The Role of LED Emergency Lights During Power Outages

In the event of mains power failure, LED emergency lights illuminate escape paths to help staff leave the premises in good time.

These lights activate without hesitation and emit steady light, ensuring clear visibility during emergencies.

Unlike older fittings, LEDs retain colour balance over time, preventing dark spots in hallways, stairwells, or emergency paths.

Advantages of Replacing Traditional Emergency Lights with LEDs

Older setups often use bulbs that have short lives and are inefficient, increasing both operating costs.

LED emergency lights last many hours, keeping output stable with reduced service time.

Even though these lights only operate during tests or power cuts, their energy efficiency supports sustainability over time.

Thanks to their resilient design, they withstand tough conditions, making them suitable for environments subject to frequent testing.

Common LED Emergency Fitting Variants

• Maintained: Stay lit at all times and are used in public zones where constant light is required.


• Non-maintained: Activate only when power fails. These are common in warehouses.


• Exit signage: Clear, bright signs that show safe paths even in low visibility, helping people move safely.


• Bulkheads: Tough, weather-resistant lights for external areas, including loading bays.

Installation and Legal Considerations

Correct installation and routine checks are required to website meet safety standards such as BS 5266.

This includes installing lights near escape routes and ensuring they light high-risk locations.

Many modern units now include integrated testing, providing early fault alerts and reducing physical checks.

LED Emergency Lighting for Smarter Fire Planning

LED emergency lights offer steady light output, lower upkeep demands, and compatibility with existing fire systems.

These fittings also reduce energy usage, making them a reasonable upgrade in safety systems.

FAQs

What is the typical lifespan of LED emergency lighting?

Most units last a long time before any updates are needed.

Should they be installed by professionals?

Yes, installation should be handled by a trained contractor to meet British Standards and ensure safety.

Can these lights be added to older systems?

Many LED emergency units support existing infrastructure, but check specifications first.

Is the self-testing option useful?

Yes, built-in checks help improve reliability, particularly in multi-zone buildings.

What brightness level is needed for emergency paths?

Most LED units meet legal illumination thresholds for escape route lighting.