LED emergency lighting has become widely adopted for its energy-saving features, low maintenance, and stable performance during power failures.
Why LED Emergency Lighting Makes Sense for Fire Systems
If the electricity goes out, strategically installed LED emergency fittings light up evacuation paths, helping occupants exit the premises safely.
Unlike older fluorescent lights, LEDs turn on without delay and offer continuous illumination, which is essential during emergencies.
LEDs also hold their luminous output and colour integrity across their lifespan, preventing lighting variations in areas such as stairwells and corridors.
Reasons to Upgrade to LED Emergency Lights
Many facilities still use outdated emergency lights with non-LED technology, which wear out quickly and consume more power.
LEDs are engineered to last for extended periods, with limited output degradation. This helps property owners schedule maintenance efficiently.
Although emergency fittings operate infrequently, energy consumption during self-checks and recharges still contributes to overheads. LEDs have lower consumption, keeping running expenses lower over time.
Their solid-state design also withstands vibration and routine checks, reducing the risk of failure due to wear and tear.
Main Types of LED Emergency Lighting
- Maintained fittings: Stay illuminated under normal conditions and continue during outages. Used in hospitality areas.
- Non-maintained fittings: Illuminate solely when mains power is lost. Suitable for storage units.
- Exit signs: LED exit signage ensures directional clarity even in dim conditions. These are a requirement in regulated fire safety plans.
- Bulkhead lights: Designed for tough environments, bulkheads are robust and ideal for outdoor stairwells.
Ensuring Quality Installation and Standards Compliance
For maximum effectiveness of LED emergency lights, proper installation and routine testing are required.
Adherence to BS 5266 is recommended to ensure safe coverage near emergency exits, fire points, and plant rooms.
Many LED units now include automated diagnostic functions that check light performance, reducing the manual workload and offering early warnings.
Advantages for Facility Managers & Occupants
LED emergency lighting contributes to reliable safety strategies and lower maintenance needs. Their ease of integration makes them a sensible upgrade.
More efficient operation also supports environmental goals, while consistent performance during mains failure enhances readiness in emergency planning.
FAQs
- How long do LED emergency lights last?
- High-quality LED fittings typically last several years before component servicing is required.
- Do they need specialised installation?
- Yes, a qualified professional should install them in line with BS 5266 to ensure compliance.
- Can they be used with older systems?
- Many LED models are designed to connect to existing wiring and control setups, though compatibility should be confirmed in advance.
- Are self-test fittings worthwhile?
- Yes, they reduce manual testing effort and are particularly useful for sites with smaller teams.
- What brightness is appropriate for escape routes?
- Reputable fittings meet the regulatory thresholds for emergency illumination without the need for manual adjustment.
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