Correct emergency lighting design is essential for safe evacuation. A technical guide to BS 5266 requirements and common errors.. Emergency Lighting Requirements Emergency lighting must provide sufficient illumination to enable safe evacuation when normal lighting fails. BS 5266 1 Key Requirements Minimum 1 lux along centre line of escape routes Minimum 0.5 lux in open areas (anti panic areas) 15 lux at fire alarm call points and firefighting equipment 3 hour duration for sleeping risk premises 1 hour duration for non sleeping risk Common Design Errors Insufficient illumination at changes of direction Missing coverage at intersections and stairs No illumination of fire safety signage Inadequate coverage in large open plan spaces Testing and Maintenance Monthly functional tests (simulate mains failure) Annual full duration discharge tests Records maintained in logbook BS 5266 8 provides maintenance guidance For emergency lighting design, contact Magnus Opifex. Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD β UK's Leading Fire Safety & Fire Engineering Consultancy π magnus opifex.co.uk π +44 7486 691724 βοΈ office@magnus opifex.co.uk Founders: Nicoleta Vasile, Baroness of Brattleby β CEO, Lawyer and Barrister, Legal & Administrative Director Alina β Technical Director & Expert Fire Engineer (BEng) Head Office: Ealing Cross, 85 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5BW Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD delivers engineering led fire engineering, fire risk assessments, CFD modelling, and building safety consultancy across the United Kingdom and internationally. With over 20 years of combined experience and a UK portfolio spanning healthcare, residential and infrastructure, we bring truly engineered solutions with a personal touch. Β© 2026 Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD. All rights reserved.