BS EN 1838:2024Lighting applications. Emergency lighting for buildings
 
This European Standard specifies the luminous requirements for emergency escape lighting and standby lighting systems installed in premises or locations where such systems are required. It is principally applicable to locations where the public or workers have access.
 
Who is this standard for?
Lighting engineers
Electrical contractors
Landlords, employers and any individual with responsibility for premises such as hospitals, care homes, hotels, schools, laboratories, theatres, cinemas, concert halls, sports halls, libraries, shops, museums and sports stadia
 
Why should you use this standard?
The overall objective of emergency escape lighting is to enable safe exit from a location in the event of failure of the normal supply. The standard outlines recommendations for appropriate visual conditions and direction finding on all escape routes with a view to reducing panic and to enable safe movement from the building plus assistance with proper shut down procedures.
Use of BS EN 1838 can help save life and unnecessary anxiety and confusion can be alleviated by strategically placed visible signs indicating the way out of a location.
 
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 1838 has been fully revised by experts to bring it up to date with technological developments and industry best practice. Changes include:
Illumination of the points of emphasis has been clarified and improved and external illuminations has been clarified as needing to extend to a place of safety
Illumination of fire alarm call points and first aid posts are now consistent, regardless of location
The colour and style of safety signs is amended to the revised ISO format
A deviations of some countries has been amended
 
EN 1838:2024 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to EN 1838:2013:
— Requirements for emergency escape route lighting have been amended to cover the width of the escape route;
— Greater detail has been included for the requirements for emergency lighting of points of emphasis and specific areas of hazard;
— Considerations for emergency lighting systems during and after a premises lockdown or prolonged periods where power is disconnected have been added as Annex C.
 
This document is read in conjunction with EN 50172.