LED emergency lighting offers practical safety coverage during mains failure, supporting fire protection plans in residential properties.
Using LEDs for Safer Building Evacuation
In the event of mains power failure, LED emergency lights light evacuation routes to help people leave the premises in good time.
These lights activate without hesitation and deliver even brightness, ensuring clear visibility during emergencies.
Unlike older fittings, LEDs retain colour balance over time, preventing irregular lighting in hallways, stairwells, or emergency paths.
Advantages of Replacing Traditional Emergency Lights with LEDs
Legacy systems often use bulbs that have short lives and consume more power, increasing both energy use.
LED emergency lights last many hours, keeping output consistent with fewer inspections.
Even though these lights typically activate during tests or power cuts, their energy efficiency minimises running costs over time.
Thanks to their compact form, they resist damage, making them appropriate for environments subject to vibration.
Popular LED Emergency Lighting Formats
- Maintained: Remain illuminated under normal and emergency conditions and are used in gathering spaces where constant light is required.
- Non-maintained: Only switch on during outages. These are common in back-of-house spaces.
- Exit signage: Clear, bright signs that guide occupants even in smoke, helping people move safely.
- Bulkheads: Tough, weather-resistant lights for service routes, including exterior staircases.
Meeting Standards for Emergency Lighting
Correct installation and scheduled here inspection are essential to meet safety standards such as BS 5266.
This includes installing lights near fire points and ensuring they light high-risk locations.
Many modern units now include integrated testing, providing early fault alerts and reducing physical checks.
Why LED Emergency Lighting Is a Practical Choice
LED emergency lights offer steady light output, lower upkeep demands, and compatibility with existing fire systems.
These fittings also reduce energy usage, making them suitable for modern buildings 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 certified installer 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, self-monitoring systems help improve reliability, particularly in multi-zone buildings.
- What brightness level is needed for emergency paths?
- Most LED units meet safety regulations for escape route lighting.