Competent Emergency Lighting in Lewes

It's your legal obligation to keep your Emergency Lighting equipment and signage fit for purpose - to illuminate escape routes, highlight hazards and guide occupants to safety when normal lighting fails.

As the county town of East Sussex, Lewes presents unique challenges for Emergency Lighting design. The town's steep streets like Keere Street, medieval buildings with narrow twittens, Georgian houses converted to offices and Victorian factories now housing creative studios all require thoughtful Emergency Lighting that respects historic character whilst ensuring modern compliance.

Because when the lights go out, proper Emergency Lighting can mean the difference between safe evacuation and dangerous chaos.

At Armoury Security + Fire, we've been curing East Sussex's Fire & Security headaches since 1980. From our Eastbourne base, we're just 30 minutes from Lewes, with a track record across 5 decades serving businesses from Hastings to Worthing.

We save you time, money and hassle - now and in the long term too.

Why Lewes Businesses Choose Armoury

Everyone needs reliable Emergency Lighting, but who actually delivers it properly?

Lewes isn't a straightforward town. Historic buildings with complex layouts, multi-level premises built into the hillside and listed properties where cabling must be sympathetic to original fabric all present unique challenges. Your Emergency Lighting system must balance meeting BS 5266-1 requirements (the code of practice for emergency lighting in commercial premises) whilst respecting Lewes's unique character.

That's the kind of care and attention to detail we specialise in. And why businesses across the county choose Armoury for the Family Business Edge. Here's two examples of happy clients:

"We, at Tom Thumb Nursery, have used Armoury for years and years now and I've always been impressed with how quickly they sort any issue. Over the years they've done our fire detection, CCTV, Emergency lighting, FRA, Intruder alarm... They're great!"

Claire Townsend, Tom Thumb Nursery

"I have a small block of flats which we self manage. I rang Armoury to report an issue with our fire alarm - on a Sunday evening! Within 20 minutes Lee was at the property and had it sorted. We also use them for our recently upgraded fire alarm, emergency lighting and intercom."

OH, RTM Director, Apartment Block, East Sussex

We know Lewes. We work with Lewes District Council and understand the challenges of illuminating escape routes in co‑working spaces - for example, those similar to The Hive - as well as restaurants along Cliffe High Street

Certified Emergency Lighting Installation

Emergency Lighting isn't just about sticking a few lights above doors. It requires careful design based on your Fire Risk Assessment and building layout.

Site Survey & Risk Assessment

We start with a thorough site survey of your premises. This involves understanding your building layout, identifying all escape routes, assessing changes in level throughout the property and locating fire-fighting equipment that requires illumination. Each of these factors influences our Emergency Lighting design recommendations.

For Lewes premises built into the hillside, multiple floor levels and complex staircases require particularly careful Emergency Lighting design. Every step must be visible, and every change in direction needs clear illumination to guide occupants safely during evacuation.

We assess whether you need:

• Escape route lighting (corridors, stairs, exits)
• Open area (anti-panic) lighting (large spaces, lobbies)
• High-risk task area lighting (if you have dangerous processes)

Our BAFE-approval (BAFE is the industry accreditation body for fire protection specialists) means our engineers design systems to BS 5266-1 - the British Standard that defines requirements for Emergency Lighting in commercial premises.

Custom System Design for Emergency Lighting in Lewes

Your premises dictate the solution. A Georgian townhouse converted to offices has different needs to a modern retail unit, whilst a restaurant with a basement kitchen requires different coverage to a first-floor creative studio.

We calculate illumination levels for each area based on BS 5266-1 requirements:

• 1 lux minimum (roughly equivalent to moonlight) along escape route centre lines
• 0.5 lux minimum in open areas over 60m²
• Specific illumination at exits, stairs, changes in level

We determine whether non-maintained luminaires (lights that only come on during power failure) or maintained luminaires (lights on continuously) suit your needs and occupancy patterns.

For heritage buildings in Lewes, we consider listed building constraints, sympathetic installation methods and how to achieve compliance without damaging the historic fabric.

Professional Installation

As an NSI Gold accredited company (NSI Gold is the highest National Security Inspectorate accreditation for fire and security companies) our engineers install Emergency Lighting to the best standards and with minimal disruption. We respect your premises, work around your business hours and complete installations efficiently.

All luminaires are positioned for optimal coverage based on your building layout. Escape route signs comply with ISO 7010 standards (the international standard that specifies the green background with white running man symbol you see on modern emergency exit signs). Exit signage is designed to be visible from all positions along escape routes.

For listed buildings, we use surface-mounted systems where conduit installation would damage historic plaster or timbers. Wire routing is sympathetic to the building's character.

Testing, Commissioning & Documentation

Once installed, we test every luminaire to verify it functions correctly. We verify battery duration (3 hours minimum as required by BS 5266-1) and ensure illumination levels meet requirements at all critical points.

You receive:

• Commissioning certificate (BS EN 50172:2024 requirement alongside BS 5266‑1)
• System drawings showing luminaire locations
• Operation and maintenance instructions
• Logbook for recording monthly and annual tests
• Staff training on monthly testing procedures

Our approach is simple, honest and transparent.

Meeting British Standard BS 5266-1

We design and install Emergency Lighting systems to BS 5266-1:2016 - the code of practice that defines requirements for emergency lighting in commercial premises.

This standard is mandated by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Regulations 2010. Compliance with BS 5266-1 demonstrates that you've provided "adequate" Emergency Lighting as legally required.

What BS 5266-1 Requires

Minimum Illumination Levels

Your escape routes must be illuminated to 1 lux minimum along the centre line at floor level. This helps ensure occupants can see the floor surface, identify obstacles and navigate safely during evacuation.

Open areas (lobbies, large offices, warehouses) require 0.5 lux minimum. This prevents panic by providing enough light for occupants to orient themselves and locate escape route signs.

For Lewes premises with steep staircases, proper illumination of each tread is critical for safe descent during evacuation.

3-Hour Battery Duration

Emergency Lighting must operate for 3 hours minimum following mains power failure. This provides adequate time for:

• Building evacuation
• Emergency services to attend
• Occupants to return safely if false alarm
• Premises securing after hours

A 1-hour duration is only acceptable if the building can be evacuated immediately and not re-occupied until batteries fully recharge.

Specific Location Requirements

BS 5266-1 mandates Emergency Lighting at:

• Near each exit door intended for emergency use
• Near stairs - so each flight receives direct light
• At every change in floor level
• At every change in direction along escape routes
• Near fire-fighting equipment (extinguishers, hose reels, alarm call points)
• Near first aid points
• Outside and near each final exit
• At changes in floor surface or construction

Testing Requirements

The standard requires:

• Monthly functional test: Checking all luminaires illuminate when test button pressed (15 minutes duration)
• Annual duration test: Full 3-hour battery test to verify capacity
• Logbook records: Documentation of all tests and maintenance

We can conduct annual tests for you, or train your staff to perform monthly tests.

Why BS 5266-1 Matters for Your Business

Compliance with BS 5266-1 isn't just about avoiding prosecution. It provides:

• Regulatory defence: Demonstrable compliance with fire safety legislation
• Insurance satisfaction: Documentation that satisfies insurer requirements
• Occupant safety: Confidence that your Emergency Lighting actually works when needed
• Professional standard: Design and installation based on engineering principles, not guesswork

We explain exactly how BS 5266-1 applies to your specific premises. No jargon, no confusion - just clear guidance on what you need.

Planned Maintenance for Emergency Lighting in Lewes

Installation is just the beginning. Regular testing and maintenance keeps your Emergency Lighting reliable when you need it most.

Why Maintenance Matters

Emergency Lighting sits dormant most of the time. Batteries can fail, bulbs can burn out, and you won't know until monthly testing - or worse, during a real emergency. Regular professional maintenance identifies problems before they become critical failures.

What Our Maintenance Contracts Include

Annual Duration Test (3 hours)

We conduct the full 3-hour battery duration test required by BS 5266-1. This involves disconnecting mains power and monitoring each luminaire throughout the entire test period. We identify batteries nearing end-of-life before they fail completely.

Comprehensive System Check

During annual visits, we:

• Test every luminaire and emergency exit sign
• Check battery condition and charging circuits
• Verify illumination levels at critical points
• Inspect physical condition of fittings and signs
• Clean luminaires and replace failed lamps
• Test central battery systems (if applicable)

Certification and Documentation

After each visit, you receive:

• Test certificates proving compliance
• Updated logbook entries
• Recommendations for any remedial work
• Battery replacement schedule

This documentation satisfies fire authority inspections and insurance audits.

Priority Call-Out Service

Between annual tests, if you experience problems with Emergency Lighting, maintenance contract customers receive priority response. We're just 30 minutes from Lewes, so urgent repairs happen quickly - 01323 725190.

Monthly Testing (You Can Do This)

BS 5266-1 requires monthly functional testing, which can be conducted by a competent person within your organisation. We train your designated staff during system handover, showing them exactly what to check.

Monthly testing takes 10-15 minutes and involves pressing the test button on each luminaire to verify it illuminates for the required duration. If any lights fail to come on, you call us for investigation and repair.

Maintenance Contracts

We work within your budget to provide cost-effective Emergency Lighting maintenance without compromising quality. Annual maintenance contracts are tailored to your premises size and system complexity.

Expect fixed-price contracts with no hidden charges, so you know exactly what you're paying each year. Contact us for a free assessment and quotation.

Why Local Knowledge Matters

We're not a faceless national company. We're based in Eastbourne, we've served East Sussex since 1980. Safe to say we know the area, the buildings and the businesses.

Understanding Lewes Challenges

Lewes has distinctive characteristics that impact Emergency Lighting design:

• Steep topography: Buildings built into hillsides with multiple levels accessed by internal stairs. Each level change requires specific illumination.
• Historic character: Listed buildings with conservation constraints. Emergency Lighting must meet modern standards without damaging historic fabric.
• Medieval street pattern: Narrow twittens connecting different street levels. Complex escape routes requiring careful signage placement.
• Mixed-use developments: Victorian factories converted to offices and studios. Heritage structures with modern fire safety requirements.
• County town significance: Public buildings, County Council offices, courts. High occupancy premises requiring robust Emergency Lighting.
• Independent businesses: Local retailers and hospitality venues where customer safety during evacuation is paramount.

Why Local Matters

When you call a national company, you speak to a call centre that dispatches the cheapest available contractor. They don't know Lewes and they've never worked there.

When you call Armoury, you speak to our Eastbourne team. We know Lewes's buildings, we understand the challenges of listed premises on steep streets and we've worked with Lewes businesses for decades.

Our engineers can be with you in 30 minutes, not half a day. That's what local knowledge delivers - we call this the Family Business Edge.

Legal Requirements and Responsible Person Obligations

As the Responsible Person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, you must provide adequate Emergency Lighting based on your Fire Risk Assessment.

Your Legal Obligations

You must:

• Assess Emergency Lighting needs - Based on building layout, occupancy and fire risks
• Provide adequate Emergency Lighting - Meeting BS 5266-1 requirements
• Test systems regularly - Monthly functional tests, annual duration tests
• Maintain equipment - Replace failed luminaires promptly, keep batteries charged
• Keep records - Logbook of all tests, maintenance and defects
• Train staff - On evacuation procedures and testing requirements

Failure to comply can result in prosecution, prohibition notices (closure), or unlimited fines.

How Armoury Helps You Stay Compliant

We take the complexity out of Emergency Lighting compliance:

• Professional design: Systems designed to BS 5266-1 ensuring adequate coverage and illumination levels.
• Full certification: Documentation proving compliance after installation and each maintenance visit.
• Staff training: We train your designated persons on monthly testing procedures during system handover.
• Logbook provision: We supply logbooks and show you how to record tests and maintain compliance records.
• Annual testing service: We conduct the 3-hour duration test and provide certification.
• Ongoing support: As standards evolve, we keep you informed and help ensure your system remains compliant.

You focus on running your business whilst we handle the Emergency Lighting headaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Emergency Lighting installation cost?

Every premises is different, so costs vary based on building size, number of luminaires required and system complexity.

We offer free, no-obligation site surveys. We'll assess your requirements, explain your options and provide a detailed quotation with no hidden charges. Our approach is simple, honest and transparent.

Can we test Emergency Lighting ourselves?

Yes - monthly functional testing can be conducted by a "competent person" within your organisation. This is someone with adequate training and understanding of the system.

We train your designated staff during system handover. Monthly tests take 10-15 minutes and involve simply pressing the test button and checking all lights illuminate.

However, the annual 3-hour duration test should be conducted by a qualified engineer who can identify developing problems and certify the system.

What happens if we don't test Emergency Lighting?

Failure to test Emergency Lighting regularly is a breach of fire safety regulations. Consequences include:

• Prosecution by fire authorities (unlimited fines)
• Prohibition notices (forced closure until compliant)
• Possible invalidated insurance (claims refused after incidents)
• Increased liability if occupants are injured during evacuation
• Systems that may fail during real emergencies

Regular testing isn't optional - it's a legal requirement.

How long do Emergency Lighting batteries last?

Emergency Lighting batteries typically last 4-5 years with proper maintenance. Annual duration tests identify batteries nearing end-of-life before they fail completely.

We monitor battery performance during annual tests and recommend replacement when capacity drops below acceptable levels. This prevents unexpected failures during real emergencies.

Replacing batteries proactively costs less than emergency call-outs when systems fail during monthly testing.

Do listed buildings need Emergency Lighting?

Yes. All commercial premises need adequate Emergency Lighting regardless of listed status.

However, installation methods must be sympathetic to historic fabric. We work with conservation officers, use discrete luminaires and minimize impact on original features.

Listed building status doesn't exempt you from fire safety requirements - it just means more careful implementation.

Can you upgrade our existing Emergency Lighting?

Yes! If your existing system is outdated, inadequate or failing, we can upgrade or replace it.

We'll inspect the current installation, identify deficiencies and provide quotations for:

• Additional luminaires to meet current standards
• Battery replacements across the system
• Modern LED luminaires (more efficient, longer lasting)
• Self-testing systems to reduce maintenance burden
• Complete system replacement if more cost-effective

Many Lewes businesses have upgraded to Armoury after poor service from previous contractors.

Ready to Get Started?

For reliable Emergency Lighting with the Family Business Edge...

Let's talk. Call us: 01323 725190

Or fill out the form to send us your enquiry. We'll get back to you ASAP!

Why you'll love working with Armoury Security + Fire:

Long track record: Serving East Sussex businesses across 5 decades. Since 1980.

A personal touch: Friendly and knowledgeable from your first contact. The same engineers who know your premises.

Professional & accredited: NSI Gold. BAFE approved. The only company in Eastbourne with both accreditations.

Local response: From Eastbourne to Lewes in 30 minutes. Fast emergency repairs when you need them.

You save: Time, money and hassle now and over time. That's the Family Business Edge.