Reliable operation of emergency lighting is crucial for the safe evacuation of people in the event of a power outage. Two key standards for this field are SIST EN 1838:2025, which defines photometric requirements for emergency lighting and SIST EN 50172:2024, which describes the design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems.
In this master's thesis, we analysed and compared the requirements of both standards and examined whether any inconsistencies exist between them that could affect the design and operation of emergency lighting systems in practice. Furthermore, we compared the new and previous versions of each standard to assess how the requirements have evolved over time. The comparison was based on available technical literature, guidelines, national legislation, and practical manuals related to emergency lighting. Additionally, we examined how both standards are linked to Slovenian legislation (ZVPoz, ZVZD-1, TSG-1-001:2019) and the procedures for inspecting emergency lighting systems in accordance with the national regulation.
Our analysis showed that SIST EN 1838:2025 and SIST EN 50172:2024 complement each other. The SIST EN 1838:2025 ensures that lighting conditions during power outages are sufficient for safe evacuation, while the SIST EN 50172:2024 defines requirements for the reliable operation of emergency lighting systems. No inconsistencies were identified, as each standard addresses its specific area. The comparison of the old and new versions of the standards revealed a gradual tightening of requirements. The updated standards place greater emphasis on adapting requirements to the specific needs of individual buildings, as well as integrating advanced technologies, such as adaptive lighting systems and automatic testing systems. Another important addition is the introduction of local emergency lighting concepts and more precise requirements for the illumination of safety signs and specific areas.
The new requirements will impact both designers and building owners, as they demand more precise planning, regular maintenance, and proper documentation. Despite being slightly more demanding, the updated standards bring significant improvements in ensuring safety.
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