Emergency lighting

Illuminated escape route signs highlight the nearest exit, while emergency luminaires and spotlights provide lighting for the escape route itself, such as corridors, stairways, and open areas.

Emergency lights are connected to the mains power supply, but can either be self-contained, with a local battery, or be connected to a central battery back-up system. In both cases, they will remain illuminated should the mains power fail. The mains supply charges the batteries.

Maintained emergency lighting fittings are illuminated all the time, while non-maintained fittings are only illuminated when the mains supply fails.

All workplaces covered by the Fire Safety Order 2005 are required to provide illumination to emergency routes and exits. Approved Document B of the Building Regulations provides guidance as to when emergency lighting is needed to satisfy this requirement.