Key considerations include the size and layout of the premises, the type of occupancy, the findings of a fire risk assessment, whether a maintained or non-maintained system is appropriate, integration with existing fire alarm systems, and the ongoing testing and maintenance requirements. Croma’s team works through all of these factors with you during an initial consultation and site survey, recommending a solution that fits your premises and your compliance obligations.

Yes. In many cases it is possible to upgrade individual fittings, replace batteries, update the control gear or add additional luminaires to an existing system without replacing it entirely. Our engineers carry out a full assessment of your current installation to identify where targeted improvements will bring the system into compliance.

Placement is determined by the escape route layout, the building’s occupancy type, the location of fire safety equipment, changes in floor level, intersections in corridors, and any areas where a sudden loss of light could pose a risk. A proper site survey and fire risk assessment are used to identify the correct positions for every fitting.

Emergency lighting is one part of an integrated fire safety setup. It works in conjunction with fire alarms, fire extinguishers, signage and fire doors. When a fire alarm activates or power is lost, the emergency lighting system ensures occupants can see and follow escape routes clearly while other safety equipment performs its intended function. Croma installs emergency lighting and fire alarms together, ensuring both systems are designed to complement one another.

\Non-maintained emergency lighting remains off during normal operation and only activates when mains power fails. Maintained emergency lighting is on continuously and switches to battery power during a mains failure. Maintained fittings are commonly used in venues where people gather in the dark, such as cinemas or theatres, while non-maintained fittings are standard in most commercial and office environments.

BS 5266-1 requires a brief functional test every month, a full rated duration test every six months, and a full annual inspection. All test results must be recorded and kept available for inspection by the responsible person or enforcing authority.

Emergency lighting in the UK must comply with BS 5266-1, which sets out the design, installation, testing and maintenance requirements. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a legal duty on the responsible person to ensure adequate emergency lighting is provided and maintained. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, fines or prosecution.

When mains power is lost or a fire alarm is activated, emergency lighting switches on automatically to illuminate escape routes, stairwells and exits. It also highlights fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and manual call points. This ensures occupants can navigate the building and reach a place of safety, even in total darkness.

Commercial buildings in the UK are typically required to have escape route lighting, open area (anti-panic) lighting and high-risk task area lighting. The specific combination depends on the building’s layout, use and the findings of a fire risk assessment. Systems can use self-contained fittings with built-in batteries or a central battery arrangement supplying multiple luminaires.

They should be placed: Along escape routes At points of emphasis (e.g., exits, stairwells) In open areas to prevent darkness In lift cars, toilets, and hazardous zones.

According to BS 5266 and industry best practices: Monthly: Flick test to ensure lights activate properly. Annually: Full duration test (e.g., 3-hour drain test). Routine testing should be documented in a fire safety logbook.

Most systems are designed to operate for 1 to 3 hours during an outage. A common standard is the 3-hour drain test, which checks the system’s ability to maintain illumination for the full duration.

Emergency lighting provides illumination during power outages or emergencies to ensure safe evacuation. It is legally required in most commercial and public buildings to comply with safety standards such as BS 5266.