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Fire & Security Contracts Manager

Meeting Fire Safety Standards: The Requirement for Emergency Lighting

In the UK, the requirement for emergency lighting is not merely a recommendation; it is a legal mandate under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legislation, alongside current building regulations, holds the designated ‘Responsible Person’ legally accountable for the safety of everyone on the premise.

A thorough fire safety risk assessment is the first step in determining your specific needs. The primary goal is to ensure that in the event of an emergency where the normal lighting supply is cut, your emergency lighting is designed to activate instantly. This allows for a calm and orderly emergency evacuation, preventing panic and protecting lives. A professional system designed to meet the standard outlined in BS 5266-1 is the only way to fulfil your legal duty.

Our Commercial Emergency Lighting Installation and Design Services

AJK Services provides a complete, end-to-end service for commercial properties. As your dedicated contractor, we manage every aspect of the process, ensuring each light fitting is perfectly placed and functions flawlessly.

Emergency Lighting Design and Planning

A successful installation starts with an expert emergency lighting design. Our process includes:

  • A thorough site survey to assess your building’s layout and identify all emergency exits and exit routes.
  • Designing the optimal placement for each emergency luminaire to provide the correct light level and illumination.
  • Specifying the correct types of emergency lighting, including emergency escape lighting and standby lighting, to meet the specific risks of your environment. This covers escape route lighting, open-area (anti-panic) lighting, and high risk task area lighting as defined in the official code of practice for the emergency lighting.

Professional Wiring and Installation

Our certified engineers install emergency lighting systems with precision and care. The installation process involves:

  • Safe and compliant wiring of all dedicated emergency lighting circuits.
  • Securely mounting each emergency light fitting, including all necessary safety signs and emergency exit signs.
  • Ensuring the entire system, from the lighting supply to the final emergency fitting, is commissioned and tested to the highest industry standards. We make sure your emergency system is faultless.

Emergency Lighting Testing and Maintenance

Once installed, every system requires monthly functional tests and an annual 3-hour duration test under BS 5266-1 to stay compliant. As a BAFE SP203-4 registered firm, AJK tests and maintains the same systems we install — see our emergency lighting testing service for the full schedule, certificate, and logbook detail.

Your Trusted Contractor for Emergency Lighting Installation

Choosing the right contractor for your fire safety systems is a critical business decision. We are committed to providing a service built on expertise, reliability, and guaranteed compliance.

  • Fully Accredited & Certified: Our engineers are NICEIC approved, ensuring your emergency lighting installation is carried out competently and safely.
  • A Complete End-to-End Solution: We handle everything from the initial risk assessment support to the final certification. You have one expert partner for your entire system.
  • Guaranteed Compliance: We guarantee every system we install meets the strict requirements of BS 5266-1. Your compliance is our primary objective.
  • Minimal Disruption: We meticulously plan every project to minimise disruption to your business operations.

Emergency Lighting Regulations & FAQs

Where is emergency lighting required in a building?

Emergency lighting of premises is legally required in virtually all non-domestic buildings. It is essential for illuminating designated exit routes and emergency exits. It is also required in large open areas to prevent panic and near specific hazards or safety equipment.

What is a non-maintained emergency light fitting?

A non-maintained emergency light fitting is the most common type of lighting for escape routes. It remains switched off during normal conditions and only activates when the main power fails. A maintained fitting, by contrast, is lit during normal use and stays lit during a power outage, often used in public spaces. The choice between them depends on the use of the area.

What are the main types of emergency lighting?

Emergency escape lighting is the overall term for lighting that activates when the main power supply fails. It is subdivided into three types:

  1. Escape route lighting – that part of the system that illuminates routes to fire exits.
  2. Open area / Anti-panic lighting – used in large spaces to prevent panic and guide people towards an escape route.
  3. High-risk task area lighting – ensures dangerous processes can be safely shut down in an emergency.

Separately, standby lighting is a type of system that allows normal activities to continue largely unchanged.

How often does the system need testing?

Once installed, every system needs monthly functional tests and an annual 3-hour duration test to BS 5266-1. See our emergency lighting testing service for the full schedule and what’s recorded on the certificate.

Arrange Your Fire Safety Installation Quote

Don’t leave the safety and emergency preparedness of your building to chance. The cost of a compliant system is an investment in safety. Whether you need a new system or a compliance check, our experts are ready to help. Complete the form below to discuss your needs and get a free, no-obligation quote.

Services

Fire & Security Services

Addressable Fire Detection Systems

From designing and servicing analogue and addressable fire systems, we work extensively with C-Tec, Advanced, and Apollo.

Conventional Fire Detection Systems

Our fire and security service covers the installation and maintenance of standard and complex fire detection systems, including brands like C-Tec and Apollo.

Disabled Refuge Systems

At AJK, we work primarily with C-Tec systems and use specialised services for disabling refuge systems.

Radio Fire Systems

For commercial brands with a focus on the provision and servicing of radio fire systems, AJK works to deliver specific brand systems like EMS.

Emergency Lighting Solutions

At AJK we offer a comprehensive emergency lighting service that includes design, installation, and the ongoing maintenance of 
LED luminaries compliant with BS 5266

Fire System Compliance

Following accreditation guidelines, our work with commercial clients includes ensuring that all fire systems are compliant with BS 5839-1:2017 section 44 standards.

Security System Installation

To keep your commercial building protected from all eventualities, security system installation is a service to cater to specific needs. From design to installation of advanced security systems (access control and CCTV).

Security System Servicing

To ensure that security systems are receiving regular updates, we offer a regular maintenance and servicing of security systems.

Accreditations

Fire & Security accreditations

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SafeContractor

SafeContractor

Awarded accreditation from Safecontractor for its commitment to achieving excellence in health and safety. This leading third party accreditation scheme recognises high standards in health and safety management, where businesses undergo a vetting process examining health and safety procedures and their track record for safe practice.

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Armed Forces Covenant

Armed Forces Covenant

AJK Services Ltd We are proud to commit to uphold the Armed. Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the contribution that Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans and military families make to our organisation, our community and to the country. AJK Services currently holds Silver level

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Constructionline

Constructionline

This organisation pre-qualifies all suppliers to government standards, and maintain relationships with a range of industry, ePurchasing and Government partners to ensure that they remain relevant to procurement professionals within the construction industry.

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ECA

ECA

The Electrical Contractors Association includes electrical installers, manufacturers, distributors and end users. It is dedicated to best practice and efficient, effective and safe working procedures to ensure its members deliver the very best service across a broad spectrum of commissions.

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NICEIC Hazardous Areas

NICEIC Hazardous Areas

The NICEIC is the electrical contracting industry’s independent voluntary body for electrical installation matters throughout the UK. NICEIC has been assessing the technical competence of contractors for over 50 years.

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CompEx

CompEx

The CompEx Scheme is the recognised global solution for validating the competency of staff working in all industries with potentially hazardous and explosive atmospheres.

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NICEIC

NICEIC

The NICEIC is the electrical contracting industry’s independent voluntary body for electrical installation matters throughout the UK. NICEIC has been assessing the technical competence of contractors for over 50 years.

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Gas Safe

Gas Safe

The Gas Safe register is the official list of UK businesses that are qualified and registered to work safely and legally on boilers, cookers, fires and all other gas appliances.

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OFTEC

OFTEC

OFTEC regulates UK engineers and businesses for safe and legal work on oil heating and cooking appliances. Our mechanical engineers are qualified under this scheme for domestic oil heating and cooking.

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Citation ISO

Citation ISO

Citation ISO, formerly known as QMS International, has set the standard for ISO certification since 1993. AJK's accreditation by Citation ISO underscores our dedication to quality, safety, and compliance across our services.

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NSI

NSI

NSI accreditation is a mark of approval for companies that provide security and fire safety services. It demonstrates that the company has met certain standards and is competent in its field.

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FIA

FIA

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) is the UK's leading authority on fire safety standards, formed by the merger of key industry bodies to uphold the highest safety standards. AJK's membership in the FIA highlights our dedication to providing top-tier fire and security solutions that meet the most stringent safety benchmarks.

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BAFE SP203-4 – Emergency Lighting

BAFE SP203-4 – Emergency Lighting

BAFE is a UK-based independent registration body that oversees the competency of fire safety service providers. The organization works to promote best practices in fire safety and to provide customers with the assurance that the companies they work with have met the highest standards in the industry.

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BAFE SP203-1 Fire Safety

BAFE SP203-1 Fire Safety

BAFE is a UK-based independent registration body that oversees the competency of fire safety service providers. The organization works to promote best practices in fire safety and to provide customers with the assurance that the companies they work with have met the highest standards in the industry.

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NICEIC Hazardous Areas

NICEIC Hazardous Areas

The NICEIC is the electrical contracting industry’s independent voluntary body for electrical installation matters throughout the UK. NICEIC has been assessing the technical competence of contractors for over 50 years.

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CompEx

CompEx

The CompEx Scheme is the recognised global solution for validating the competency of staff working in all industries with potentially hazardous and explosive atmospheres.

Know More
Box Link
NICEIC

NICEIC

The NICEIC is the electrical contracting industry’s independent voluntary body for electrical installation matters throughout the UK. NICEIC has been assessing the technical competence of contractors for over 50 years.

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FGAS

FGAS

FGAS certification validates UK businesses for safe, legal work with fluorinated gases and systems, including air conditioning and refrigeration. Our team is certified to manage, install, and service these systems, ensuring environmental compliance and safety.

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Legionella Control Association

Legionella Control Association

As a member of the LCA, AJK provides a range of products and services designed to control legionella bacteria in water systems. We adhere to the LCA Code of Conduct and Service Standards, demonstrating our commitment to helping customers prevent legionellosis and ensure the safety of their water systems.

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Services

Services & Solutions

Electrical Services

Electrical Services

End-to-end, fully accredited solutions to complex electrical challenges.

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Mechanical Services

Mechanical Services

Confidently completing plumbing, maintenance, and heating with skill.

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Fire & Security

Fire & Security

Designing, installing, and maintaining commercial Fire & Security projects.

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Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

From design to installation, we’re the most-trusted in the HVAC trade.

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Water Treatment Services

Water Treatment Services

Comprehensive end-to-end water solutions, from treatment to hygiene.

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