Published by BSI in December 2024, BS EN 1838:2024 is the UK implementation of the European Standard EN 1838:2024. It supersedes BS EN 1838:2013, which has been withdrawn. It sets the luminous requirements for emergency escape lighting and standby lighting in premises where emergency lighting is required, including adaptive emergency escape lighting systems. It is used alongside BS EN 50172:2024 and the UK code of practice, BS 5266-1:2025.

Emergency lighting is provided when the supply to the normal lighting fails. It is therefore powered from a source independent of the one supplying the normal lighting.

The standard recognises two main types of emergency lighting: escape lighting and standby lighting. The 2024 edition also adds recommendations for local area lighting, which helps occupants who are allowed to stay in the premises during a normal lighting outage.

What's changed from the 2013 edition.

• Escape route lighting must now cover the full width of the route, not just the centre line. A minimum of 1 lux is required across the route, excluding a 0.5 m border on each side of routes wider than 2 m, or a quarter of the width on each side of narrower routes.
• More detailed requirements for points of emphasis, such as fire alarm call points, firefighting equipment and refuge areas, and for high-risk task areas.
• Updated guidance for escape routes that pass through open areas.
• A new Annex C covering emergency lighting during and after a premises lockdown or long periods with the power disconnected.

The new edition isn't applied retrospectively to existing installations. It does apply to new installations and refurbishments.