Emergency Lighting Design in London
Our emergency lighting design service helps London businesses and landlords plan safe, compliant systems from the start. Because the mains power can fail at any time, emergency lighting must guide people to safety. As a result, a clear design is the first step to a system that works when it matters.
We provide this service for offices, shops, restaurants, warehouses and the communal areas of flats and HMOs. In addition, every design follows BS 5266-1:2025, the UK code of practice for emergency lighting.
- NAPIT-accredited
- BS 5266-1 qualified engineers
- Free quotes
What is emergency lighting design?
Emergency lighting design is the planning stage before any installation work begins. First, we look at how the building is used and who occupies it. Next, we review your fire risk assessment. Finally, we decide which areas need emergency lighting and where each fitting should go.
In particular, our designs are prepared by engineers who hold BS 5266-1 qualifications. Moreover, they have hands-on design experience on commercial projects, such as warehouses and drive-through restaurants.
Floor plan layout
First, we mark every emergency light and exit sign on a clear floor plan.
Escape routes and open areas
We also plan the lighting for corridors, stairs, open areas and high-risk task areas.
Exit signs
In addition, we place signs at exits and changes of direction, so the way out is always clear.
Rated duration
Next, we confirm how long the lights must stay on, for example 1 hour or 3 hours.
System type
After that, we advise on self-contained fittings or a central battery system for your building.
Design certificate
Finally, you receive a design certificate to share with Building Control and insurers.
Emergency lighting design to BS 5266-1:2025
BS 5266-1:2025 was published in October 2025. As a result, it replaced the 2016 edition. Importantly, it now covers standby lighting and local area lighting, as well as emergency escape lighting.
It is also used alongside BS EN 1838:2024 and BS EN 50172:2024. For this reason, every layout we produce follows the minimum light levels in these standards.
Emergency lighting design for commercial and residential buildings
We also produce design packages for many types of premises. However, BS 5266-1 does not apply to private homes. Instead, it covers the common access routes in blocks of flats and maisonettes.
When do you need emergency lighting design?
For example, you will usually need a professional design when:
- Your fire risk assessment recommends new or upgraded emergency lighting
- A commercial unit is being fitted out or is changing use
- A building is being converted into flats or an HMO
- You are extending, refurbishing or rewiring a property
- Building Control, your insurer or a fire risk assessor asks for design documents
In addition, under fire safety law, the "responsible person" must keep the premises safe. Therefore, the GOV.UK guide to workplace fire safety and the London Fire Brigade guidance are worth reading.
Our emergency lighting design process
Because every building is different, we follow four clear steps.
Survey
First, we visit the building or review your plans, and we check the fire risk assessment.
Design
Next, we plan the light levels, fitting positions, exit signs and rated duration.
Drawings and certificate
Then, you receive clear drawings and a design certificate for your records.
Install and test
Finally, if you wish, we install the system and set up regular testing.
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NAPIT-accreditedMembership No. 65117
Commercial design experienceFor example, warehouses and drive-throughs
London-wideNorth, North West, West and South West London
After your emergency lighting design
Once your design is approved, the same team can also install and test your system.
Emergency lighting installation
Also, we install emergency lights, exit signs and central battery systems to BS 5266-1 and BS 7671.
Emergency lighting testing
Monthly and annual tests, as well as logbooks and certificates, to keep your system compliant.
Fire alarm design
In addition, we design BS 5839-1 and BS 5839-6 fire alarm systems for homes and businesses.
Emergency lighting design FAQs
What does an emergency lighting design include?
Each design includes a floor plan showing every light and exit sign. In addition, it sets out the light levels, the rated duration, the type of system and a design certificate.
Which standard do you design to?
Above all, we design to BS 5266-1:2025. In addition, we follow BS EN 1838:2024 for light levels and BS EN 50172:2024 for system requirements.
Does my building need emergency lighting?
In general, most non-domestic premises need emergency lighting, and so do the communal areas of flats and many HMOs. However, your fire risk assessment will confirm exactly what is required.
What is maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting?
In short, maintained emergency lights stay on all the time and keep working during a power cut. In contrast, non-maintained emergency lights only switch on when the normal supply fails.
What information do you need for the design?
Ideally, we need floor plans, your fire risk assessment and details of how the building is used. Otherwise, we can survey the building and draw a layout for you.
Can you also install and test the system?
Yes, after the design we can also carry out the installation and provide regular testing.
Need an emergency lighting design?
First, tell us about your building. Then, we will send you a free, no-obligation quote.
Book an emergency lighting design with us
We are NAPIT-accredited electricians providing emergency lighting services across all London boroughs. For example, whether you need a new layout for an office, shop or warehouse, or a design for the communal areas of flats, our engineers produce clear drawings and a design certificate.
Contact us to book your emergency lighting design, or to discuss your requirements.
Alternatively, fill in the form below with your details and a brief description of your requirements. We will then get back to you within 12 hours.
