Emergency
Lighting
Ireland

What is Emergency Lighting?

Emergency lighting is a battery-backed lighting system that activates automatically when the normal lighting supply fails. In the event of a power failure, fire or other emergency, emergency lighting illuminates escape routes and exits — enabling people to safely evacuate the building.

Emergency lighting is a legal requirement for all commercial premises in Ireland under the Building Regulations 1997 (Part B — Fire Safety) and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. All emergency lighting systems must be installed and maintained to Irish Standard IS 3217.

Types of Emergency Lighting

• Escape Route Lighting — Illuminates designated escape routes, corridors, stairwells and exit doors to enable safe evacuation
• Open Area (Anti-Panic) Lighting — Provides general illumination in large open areas such as hotel lobbies, retail floors and open-plan offices to reduce panic
• High Risk Task Area Lighting — Provides lighting for areas where dangerous processes or situations may need to be safely shut down before evacuation
• Standby Lighting — Allows normal activities to continue in the event of mains failure — used in hospitals, care homes and other critical environments

Emergency Lighting Testing Requirements (IS 3217)

Under IS 3217, all emergency lighting systems in commercial premises must be tested and maintained at regular intervals. RFC provides all required testing under one annual maintenance contract.

Where is Emergency Lighting Required?

Emergency lighting is required in all commercial premises including:

• All escape routes — corridors, stairwells, exit doors
• Open areas larger than 60m²
• All toilet facilities used by the public or staff
• Motor generator, control and plant rooms
• Areas with high risk machinery or processes
• External areas forming part of an escape route
• Covered car parks
• All areas of hotels, schools, retail premises and care homes