BS 5266 is the British Standard for emergency lighting systems. It specifies requirements for emergency lighting in buildings to ensure safe evacuation during power failures. Compliance is mandatory for most commercial and public buildings in the UK, including hotels, offices, and public spaces.

Maintained emergency lighting operates continuously (normal and emergency modes), while non-maintained only operates during power failure. Maintained systems are required in areas where emergency lighting must be visible at all times, such as escape routes and open areas.

BS 5266 requires monthly functional tests (brief operation test) and annual full duration tests (full rated duration). Records must be kept of all tests. Daily visual inspections are also recommended to ensure luminaires are not damaged or obscured.

BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) is the UK standard for electrical installations. All electrical work in the UK must comply with these regulations. Only qualified electricians should carry out electrical installation work, and certification is required for new installations.

BS 7671 specifies IP ratings for bathroom zones: Zone 0 (inside bath/shower) requires IP67, Zone 1 (above bath/shower to 2.25m) requires IP44 minimum, Zone 2 (0.6m around bath/shower) requires IP44 minimum. Outside these zones, standard IP20 switches are acceptable.

BS 7671 requires RCD protection for most circuits including socket outlets (up to 32A), lighting circuits, and circuits supplying equipment in bathrooms. Some exceptions apply for specific installations. Always consult a qualified electrician for your specific requirements.

Part P of the Building Regulations covers electrical safety in dwellings. It requires that electrical work in homes is carried out safely and complies with BS 7671. Notifiable work (new circuits, consumer unit replacement, work in bathrooms) requires building control approval or must be done by a registered competent person.

Notifiable work includes: new circuits, consumer unit replacement, new installations in bathrooms, outdoor installations, and work in special locations. Minor work like replacing switches, sockets, or light fittings is not notifiable but must still comply with BS 7671.

CE marking indicates conformity with EU regulations, while UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking indicates conformity with UK regulations. Since Brexit, products placed on the UK market should have UKCA marking, though CE marking is still accepted for some products until 2024.

All our products comply with UK regulations and have appropriate conformity marking (CE or UKCA as applicable). We ensure all products meet UK safety standards and regulations before they are made available for sale.

For outdoor switches in the UK, IP44 is the minimum requirement to protect against rain and splashing. IP65 is recommended for fully exposed locations as it provides complete protection against dust and water jets. Consider your specific location and exposure when selecting IP ratings.

IP65 means the product is dust-tight (6) and protected against water jets (5). The first digit (6) indicates complete protection against dust ingress. The second digit (5) means protection against water projected from a nozzle. IP65 is suitable for most outdoor UK applications.

IP44 provides protection against solid objects larger than 1mm and water splashing from any direction. While this is the minimum for outdoor use, IP65 is recommended for fully exposed locations in the UK where products may face heavy rain, wind-driven rain, or direct water exposure.