Emergency lighting is a type of lighting used in emergencies when normal electrical illumination fails due to mains power supply failure either due to a power cut or a fire. An abrupt loss of power in buildings makes them unsafe for occupants and might even lead to panic.

In the event of a power cut, most emergency lighting systems will automatically come on to illuminate specific areas of a building so that occupants have an easier time safely evacuating the building.

The British Standard provides emergency lighting designers’ requirements when installing emergency lighting fixtures. The BS 5266-1 relates not only to colleges, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, licensed premises, clubs, hotels, shops, museums, offices but also multi-storey buildings.