EVS-EN 1838:2025

EN 1838 specifies the luminous requirements for emergency lighting systems. Emergency lighting for buildings is provided for use when the supply to the normal lighting fails and is therefore powered from a source independent of that supplying the normal lighting. It may provide lighting for both safety and operational tasks.

EN 1838 includes adaptive emergency escape lighting systems and electric emergency lighting installed in premises or locations where such systems are required or needed. These requirements are principally applicable to places where the public or workers have access.

Emergency lighting can be provided by maintained luminaires and safety signs when normal lighting is available. Maintained luminaires and exit and safety signs shall operate when normal lighting is required but fails (Refer to EN 50172 for further details on normal lighting failures).

Adaptive emergency escape lighting (AEEL) is a technique that can be used as a supplement to emergency escape lighting and, when applied to escape routes in addition to emergency escape lighting, can enhance their effectiveness in an emergency. These techniques are included in CEN/TS 17951.