premises in the
Hence there is a need to complete the following care of a responsible person appointed by the
actions. occupier/owner and should be readily available for
a) Establish siting of equipment (see 8.3). examination by any duly authorized person.
b) Choose isolators, switches and protective The log book should be used to record the following
devices (see 8.3.2). information.
c) Determine and site test facilities (see 8.3.3). a) Date of any completion certificate including
d) Specify warning notices relating to isolation any certificate relating to alterations.
and maintenance hazards (see 8.3.4). b) Date of each periodic inspection and test
e) Specify testing and maintenance procedures certificate.
(see clause 12). c) Date and brief details of each service,
inspection or test carried out.
d) Dates and brief details of any defects and of
remedial action taken.
e) Date and brief details of any alterations to the
emergency lighting installation.
© BSI 10-1998 15
BS 5266-1:1988
NOTE The log book may also include pages relating to other 12.4 Routine inspections and tests
safety records, e.g. fire alarms. Details of replacement
components of luminaires such as lamp type, battery, fusing may 12.4.1 General. Because of the possibility of a failure
also be recorded in the log book. of the normal lighting supply occurring shortly after
a period of testing of the emergency lighting system
12 Servicing or during the subsequent recharge period, all tests
12.1 Supervision should wherever possible be undertaken at time of
minimum risk.
Regular servicing is essential. The occupier/owner of
the premises should appoint a competent person to Alternatively suitable temporary arrangements
supervise the system. This person should be given should be made until the batteries have been
sufficient authority to ensure the carrying out of any recharged.
work necessary to maintain the system in correct Inspections and tests should be carried out at the
operation. following intervals as recommended in 12.4.2
12.2 Batteries to 12.4.6.
In all cases the manufacturer’s instructions should a) Daily.
be followed. It is particularly important that where b) Monthly.
applicable: c) Six-monthly.
a) the tops of batteries and their terminals are d) Three-yearly.
kept clean and unobstructed and that battery e) Subsequent annual test.
cases are periodically checked for leaks;
12.4.2 Daily. An inspection should be made every
b) the electrolyte is at all times kept at the correct
day to ascertain that:
level as recommended by the manufacturer;
a) any fault recorded in the log book has been
c) any replacement battery should be compatible
given urgent attention and the action noted;
with the battery charger;
b) every lamp in a maintained system is lit;
d) any replacement cell should be compatible
with the battery; c) the main control or indicating panel of each

e) any replacement battery charger should be central battery system or engine driven generator
plant indicates normal operation;
compatible with the battery.
d) any fault found is recorded in the log book and
12.3 Generators
the action taken noted.
The manufacturer’s instructions as given in the
12.4.3 Monthly. An inspection should be made at
associated instruction manual or other literature
monthly intervals in accordance with a systematic
should always be followed. It should be noted,
schedule. A model schedule is illustrated in
however, that the failure of engines to start up
appendix C.
readily often arises from poor maintenance or
defects in the starting battery or in Tests should be carried out as follows.
electromechanical apparatus, e.g. relays a) Each self-contained luminaire and internally
incorporated in the starting system. illuminated exit sign should be energized from its
Dust and damp, singly or in combination, can have battery by simulation of a failure of the supply to
an adverse effect on electromechanical apparatus the normal lighting for a period sufficient only to
and it is therefore important that a system of ensure that each lamp is illuminated.
regular cleaning and, where necessary, adjustment The period of simulated failure should not exceed
is carried out. one quarter of the rated duration of the
Some parts of the starting system may be sited luminaire or sign.
where they are subject to vibration and great care During this period all luminaires and/or signs
should therefore be taken in such instances to should be examined visually to ensure that they
ensure that all connections are mechanically and are functioning correctly.
electrically sound. At the end of this test period the supply to the
It is essential that air intakes and exhausts are normal lighting should be restored and any
unobstructed. indicator lamp or device checked to ensure that
it is showing that the normal supply has been
restored.
16 © BSI 10-1998
BS 5266-1:1988
b) Each central battery system should be At the end of the test period the system should
energized from its battery by simulation of a be restored to normal operation and the charging
failure of the supply to the normal lighting for a arrangements for the back-up and the engine
period sufficient only to ensure that each lamp is starting batteries checked for proper functioning.
illuminated. The fuel tanks should be left filled and the oil
The period of simulated failure should not exceed and coolant levels topped up as necessary.
one quarter of the rated duration of the battery. 12.4.4 Six-monthly. The monthly inspection
During this period all luminaires and/or signs (see 12.4.3) should be carried out and the following
should be examined visually to ensure that they tests made.
are functioning correctly. a) Each 3 h self-contained luminaire and
If it is not possible to examine visually all internally illuminated sign should be energized
luminaires and/or signs in this period, further from its battery for a continuous period of 1 h, by
tests should be made after the battery has been simulation of a failure of the supply to the normal
fully recharged. lighting. If the luminaire is rated as having a
At the end of each test period the supply to the duration of 1 h, then the period of simulated
normal lighting should be restored and any failure should be 15 min.
indicator lamp or device checked to ensure that During this period all luminaires and/or signs
it is showing that the normal supply has been should be examined visually to ensure that they
restored. The charging arrangements should be are functioning correctly.
checked for proper functioning. At the end of this test period the supply to the
c) Each engine-driven generating plant should be normal lighting should be restored and any
started up by a simulation of a failure of the indicator lamp or device checked to ensure that
supply to the normal lighting and allowed to it is showing that the normal supply has been
energize the emergency lighting system for a restored.
continuous period of at least 1 h. b) Each 3 h central battery system should be
During this time all luminaires and/or signs energized from its battery for a continuous period
should be examined visually to ensure that they of 1 h by simulation of a failure of the supply to
are functioning correctly. the normal lighting. If the system is rated as
At the end of the test period the system should having a duration of 1 h then the period of
be restored to normal operation and the charging simulated failure should be 15 min.
arrangements for the engine-starting battery During this period all luminaires and/or signs
checked for proper functioning. The fuel tanks should be examined visually to ensure that they
should be left filled and the oil and coolant levels are functioning correctly.
topped up as necessary. At the end of the test period the supply to the
Frequent starting of the plant followed by a few normal lighting should be restored and any
minutes on load is not recommended. indicator lamp or device checked to ensure that
d) The engine of each engine-driven generating it is showing that normal supply has been
plant with back-up batteries should be prevented restored. The charging arrangements should be
from starting. checked for proper functioning.
The emergency lighting system should then be c) Each engine-driven plant should be tested in
energized solely from the back-up battery by accordance with the monthly schedule detailed
simulation of a failure of the supply to the in 12.4.3 c).
normal lighting for a period sufficient only to d) The engine of each engine-driven generating
ensure that the change-over from normal supply plant with back-up battery should be prevented
to battery is functioning properly. After this from starting.
check the starting system of the engine should be The emergency lighting system should then be
returned to normal operation and the engine energized solely from the back-up battery for a
allowed to start up in the normal way to energize continuous period of 1 h by simulation of failure
the emergency lighting system for a continuous of the supply to the normal lighting.
period of at least 1 h.
The starting system of the engine should then be
During these periods all luminaires and/or signs restored to normal operation and the engine
should be examined visually to ensure that they allowed to start up in the normal way to energize
are functioning correctly. the emergency lighting system for a further
continuous period of 1 h.
© BSI 10-1998 17
BS 5266-1:1988
During these periods all luminaires and/or signs c) Each central battery system should be tested
should be examined visually to ensure that they for its full duration.
are functioning correctly. At the end of the test At the end of the test period the supply to the
period the system should be restored to normal normal lighting should be restored and any
operation and the charging arrangements for the indicator lamp or device checked to ensure that
back-up and engine-starting batteries checked it is showing that normal supply has been
for proper functioning. Any indicator lamp or restored. The charging arrangements should be
device should then be checked to ensure that it is checked for proper functioning.
showing that the normal arrangements have
d) Each generator back-up battery, where fitted,
been restored.
should be tested for its full duration.
The fuel tanks should be left filled and the oil
At the end of the test period the system should
and the coolant levels topped up as necessary.
be restored to normal operation and the charging
12.4.5 Three-yearly. The monthly inspection arrangements for the back-up and
(see 12.4.3) should be carried out and the following engine-starting batteries checked for proper
additional tests made. functioning. Any indicator lamp or device should
a) Each emergency lighting installation should be then be checked to ensure that it is showing that
tested and inspected to ascertain compliance with normal arrangements have been restored.
this code (see appendix C). The fuel tanks should be left filled and the oil
b) Each self-contained luminaire and/or and coolant levels topped up as necessary.
internally illuminated sign should be tested for 12.4.6 Subsequent annual test. For self-contained
its full duration. luminaires with sealed batteries, after the first
At the end of the test period the supply to the three-yearly test the three-yearly test should be
normal lighting should be restored and any carried out annually.
indicator lamp or device checked to ensure that
it is showing that normal supply has been
restored.
18 © BSI 10-1998
BS 5266-1:1988
Appendix A. Measuring illuminance of Tests should not be carried out in areas where
emergency lighting people will not normally tread, i.e. in extreme
corners where a wall meets a floor or stairway.
Measurement of illuminance of emergency lighting
installations can be very difficult and should be For measurement of average illuminance where
carried out with good instrumentation and great there is no defined escape route, tests should be
carried out over the whole of the relevant area.
care. All site test work should be carried out by
simulating a failure of the normal electrical supply In practice the illuminance over an area is seldom
and where practicable this should be done using the uniform. The interior should therefore be
test facilities provided. theoretically divided into a number of zones; the
It is essential that the light meter used has a illuminance in each zone should be measured and
photocell having good cosine correction as a large the mean value calculated. The total number of
measurements taken in any open space should not
proportion of the incident light is at glancing angles.
be less than the total area in square metres divided
The meter should be suitable for taking readings at
by a constant value of 25, and in any case should not
the low illuminances involved. It should have a
be less than four.
minimum range of 1 mlx to 100 lx and sensitivity
of 1 mlx. Care has to be taken not to overshadow the The results of the measurements should be checked
light sensor and for this reason a sensor remote from against design data.
the readout is preferable. The rated duration of self-contained luminaires will
The measurement of the illuminance should be need to be checked individually. For a central
made on the same plane as that used for design system it is only necessary to carry out the test at
which should accord with the recommendations of one luminaire, preferably that luminaire subject to
clause 10. the highest volt drop.
The effect of stray light (e.g. street or moonlight) can On-site testing will only prove or indicate to some
be substantial and as far as practicable it should be degree the accuracy of the design data and in most
masked out. Where it cannot be excluded the cases the illuminance measured will be higher than
illuminance from the emergency lighting should be the minimum design level. The minimum value of
obtained by taking readings at appropriate illuminance will always occur at 5 s after switch on,
positions inside the building with all interior at the end of the battery discharge when the voltage
lighting, including the emergency lighting, switched is at a minimum value, and at the end of useful lamp
off. The readings so obtained should be deducted life. Such combinations are not usually encountered
from readings taken at the same positions with the on-site, except where unsatisfactory equipment has
emergency lighting switched on. been used or maintenance has been poor. When
carrying out these tests it is therefore necessary to
The light output of the emergency lighting system
have data which relates to the lumen output of the
will vary with time. The test should therefore be
completed as quickly as is practicable within the luminaire during the lamp/battery life cycle.
rated duration. This is particularly relevant in an
occupied building or one in daily use as with
discharged batteries the building could have
reduced emergency lighting cover for up to 24 h
following the test.
For measurement of emergency lighting on clearly
defined escape routes it is advisable to select for test
a number of specific areas likely to have minimum
illuminance.
Suggested locations are:
a) half-way between luminaires, especially in
stair wells;
b) critical task areas;
c) where highest luminaire mounting height
occurs;
d) where widest spacing of luminaires occurs;
e) changes in direction of route;
f) at thresholds of doorways forming part of the
exit route.
© BSI 10-1998 19
BS 5266-1:1988
Appendix B. Model completion certificate

Emergency lighting — Completion certificate for new installation or alterations
Occupier/owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Address of premises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.................................................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tel. no. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Designer’s name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Designer’s address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tel. no. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Work carried out and covered by this certificate shown on drawings nos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (see 3.3 of BS 5266-1:1988).
I/We hereby certify that the emergency lighting installation, or part thereof, at the above premises has
been designed by me/us and to the best of my/our knowledge and belief, the system complies with the
appropriate recommendations given in BS 5266 “Emergency lighting” Part 1:1988 “Code of practice for the
emergency lighting of premises other than cinemas and certain other specified premises used for
entertainment”, published by BSI, for a category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6) installation, except as stated
below. Photometric design data is appended to this certificate.
Signature of person responsible for design of the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For and on behalf of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installer’s name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installer’s address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tel. no. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Work carried out and covered by this certificate shown on drawing nos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (see 3.3 of BS 5266-1:1988).
6) Enter M/1, 2 or 3 or NM/1, 2 or 3 as appropriate (see 6.12 of BS 5266-1:1988).
20 © BSI 10-1998
BS 5266-1:1988
Model completion certificate (concluded)
been installed by me/us in accordance with the system designer’s specification and to the best of my/our
knowledge and belief, the installation complies with the appropriate recommendations given in BS 5266
“Emergency lighting” Part 1:1988 “Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises other than
cinemas and certain other specified premises used for entertainment”, published by BSI, for a
category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7) installation, except as stated below.
Signature of person responsible for the installation of the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8)
Qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For and on behalf of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System verifier’s name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System verifier’s address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tel. no. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
been inspected and tested by me/us and to the best of my/our knowledge and belief the installation complies
at the time of my/our test with the recommendations given in BS 5266 “Emergency lighting” Part 1:1988
“Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises other than cinemas and certain other specified
premises used for entertainment”, published by BSI, for a category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7) installation, except
as stated below. Photometric verification data is appended, including light loss factors on photometric
design, or the test data obtained from the measurements carried out in accordance with appendix A of
BS 5266-1:1988.
Signature of person responsible for system verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For and on behalf of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Details of variation from the code of practice (BS 5266-1:1988)
NOTE Where this certificate relates to a major alteration or addition it should be accompanied by an “Emergency lighting —
Periodic inspection and test certificate” for the entire emergency lighting installation (see 11.2 of BS 5266-1:1988).
7)
Enter M/l, 2 or 3 or NM/1,2 or 3 as appropriate (see 6.12 of BS 5266-1:1988).
8) Qualifications:a suitably qualified electrical engineer or a member of the Electrical Contractors’ Association or the Electrical
Contractors’ Association of Scotland; or a certificate holder of the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation
Contracting; or a qualified person acting on behalf of one of these (in which case it should be stated on whose behalf he is acting).
Where acceptable to the enforcing authority the authorized representative of a manufacturer of emergency lighting equipment
may be deemed to be a suitably qualified person.
© BSI 10-1998 21
BS 5266-1:1988
Appendix C. Model periodic inspection and test certificate

Emergency lighting — Periodic inspection and test certificate
Occupier/owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Address of premises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tel. no. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Date of inspection and test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection and test carried out by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Name and address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tel. no. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I/We hereby certify that the emergency lighting installation at the above premises has been inspected and
tested in accordance with the schedule below by me/us and to the best of my/our knowledge and belief
complies at the time of my/our test with the recommendations of BS 5266 “Emergency lighting” Part 1:1988
“Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises other than cinemas and certain other specified
premises used for entertainment”, published by BSI, for a category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9) installation, except
as stated below.
Signature of person responsible for inspection and test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Qualification10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For and on behalf of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Details of variation from the code of practice (BS 5266-1:1988).
Schedule to emergency lighting periodic inspection and test certificates

NOTE 1 Because of the possibility of failure of the supply to the normal lighting occurring shortly after a period of testing, all tests
should be undertaken at times of minimum risk. Alternatively, suitable temporary arrangements should be made until the batteries
have been recharged.
NOTE 2 The figures in brackets indicate the relevant clauses of BS 5266-1:1988.
Results of inspection and tests

a) Are correct entries made in the log book? YES/NO
b) Are record drawings available? YES/NO
c) Are record drawings correct? YES/NO
d) Signs.
1) Are the signs correctly positioned? (6.9) YES/NO
2) Are details of the signs correct? (6.9) YES/NO
3) Do the self-luminous signs (if any) need changing before the date of the next
scheduled inspection? If so state date . . . . . . . . . . . (See label on sign) (6.9) YES/NO
e) Luminaires. Are luminaires correctly positioned? (6.7, 6.8 and 10.3) YES/NO
9)
Enter M/1, 2 or 3 or NM/1, 2 or 3 as appropriate (see 6.12 of BS 5266-1:1988).
10) Qualifications:a suitably qualified electrical engineer or a member of the Electrical Contractors’ Association or the Electrical
Contractors’ Association of Scotland; or a certificate holder of the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation
Contracting; or a qualified person acting on behalf of one of these (in which case it should be stated on whose behalf he is acting).
Where acceptable to the enforcing authority the authorized representative of a manufacturer of emergency lighting equipment
may be deemed to be a suitably qualified person.
22 © BSI 10-1998
BS 5266-1:1988
Model periodic inspection and test certificate (concluded)
f) Illumination for safe movement (clause 5 and see record drawings).

1) Are the correct lamps installed in the luminaires? (6.13) YES/NO
2) Has there been any change in the decor or lay-out of the premises since the last
inspection, which has caused any significant reduction in the effectiveness of the
lighting system? (Any changes to be stated under COMMENT below.) YES/NO
3) Is the installation in a generally satisfactory condition? YES/NO
g) Marking.
1) Are the category and nominal operating voltage of the system clearly marked or readily
identifiable? (6.13) YES/NO
2) Are luminaires clearly marked to indicate the correct lamp for use? (6.13) YES/NO
3) Is information available to ensure correct battery replacement? (6.13) YES/NO
h) Wiring systems (clause 8).
1) Are the results recorded on the last inspection and test certificate satisfactory? YES/NO
2) State the date of this inspection and test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i) Power services.
1) Are the charging arrangements for batteries satisfactory? (6.11, 12.2 and 12.4) YES/NO
2) Do changeover devices operate satisfactorily upon simulation of failure of the normal
supply? (6.11 and 12.4) YES/NO
j) Central battery systems including backup batteries.
1) After operation for the rated duration:
i) do all luminaires operate? (6.7, 6.8 and 12.4); YES/NO

ii) are all signs illuminated and visible? (6.9 and 12.4); YES/NO
2) Following the restoration of the system to normal:
i) is the battery charger functioning? (6.11 and 12.4); YES/NO
ii) are the levels and the specific gravities of the battery electrolytes satisfactory,
where applicable? YES/NO
k) Engine driven generating plant.
1) After a period of operation of at least 1 h:
i) do all luminaires operate? (6.7, 6.8 and 12.4); YES/NO
ii) are all signs illuminated and visible? (6.11 and 12.4); YES/NO
iii) does the back-up battery, where installed, operate satisfactorily? (see j) above) YES/NO
2) Following the restoration of the system to
normal:
i) is the battery charger for the engine starter battery functioning? (6.11 and 12.4); YES/NO
ii) are the fuel, coolant and lubricating oil levels correct? (12.4) YES/NO
l) Self-contained luminaires and signs.
1) After operation for the rated duration, does each self-contained luminaire and sign
operate? (6.9, 6.11 and 12.4) YES/NO
2) Following restoration of the system to normal supply, is the battery charger
functioning? (6.11 and 12.4) YES/NO
COMMENT (if any) and variation from the code of practice.
© BSI 10-1998 23
BS 5266-1:1988
Appendix D. Model servicing schedule

Schedule of monthly servicing to be carried out by or on behalf of the occupier/owner
NOTE 1 In addition to the instructions given below, the instructions issued by the manufacturers should be observed.
NOTE 2 The figures in brackets indicate the relevant clauses of BS 5266-1:1988.
a) Check that defects recorded in the log book have been corrected.
b) Clean the exterior of luminaires and signs.
c) Check correct operation of luminaires and internally illuminated signs by operating the test
facility (12.4.3).
d) Check correct operation of engine driven generator(s) and carry out the manufacturer’s recommended
maintenance (12.4.3).
e) Check fuel tanks, oil and coolant levels and top up as necessary (12.4.3).
f) Check level of electrolyte in batteries of central battery systems and generator starter batteries (12.2).
g) Check that all indicator lamps are functioning.
h) Record data in the log book (11.3).
24 © BSI 10-1998
BS 5266-1:1988
Publications referred to
BS 476, Fire tests on building materials and structures.

BS 764, Specification. Automatic change-over contactors for emergency lighting systems.
BS 800, Specification for radio interference limits and measurements for household appliances, portable
tools and other electrical equipment causing similar types of interference.
BS 2560, Specification for exit signs (internally illuminated).
BS 4533, Luminaires.
BS 4533-102, Particular requirements.
BS 4533-102.22, Specification for luminaires for emergency lighting.
BS 4678, Cable trunking.
BS 4678-4, Specification for cable trunking made of insulating material.
BS 5345, Code of practice for selection, installation and maintenance of electrical apparatus for use in
potentially explosive atmospheres (other than mining applications or explosive processing and
manufacture).
BS 5394, Specification for radio interference limits and measurements for luminaires using tubular
fluorescent lamps and fitted with starters.
BS 5467, Specification for armoured cables with thermosetting insulation for electricity supply.
BS 5490, Specification for classification of degrees of protection provided by enclosures.
BS 5499, Fire safety signs, notices and graphic symbols.
BS 5499-1, Specification for fire safety signs.
BS 5499-2, Specification for self-luminous fire safety signs.
BS 5588, Fire precautions in the design and construction of buildings.
BS 5588-5, Code of practice for firefighting stairways and lifts.
BS 5588-8, Code of practice for means of escape for disabled persons.

BS 6004, Specification for PVC-insulated cables (non-armoured) for electric power and lighting.
BS 6007, Specification for rubber-insulated cables for electric power and lighting.
BS 6099, Conduits for electrical installations.
BS 6099-2, Particular specifications.
BS 6099-2.2, Specification for rigid plain conduits of insulating material.
BS 6207, Specification for mineral-insulated cables.
BS 6207-1, Copper-sheathed cables with copper conductors.
BS 6346, Specification for PVC-insulated cables for electricity supply.
BS 6387, Specification for performance requirements for cables required to maintain circuit integrity under
fire conditions.
BS 6467, Electrical apparatus with protection by enclosure for use in the presence of combustible dusts.
BS 6467-2, Guide to selection, installation and maintenance.
BS 6724, Specification for armoured cables for electricity supply having thermosetting insulation with low
emission of smoke and corrosive gases when affected by fire.
BS 6746, Specification for PVC insulation and sheath of electric cables.
CP 1007, Maintained lighting for cinemas.
CIBSE technical memorandum TM12 “Emergency lighting” (1986) Chartered Institution of Building
Services Engineers.
Hospital technical memorandum No. 11 — Emergency electrical services. Department of Health and Social
Security.
Regulations for electrical installations. Institution of Electrical Engineers.
Guide to safety at sports grounds. Home Office.
© BSI 1998 25
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BS 5266-1-1988 Emergency Lighting

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BRITISH STANDARD BS 5266-1:1988

Committees responsible for this

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Electrical

Institution of Lighting Engineers

© BSI 10-1998 Amendments issued since publication

First published July 1975 Amd. No. Date of issue Comments

The following BSI references

ISBN 0 580 16279 6

premises, the fact that particular types of premises are mentioned in

lighting based on the size, type and usage of the

The maximum period which should be allowed to 5.4 Uniformity of illuminance

6 Emergency lighting design 6.6 Spacing between luminaires

illumination of, say, a short corridor depend upon a

luminaires. Both may be used for escape signs or

2) Under revision as BS 5499-3.

a) Maintained floating systems. In this mode of very exceptional circumstances.

In addition, all luminaires providing emergency Wiring connecting a self-contained emergency

should be at least of category B.

conduit, ducting, trunking or channel, the material

lighting system should be so arranged that

The requirements of emergency lighting systems

normal working, it is considered acceptable to normal lighting may be deliberately dimmed,

malls and escape routes and the advice given in 9.2

10.4 Design of system 10.6 Operation and maintenance following

inspection and test certificate should be supplied to

with the battery; c) the main control or indicating panel of each

Appendix B. Model completion certificate

6) Enter M/1, 2 or 3 or NM/1, 2 or 3 as appropriate (see 6.12 of BS 5266-1:1988).

Model completion certificate (concluded)

For and on behalf of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Appendix C. Model periodic inspection and test certificate

Schedule to emergency lighting periodic inspection and test certificates

Results of inspection and tests

Model periodic inspection and test certificate (concluded)

f) Illumination for safe movement (clause 5 and see record drawings).

i) do all luminaires operate? (6.7, 6.8 and 12.4); YES/NO

Appendix D. Model servicing schedule

BS 476, Fire tests on building materials and structures.

BS 5588-8, Code of practice for means of escape for disabled persons.

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