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💡 Are Your Emergency Lighting Lux Levels Up to Standard? Here’s Why It Matters More Than You Think

  • Writer: Ryan O'Toole
    Ryan O'Toole
  • 20 hours ago
  • 2 min read




When it comes to keeping your building compliant and your people safe, emergency lighting isn't just a tick-box exercise – it's a legal requirement that could save lives. But one critical element often gets overlooked…

Illuminated emergency lighting showing running man symbol above doorway
Hanging exit sign

👉 Lux levels – the actual brightness of your emergency lighting.

Let’s dive into what lux levels mean, why they matter, and how to make sure your system is up to spec.


🔦 What Are Emergency Lighting Lux Levels?

Lux is a measurement of light intensity – in simple terms, how much light hits a surface. In emergencies, it’s crucial that lighting is bright enough for people to find exits, see hazards, and access fire safety equipment.


UK standards (BS 5266-1:2016 and BS EN 1838) set minimum lux levels for different spaces to ensure safety in a power outage or fire.


📍 Minimum Lux Levels for Key Areas

Area

Minimum Lux Level

Why It Matters

Escape Routes

1 lux (centre line)

So occupants can follow signs and safely exit

Open (Anti-Panic) Areas

0.5 lux

To prevent panic and allow safe movement

High-Risk Task Areas

15 lux

For safe shutdown of machines or critical processes

Fire Alarm Call Points & Safety Equipment

5 lux

To ensure visibility during an emergency

💡 Measuring Lux Levels: How It’s Done


To measure lux levels, we use a lux meter to check light intensity at strategic points across the site. But more importantly, we recommend using professional lighting design software (like DIALux or Relux) to simulate and verify compliance before installation.

That’s where expert design comes in – ensuring all areas meet the required brightness without wasting energy or risking under-illumination.


✅ Why You Need Professional Design & Verification


Here’s why getting a verified design and proper maintenance matters:

  • 🧾 Legal Compliance – Prove you meet BS 5266 and BS EN 1838

  • 🛡️ Insurance Validity – Non-compliance can void claims

  • 🚪 Safe Evacuation – Ensure all exits and hazards are clearly visible

  • 💰 Cost Efficiency – Avoid over-specification and wasted energy

  • 🔧 Ongoing Safety – Maintain performance with scheduled testing



Emergency light with running man icon used in commercial building escape route signage
Emergency Exit box



🛠️ Your Local Experts in Emergency Lighting


At Mech-Elec Building Services, we provide:


✅ Emergency lighting audits

✅ Lux level testing and verification

✅ BS-compliant design and installation

✅ Ongoing maintenance and support


📍 Based in Nottingham and covering Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Newark, Lincoln, and the wider East Midlands (including Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Lincolnshire) as well as the West Midlands – we help commercial and industrial clients stay safe and compliant, without the guesswork. We also operate nationwide for clients who need a trusted partner across the UK.



📞 Let’s Talk Compliance

Not sure your lux levels are right? Want a full emergency lighting audit?

👉 Call us today on 0115 667 0244



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