Quick answer
Emergency lighting is legally required in commercial premises, HMOs, and any building where people may need to evacuate safely in a power cut. Standard homes do not require it.
Standard single-family homes do not legally require emergency lighting. However, if you run a business from your home, let rooms to lodgers (making it an HMO), or have a home with unusual layout or long escape routes, an electrician or fire safety assessor may recommend it. Emergency lighting automatically switches on when the mains power fails, illuminating escape routes so people can safely evacuate. If you are converting a property, adding a holiday let, or creating a basement conversion, building control may require emergency lighting as a condition of the work. Always ask your electrician if emergency lighting is required for your specific situation.
Need more detail? Choose a view: