Emergency Lighting

Emergency Lighting: A Small Guide In a power outage, emergency lighting is what keeps people safe and oriented on the way to exits. It isn’t meant to brighten the whole space, but to clearly illuminate escape routes, identify exits, and help people move without confusion. What is emergency lighting? Emergency lighting comprises luminaires and exit signs designed to operate when the normal mains lighting fails. There are two common modes: - Maintained lighting: emergency lighting is on all the time, providing continuous illumination of both general areas and exits. - Non-maintained lighting: the emergency system only powers up when the mains fail, saving energy during normal operation. How it works Emergency lighting is powered by either: - Individual battery-backed luminaires: each light has a rechargeable battery that kicks in automatically when power is lost. - Central battery systems: a single battery bank supplies power to multiple luminaires through a central control system. When the mains power fails, an automatic switch activates the emergency power, and the lights illuminate for the required duration. That duration varies by jurisdiction, but most systems are designed for long enough to safely guide occupants to an exit (often a few hours). Regular testing ensures batteries, lamps, and electronics remain ready. Key components and features - Exit signs: clearly marked with pictograms and/or text showing the way out. - Escape route lighting: luminaires placed along corridors, stairways, and exits to reveal the path. - Self-contained vs. centrally powered: self-contained units have their own battery; central systems feed many lights from a shared battery. - Automatic controls: sensors and relays switch from mains to emergency power without human intervention. - Maintenance indicators: many units include test and status indicators to simplify checks. Design basics - Coverage: lighting should be arranged so the entire escape route is visible, with fewer shadows and fewer dark spots. - Sign visibility: exit signs should be clear and unobstructed, legible from common approach angles. - Placement: luminaires are positioned to illuminate steps, landings, doorways, and key turning points in the route. - Durability and suitability: fixtures should be rated for the environment (dust, moisture, heat, or vandal resistance as needed). Maintenance and testing - Regular testing is essential. Most codes require monthly functional tests (short checks) and annual or periodic full-duration tests to verify the system can run for its rated time. - Battery health matters. Batteries degrade over time and should be tested and replaced according to manufacturer and code guidelines. - Documentation: keep a log of tests, failures, maintenance, and replacements. This helps with audits and safety reviews. Why it matters - Safety: clear, reliable lighting reduces the risk of trips, falls, and panic during an outage. - Compliance: emergency lighting is a standard requirement in most building codes and safety regulations. - Business continuity: helping occupants evacuate quickly minimizes risk and supports orderly exits. A quick checklist for managers - Do you have a plan that matches your building’s occupancy and exits? - Are all exit signs clearly visible and illuminated in emergencies? - Are maintained or non-maintained systems appropriate for each area? - When was the last functional test, and were any units replaced or serviced? - Is there a maintenance contract or spare parts readily available? In short, emergency lighting is a small but crucial safety feature that keeps pathways visible when the power goes out. With proper design, regular testing, and timely maintenance, it helps protect people and property when it matters most.