💡 Think You’re Covered? Why Emergency Lighting Without a Lux Test Is a Legal and Safety Gamble
- Ryan O'Toole
- May 6
- 2 min read
At Mech-Elec Building Services, based in Nottingham and serving the East Midlands, we don’t just replace emergency lighting—we engineer compliant, risk-managed systems that work when it matters most.
Too many UK businesses—especially in retail, warehousing, and commercial office spaces—swap out fittings assuming they’ll meet modern standards. No lux testing. No survey. No compliance. It’s like fitting a fire alarm and never checking if it works.
If you're responsible for a building in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester or the surrounding areas, here's what you need to know.
🔍 What Is Lux Testing?
Lux testing (also known as a photometric survey) measures the actual light levels your emergency lighting produces, ensuring:
✅ Minimum 1 lux along escape routes (BS EN 1838 compliant)
✅ 0.5 lux in open anti-panic areas
✅ Even distribution, without blind spots or glare
✅ System functionality despite changes in layout or use
Without this test, your system might not be legally compliant.
🏢 Layout Changes = New Lighting Risks
Shops reconfigure aisles. Offices add partitions. Warehouses expand storage racking.
If your emergency lighting hasn’t been reassessed since the last layout change, there’s a strong chance it’s not doing its job.Assuming compliance is the quickest way to fail a safety audit.
⚖️ The Standards You Must Comply With
Our emergency lighting audits align with the latest UK regulations:
BS 5266-1 – Emergency lighting performance and testing
BS EN 1838 – Minimum lux levels and uniformity
CDM Regulations 2015 – Risk management during design and construction
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – Legal responsibility for fire safety systems
BS EN ISO 7010 – Correct signage placement and design
If you’re not sure your system meets these—you need a survey.
📉 Real-World Example: A Costly Oversight in Nottingham
A high street retail store in Nottingham swapped their old fittings for new LEDs. No lux test. No updated plans. The result?
⚠️ Exit routes were no longer lit to legal standards
❌ Signage didn’t match actual escape routes
💸 CDM breach + Fire Safety Order non-compliance = risk of enforcement, fines, and insurance complications
Fixing it after the fact cost three times more than doing it right the first time.
✅ Our Advice to Building Managers, Contractors, and Shop Owners
📏 Always carry out a photometric survey before replacing or relocating emergency lights
📚 Keep up-to-date building layouts—lighting design relies on accuracy
🧠 Train your teams—know your BS 5266-1 from your BS EN 1838
🔄 Include lighting checks in your ongoing safety and facilities strategy
🧰 How Mech-Elec Building Services Can Help
We offer emergency lighting audits, photometric testing, and full system upgrades across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and beyond.
Whether you're a facilities manager, landlord, or responsible person—we can help you stay compliant, safe, and audit-ready.
📞 Call us on 0115 667 0244
📧 Email: info@mech-elecbuildingservices.co.uk
🌐 Or visit: www.mech-elecbuildingservices.co.uk
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