BS 5266-1:2025 is the latest edition of the UK’s code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises. First developed decades ago, the standard has long provided guidance to ensure systems meet the performance requirements necessary for safety. The 2025 revision reflects changes in European standards as well as the practical experiences of professionals who design, install, and operate emergency lighting systems.

The document is more than a set of technical instructions; it provides a framework for best practice. Its aim is to promote a consistent approach across different types of premises while accommodating variations in hazard levels and the familiarity of occupants with their environment. By following its recommendations, building owners, contractors, and regulators can achieve a higher degree of uniformity, reducing confusion and risk.

BS 5266-1:2025 provides a code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises. It sets out recommendations and guidance on the design, installation, and wiring of emergency lighting systems to ensure safety in the event of failure of the normal lighting supply.

The new edition expands its scope beyond emergency escape lighting to include:

• Emergency escape lighting – illumination to guide people safely to an exit during an emergency.
• Local area lighting – lighting specific tasks or points to enable safe completion of vital activities during power failure.
• Standby lighting – illumination that allows normal activities to continue when the main supply is lost.

This broader scope reflects the realities of modern building use, where evacuation is not always the only priority. Sometimes it is equally critical to safeguard occupants in place or to maintain continuity of essential operations.

The revision also aligns BS 5266-1 with EN 1838 and EN 50172, strengthening consistency with international best practice while keeping local application clear and practical. In addition, the edition places greater emphasis on uniformity, encouraging a consistent level of safety across all building types while recognising differing risk profiles.