Overview.
BS 5266-1:2025 is much more comprehensive, performance-based, and aligned with modern building usage and European standards, with expanded scope, stricter verification, clearer design rules, and stronger documentation expectations compared to the 2016 version.
There are several emergency lighting standards in place in the UK, that are important to follow. A summary of the hierarchy of standards covering the different aspects of emergency lighting systems
is given in Annex A of the latest BS5266-1 regulations.
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So what are the requirements for emergency lighting in the UK?
The most important standard to follow and to comply with is the BS5266-1. The standard also covers the detailed emergency lighting procedure, cross referencing with BS EN1838 and BS EN 50172. It also details the certification process and log book procedures.
Published by BSI, the BS 5266-1- 2025 is replacing the 2016 version. It is intended to be used in conjunction with BS EN 1838 and BS EN 50172.
There have been several key updates in the standard, changing the approach to emergency lighting.
