What emergency lighting is compulsory in business premises in Spain?

Emergency lighting requirements for business premises

Which emergency lights are compulsory depends on the use of the premises and their occupancy. In premises open to the public (locales de pública concurrencia), such as shops, bars, restaurants, academies, clinics or offices that receive the public, ITC-BT-28 of Spain’s low voltage regulations and the Building Code document DB-SUA 4 require emergency lighting so that, if the power fails, people can get out safely.

Where the fittings go

• Along escape routes, from any point in the premises to the exit.
• Above exits and emergency exits, with their signs.
• At changes of direction and level, such as stairs or ramps.
• Next to electrical switchboards and fire fighting equipment, so they can be used without light.
• In other areas set by the regulations, depending on the type of premises.

How many you need

There is no fixed number: it depends on the floor area, the occupancy and the layout of the routes. It is calculated so there is enough light on the floor of the routes and at the key points for the time required, using the criteria of the 2025 edition of UNE-EN 1838. A lighting study settles it before you buy the fittings.

Maintenance and certificate

• The fittings have batteries, and you must check that they light up and last the required time.
• Many models run automatic self-tests.
• In premises subject to the fire protection regulations (RIPCI), the annual maintenance is evidenced with a certificate.

What it costs

Watch out for inspections

Emergency lighting is one of the items checked at the initial inspection and the periodic inspections of premises open to the public, which are repeated every 5 years. Fittings that do not light up, have no battery or no sign are common defects worth fixing beforehand.

When to call an electrician

Call if you are opening business premises, if your emergency lights fail the test or if you need the annual certificate. In Seville, Spain, we install it as part of the electrics for shops and offices and bars and restaurants.