The new updates complement amendments made in 2024 to BS EN 1838:2024 Lighting Applications – Emergency Lighting for Buildings and BS EN 50172:2024 Emergency Escape Lighting Systems.

All the updates aim to enhance safety and compliance, as well as provide clearer, more consistent guidance for the design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems in public and commercial buildings.

Emergency lighting is a vital life-saving measure, guiding occupants to safety during evacuations, power outages, or other emergencies. The revised standards address critical areas including system verification, illuminance requirements, circuit integrity under fire conditions, and documentation protocols, ensuring a higher level of safety and compliance across the built environment.

Mike Smith, Technical Director at ECA, said: “ECA and its Members have made significant contributions to the updated BS 5266, with Member representatives on the British Standards Committee that oversaw the amendments to emergency lighting.

ECA has created platforms for Member involvement in standards development, ensuring that proposals are grounded in industry expertise and practical application. These efforts have led to clearer guidance, improved safety, and more robust compliance frameworks across the sector.”

Key updates across the standards

• Enhanced Guidance and Clarity: The three standards now offer more coherent and accessible guidance, with some documents having doubled in length.
• Emergency Escape Lighting: New lux level requirements apply to the entire width of defined escape routes, not just the centreline. Additional focus for specific areas include toilet and changing rooms, and switchboards associated with the provision of normal and escape lighting within motor generator, control, switch or plant rooms.
• Circuit Integrity in High-Risk Areas: BS 5266 introduces measures requiring emergency luminaires in high-risk areas to be wired from at least two separate circuits. No more than 20 luminaires may be affected by a single circuit fault.
• Verification and Testing: While initial verification protocols remain fundamentally unchanged, the revised standards provide more detail and a structured format.
• Shutdown and Recommissioning Procedures: New recommendations include the requirement for emergency lighting systems be protected from deep discharge during prolonged shutdowns, with clear procedures for safe recommissioning.
• Photometric Performance Verification: All three standards now require five-year verification of system photometric performance to confirm continued compliance with design criteria.
• Documentation and Handover: Handover documentation requirements have been clarified, through the addition of more detail and a better layout.
• Risk Assessment: Continued emphasis throughout the new Standards for a thorough and comprehensive risk assessment to be performed, which forms the basis for emergency lighting design.

These changes are designed to ensure that emergency lighting systems continue to meet evolving safety expectations, with a focus on both initial compliance and the ongoing maintenance of systems throughout the building lifecycle.

Support and further guidance

To assist professionals in navigating these substantial updates, ECA and FSA have produced detailed guidance notes and support resources. FSA Members benefit from access to the ECA technical helpline, extensive documentation, editable certificates, and an emergency lighting logbook template.

Additionally, the newly introduced EAL Level 3 Award offers structured learning for those involved in emergency lighting design, installation, and maintenance in line with the updated standards.

Image courtesy of Unsplash. Photo credit: Haberdoedas.

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The annual event, organised by ICEL (Industry Committee for Emergency Lighting), brought together industry leaders, technical experts, and professionals from across the sector to discuss the issues that matter most in emergency lighting.

Delegates explored pressing topics including regulatory reform, competency in safety-critical industries, sustainability frameworks, and the latest technical standards.

A central theme was the shared responsibility across the industry, from design and installation to maintenance and inspection, to ensure systems are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.

Simon Weston, CBE, delivered a powerful keynote address, sharing his remarkable personal story with lessons on resilience, leadership, and determination asking the audience, “What would you do with 20 seconds?”

Ayca Donaghy, CEO of The LIA, commented: “This year’s Conference has shown the real power of our industry when we pull in the same direction. Through ICEL we’ll keep pushing – strengthening oversight, shaping regulation, and backing competence so that every emergency lighting system protects the people who rely on it. That’s what collaboration is about, and I can’t wait to take it even further in 2026.”

The positive response from attendees reflected the impact and importance of the event:

•  “I’d like to thank LIA for organising such an excellent conference — it was a pleasure to attend,” said Nuno Ovidio, Synergy Building Services

•  “Great event, great people, very knowledgeable group. Very enjoyable and is a great opportunity to meet different members within the lighting industry,” said Alicia Perrin, UL Solutions

•  “Amazing day… well organised from start to finish. The speakers, topics, networking stands, and lunch – loved it all. Worth travelling from Dublin to attend,” said Dan Day, Guardian

Following the success of the 2025 conference, ICEL is delighted to confirm that the event will return in 2026:

•  Date: Thursday 10th September 2026

•  Venue: Cavendish Conference Centre, 22 Duchess Mews, London, W1G 9DT

The ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference has become a key date in the industry calendar, uniting members, experts, and professionals to shape the future of emergency lighting. With presentations, sponsor announcements, and new features to be revealed over the coming year, ICEL strongly encourages delegates to save the date and register early.

The conference is free to attend for the wider industry, with one complimentary ticket allocated per manufacturer.

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After a successful partnering with Glyndebourne in 2022, 2023 and 2024 the ALPD are delighted that this partnership will take place once again in 2026.

A pathway scheme for emerging lighting designers, the Design Lumière Scheme gives the successful candidate valuable experience of working professionally as an assistant lighting designer for six months.  For the first part of their Scheme, the Lumière will be attached to Glyndebourne.  Repertory opera presents unique challenges and opportunities for lighting design due to its demanding schedule, rotating productions, limited rehearsal time and even more limited lighting time. Glyndebourne offers the Lumière the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in this process, whilst working with and learning from a highly experienced team in one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. 

Interspersed with time at Glyndebourne, the Lumière will be matched with a number of established lighting designers; assisting them both nationally and possibly internationally. Alongside this, each Lumière will receive a bespoke package of mentoring and support, a toolkit for how to survive and thrive as a lighting designer: anything from getting an agent and building a portfolio to navigating challenging situations. The Lumière may have the opportunity to take on associate lighting designer roles toward the end of their attachments.

Previous Lumières include: Charlotte Burton, Rachel Cleary, Jason Addison, Alex Musgrave, Ed Saunders and Danny Vavrečka.

Imogen Clarke, our 2024 Design Lumière said, writing in Focus Magazine: “I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity of being Lumière … It was a brilliant eight months and this scheme has really developed my craft and built my confidence.”

Applications are welcome from anyone who has a minimum of one year’s professional experience working in the industry. (The ALPD cannot accept anyone who is currently in full-time education or has just graduated.) 

The ALPD are committed to inclusivity and are actively encouraging applications from those who feel they are currently under-represented in the UK theatre industry. We would also like to encourage applicants who may have moved away from theatre for various reasons and want to return to the industry.  You do not need to be a member of the ALPD to apply for the Design Lumière Scheme.  Applications close at midnight on 12th October.

Further information about the position and how to apply can be found at: https://www.thealpd.org.uk/training/the-alpd-lumière-scheme.

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Anthony Martindale, product manager for Collingwood Lighting, said: “Emergency lighting can save lives. The responsible person for a building is legally responsible for fire safety and if a building needs evacuating then emergency lighting will minimise panic and help get people to a place of safety, especially if there is a power outage.

Our guide will help specifiers and installers advise the building owner on the best design and system for their building based on a risk analysis and their budget.”

The guide explores factors that can influence the specification such as who is likely to be in the building, their age, awareness, and familiarity with the layout, what tasks they may be doing and the type of building.

It goes onto to explore the different technologies and products available and what to select for different applications. The final section deals with designing a compliant system to ensure that it is fit for purpose and helps people get to a place of safety.

Anthony added: “Designing a compliant emergency lighting scheme is not a one stop solution. It is based on a full risk analysis and involves working closely with the building owner or person who is responsible for the occupants’ safety. Quite rightly there is legislation and a number of standards that you need to be aware of.

We all hope that a real emergency never happens in a building that we are responsible for, but if it does the responsible person has a legal duty for the occupants’ safety. A specifier and installer of emergency lighting plays a critical role in helping them achieve this.”

Download a free copy of the guide here.

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ELP’s 30+ year history of innovation and excellence in emergency lighting technology perfectly complements Prime Light Group’s expansive portfolio across LEDs, drivers, control gear, and smart lighting systems. Joining the two businesses together will unlock new opportunities for growth.

The partnership presents a new, stronger proposition to both sets of customers. Combining Prime Light’s full lighting components with ELP’s specialist emergency systems opens a wider, more integrated suite of solutions – as well as a wider, more readily available stock levels.

Service and technical support will also be strengthened by stronger supply-chain reach bolstered by innovation-driven solutions tailored to evolving market needs.

The partnership also offers powerful cross-sell advantages that will super-charge growth opportunities. Both teams will be encouraged to work cross-functionally to propose complementary solutions that can provide enhanced value and bundled efficiencies. For example, both brands see significant commercial potential for emergency lighting with control gear or smart lighting integrations.

Commenting on the acquisition, Sean Hounslow (Prime Light Group CEO) said: “This union is more than just a joining of companies. This is about long-term growth and leveraging our newly strengthened position. The acquisition of Emergency Lighting Products brings a unique opportunity to push boundaries, innovate faster, and serve our customers better through enhanced service, stronger supply chains, and an even deeper commitment to quality. We’re delighted to welcome the ELP team to the Prime Light Group and look forward to delivering even more value to our customers and partners as we grow together.”

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Simon is a British Army veteran renowned for his charity work and remarkable recovery from life-changing injuries sustained during the Falklands War. In 1982, he was aboard the RFA Sir Galahad when it was attacked and destroyed in the Blue Cove Air Attack, suffering burns covered 46% of his body. He has become well-known across the UK and abroad, notably for redefining his role in life, and his message is one of achievement, of triumph in the face of adversity, and of seizing the moment and succeeding.

Connecting with the conference, Simon will be discussing the importance of Emergency Lighting and how a lack of it in his accident impacted him greatly.

In addition to Simon’s keynote speech, throughout the day the programme will cover a wide range of topics relevant to emergency lighting, presented by leading industry experts.

Ayça Donaghy, CEO of The LIA, said: “The ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference is a vital event for those working in the sector to network, develop their knowledge and keep to date with key developments. We’re excited that Simon Weston will be joining us to deliver the keynote speech. Not only are his experiences linked closely to the importance of emergency lighting, he is also a truly inspirational figure that I know all attendees will be waiting to hear from.”

For more information, visit https://www.thelia.org.uk/member-services/events/icel-emergency-lighting-conference.html

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The EIC provides crucial assistance to those within the electrical and energy industries, ensuring support is available whenever individuals or their families face challenges, at any stage of life. By undertaking this challenge, our team aimed to highlight the importance of emergency lighting in maintaining safety and wellbeing.

The challenge itself began at 3am, with participants aiming to reach the summit before sunrise, and before the emergency lighting batteries ran out. Their teamwork was clear as they pushed forward in the darkness, relying on their preparation, keen sense of direction, and the support of their fellow climbers.

We are incredibly proud to announce that we raised £2,170 for the EIC. A huge thank you to Clevertronics and Fox Lux for their generous product donations, which supported The LIA team throughout the night and day. We also want to extend our gratitude to those who attended and completed the challenge with us: Ayça Donaghy, Morgan Thomas, Melissa Duckett, Kyle Lindsay, Jack Anthony, Sarah Ellis, and Dan Griffiths from The LIA, Martin Green from Hochiki, Matt Higgins from Mackwell, Steve Rham, Tom Skevington, and Sophie Jongen from P4, Ellie Warner and Caroline Armstrong from Lux Box, Mark Jones from Fox Lux, and Kevin James from One Lux

Reflecting on the experience, The LIA CEO, Ayça Donaghy, shared “I completely underestimated how debilitating total darkness can be. Even powering up our emergency lighting kit in the absence of any other light was stressful, reinforcing the critical need for compliant emergency lighting to work automatically when needed. The cold, the endurance, and Snowdon’s treacherous terrain pushed us to our limits, but team spirit and the generosity of our sponsors kept us going. A huge thank you to everyone; those who took part, those who donated products, and those who supported the EIC charity with their donations!”

Technical Operations Manager, Dan Griffiths, who organised the experience, added: “This hike tested our limits, but it was a powerful way to demonstrate the significance of emergency lighting. Seeing so many members of our industry come together for a common cause was fantastic. Thank you to all who participated and donated.”

The LIA’s and ICEL’s commitment to emergency lighting doesn’t stop here. Join the industry on Thursday 11th September 2025, at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London for the inaugural ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference 2025. Organised by industry experts ICEL, this event will feature a carefully curated programme covering a wide range of essential topics, presented by leading figures in the sector.

This exclusive gathering will bring together key stakeholders across the entire emergency lighting supply chain, from manufacturers to end-users. Don’t miss the opportunity to take part in this extraordinary event that promises to shape the future of emergency lighting.

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For the third consecutive year, Joanna Watchman, CEO of B Corp-certified agency Content Coms and Founder of Work in Mind, will facilitate the conference. Her expertise in ESG and sustainability communications has been highly praised by attendees in 2023 and 2024, ensuring another engaging and insightful event.

The conference agenda is tailored to a diverse audience, including designers, specifiers, distributors, installers, maintainers, and end-users. Key themes will include:

• Part 1 – Competency in Emergency Lighting: Where are we now?
• Part 2 – Regulatory and Standards Updates: Discussions on BS 5266 and BS 8887-221, their implications, and their impact on lighting design.
• Part 3 – Installation & Maintenance Best Practices: Expert insights on contractors and maintainers in emergency lighting.
• Part 4 – Sustainability in Emergency Lighting: A dedicated session on EPD/LCA/DPP for batteries and energy-efficient solutions.

The event will feature a keynote speaker slot, panel discussions, with a attendance from high-profile organisations such as Laing O’Rourke, MITIE, CBRE, NHS, E.ON, EDF, WSP, Transport for London, BDP, and Sainsbury’s, many of whom attended the 2023 and 2024 conference’s.

Additionally, members from leading industry bodies, including ACE, BAFE, BCA, BCO, ECA, EDA, FIA, IWFM, REF, RICS, and SLL, are invited to attend and contribute to discussions shaping the future of emergency lighting.

Attending the ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference 2025 offers a unique opportunity to stay ahead of the latest regulatory changes and compliance requirements. Delegates will gain valuable insights from industry-leading experts on enhancing emergency lighting design and maintenance while participating in thought-provoking panel discussions on competency schemes and sustainability. The event also provides a platform to connect with professionals and organisations at the forefront of innovation, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing to drive the future of emergency lighting.

The ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference 2025 is the ultimate platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and staying ahead in an evolving industry

To register, please complete the Registration Form here.

For sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, contact icelconference@thelia.org.uk.

Photography credit: Picture Mode.

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The school recently upgraded its outdated exterior and emergency lighting systems, opting for a modern, efficient, and sustainable lighting solution. The project involved replacing metal halide fixtures with RGBW LED uplights and wall lights, alongside the introduction of wireless controls. Fluorescent lights were also retrofitted in key areas, such as the Art Block and Main Hall.

Lighting firm Silent Design was appointed to deliver the project and partnered with connectivity experts Tridonic. Having previously collaborated on several successful projects, the Silent Design team was confident that Tridonic could handle the wireless control components of the upgraded lighting system.

The project also included a comprehensive emergency lighting upgrade, featuring central monitoring and reporting across three buildings via the school’s IT infrastructure. By partnering with Tridonic, Silent Design was able to provide a holistic lighting solution tailored to the diverse needs of Kingston Grammar School—combining emergency lighting, retrofit upgrades, and exterior lighting systems.

Replacing older lighting systems in heritage educational buildings presents unique challenges. Together, Silent Design, Tridonic, and the project’s electrical contractor, Redlands Electrical, delivered an innovative lighting solution that overcame these obstacles. The system integrates seamlessly into the existing infrastructure while meeting modern lighting and safety standards. Wireless controls were implemented to avoid extensive rewiring, and prototype testing ensured that the final design met the school’s requirements.

For the emergency lighting upgrade, Tridonic supplied sceneCOM evo to create a central DALI emergency monitoring and reporting system, seamlessly integrated with the school’s IT infrastructure. EM R2A PRO emergency lights, in recessed, surface, and bulkhead formats, were equipped with basicDIM Wireless G2 wireless modules to ensure effective control and communication across the wireless network, supported by basicDIM Wireless Passive Modules for enhanced connectivity.

In the retrofit upgrade, Tridonic delivered ADV6 LEDs paired with NFC PRE3 LED Drivers, offering efficient lighting performance and flexibility. Tridonic’s basicDIM Wireless G2 Modules provide wireless control across most retrofit lights, while basicDIM Wireless SR Modules power luminaires with integrated PIRs and DALI2 sensors, including 4DPI for wide coverage in the Art Block and 10DPI for high-level installations in the Main Hall. For exterior lighting, Tridonic deployed LC 75 UNV 24V Outdoor LED Drivers and basicDIM Wireless PWM 4-Channel Controls, ensuring robust and reliable performance in outdoor conditions.

This integrated solution has brought significant benefits to the school, including advanced lighting control, increased energy efficiency, and simplified maintenance. Kingston Grammar School now has a reliable, future-proof system that enhances safety, functionality, and sustainability across its campus.

“Tridonic’s comprehensive offering made us the ideal partner for Silent Design on the Kingston Grammar School project,” said James Huntington, OEM Controls & Solutions Manager from Tridonic. “Our sceneCOM evo system provides unrivalled control and extensive data collection, so making this the heart of the school’s lighting system delivers exceptional monitoring and reporting capabilities. The benefits are already being realised by the school’s administration.”

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Curated by ICEL, this conference is the event for emergency lighting professionals, designed to deliver valuable insights and expertise. Attendees will have access to expert speakers addressing critical topics, including; your responsibilities, legislative updates, and future strategies.

Presentations throughout the day will provide actionable knowledge, and the tools to stay ahead of the latest advancements in emergency lighting.

With dedicated networking sessions, the conference is an excellent platform to engage with industry professionals, manufacturers, and other influential stakeholders. Forge partnerships, exchange ideas, and explore business opportunities to drive success in your endeavours.

The 2024 conference was met with incredible praise from attendees:

• “Thank you for an excellent day yesterday. The hard work was evident, and it was a really informative day.” – Victoria Sadler, CPW

• “Well done those at the ICEL conference for Emergency Lighting.” – Brendon Airey, Light Projects

• “A great day with the Lighting Industry Association (The LIA) at the ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference.” – Jamie Brown, Sealite UK

• “Excellent work everyone. Really enjoyed seeing it all ‘come alive.’” – Emma Williams, E Williams Projects

Admission to the ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference 2025 is free of charge, thanks to the generous sponsorship of emergency lighting manufacturers. However, due to high demand and venue capacity, registration does not guarantee attendance. A selection process will ensure a balanced mix of industry representation. Confirmations will be sent in August 2025 to those who register their interest.

To register your interest, complete this form: https://www.thelia.org.uk/member-services/events/icel-emergency-lighting-conference/register-to-attend.html

Exhibitor and sponsorship packages are available for those looking to showcase their latest emergency lighting solutions. To explore these opportunities, please contact icelconference@thelia.org.uk.

Join ICEL at the Cavendish Conference Hall, London, on Thursday, 11^th September 2025, and be part of shaping the future of emergency lighting.

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