When the power goes out or a fire starts, reliable emergency lights can make all the difference. Safe and reliable lighting is essential in a school, office, shopping center or restaurant. However, the vast world of emergency lighting systems can be quite complex, with different categories and seemingly endless regulations.
This article explores the importance of emergency lighting and provides detailed guidance to help you always be prepared for the unexpected.
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What is Emergency lighting?
A group of lamps (luminaires) designed to switch on automatically in the case of a power loss within a structure is known as emergency lighting. Emergency lighting is also known as emergency evacuation lights, backup lighting, and exit signs.
Highly populated buildings such as apartments, shopping malls, movie theaters, etc. are incomplete without proper emergency lighting. All public and commercial buildings must have adequate lighting for safe and rapid evacuation in the event of an emergency from a reputable Emergency Lights Company.
A basic emergency lighting system should include ambient lighting for visibility and properly illuminated emergency exit directional signs at key locations. Non-professional hotels should have emergency safety lights in hallways and an exit sign at the end of the hallway. Additionally, larger buildings must have two or more means of escape, and these designated escape routes must be properly marked with emergency lighting.
Why is emergency lighting needed?
If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “What’s so scary about emergency lighting?” you wouldn’t be the only person.
Emergency lighting increases public safety greatly and is properly regarded as a crucial component of modern civilization. However, relatively few individuals actually appreciate its significance. So, here are three reasons why emergency lights should be installed in your facilities.
1. Disaster risk assessment
Natural catastrophes are an unavoidable aspect of life, and we must plan for and prepare for any possible harm.
Earthquakes, floods, fires, and other natural disasters can be devastating when people become trapped within buildings and are unable to flee. By giving a clear way out of the building, emergency lighting alleviates public anxiety.
Research has shown that investing in an emergency lighting system will ultimately have a positive impact on the economy.
2. Social responsibility of the building owner
Typically, the seller must ensure that its products are safe and will not cause harm to the buyer. In the case of residential apartments, the owner/manager is the seller, and the apartment building is the product.
The owner is responsible for ensuring the safety of the building for occupants and taking into account emergency scenarios. In the US, all large public buildings such as supermarkets, hotels, parking lots, etc. are required to have emergency lighting.
3. Legal requirements for public safety
The judiciary is in charge of enacting and enforcing public-interest legislation and regulations.
Emergency and evacuation lighting is regarded as an essential component of modern building design. Failure to comply with these construction codes is considered a legal infraction.
At best, the building owner will be penalised, and the business will be forced to close until sufficient emergency lighting is provided.
In the worst-case scenario, someone gets hurt during an evacuation and the building does not have proper emergency lighting. The owner will be prosecuted and will be held liable for damages caused to the occupants.
Types of emergency lighting
Emergency lighting luminaires are classified into different categories based on their design, function and application. This categorization aims to reduce consumer confusion. This way you know you are getting the best lighting fixtures for your building.
Central and independent emergency lighting
There are two subtypes of emergency lighting depending on the type of backup power source.
Central battery
Central battery fixtures are conventional fixtures connected to a single high-power battery backup system using special fireproof wiring. The backup power supply is immediately activated when the building experiences a power failure.
Because of their higher energy usage, alternative critical infrastructure buildings such as banks and hospitals employ huge petrol generators rather than batteries. Central battery systems are a tried-and-true method of safeguarding public safety. They also give an easy solution to minimise the duration of emergency lights operation.
When the centre dough runs out of charge, you may quickly replace it. Similarly, generators may be replenished with petrol to ensure ongoing functioning.
Autonomous emergency lighting
Central battery systems are the polar opposite of self-contained or universal emergency lighting fixtures. Each lamp in this collection includes a built-in battery.
When the main power is switched off, the luminaires convert to internal batteries. Because it does not require extra wiring, self-contained emergency lighting is significantly easier to install. In reality, you may add batteries to your current lights by using an emergency lighting conversion kit.
Significant inventory expenses are connected with emergency lighting, much of which is related with expensive fireproof and damage-resistant wiring. As a result, stand-alone lighting devices are perfect for small enterprises that cannot afford the expense of a central battery system, as well as remote facilities that are distributed across considerable distances.
However, maintenance and upkeep of off-grid lighting can be challenging. Every emergency light must have a fully charged battery and undergo regular safety checks. A task that can take a very long time depending on the number of emergency lights installed in the building.
Batteries deteriorate over time, and you should replace the internal batteries of your off-grid lighting fixtures every few years.
Maintained and unmaintained emergency luminaires
Central and independent lighting differ in the source of backup power. Supported and unsupported emergency lighting is differentiated by operating capacity.
Supported emergency lighting
Serviceable lighting fixtures use the same power supply as standard fixtures. However, if there is a power loss, these lamps will automatically switch to backup power and continue to function.
A serviced emergency lighting system is commonly used in public locations such as movies, shopping malls, and restaurants. In addition to emergency lighting, if you’re looking for restaurant lighting solutions, check out our prior article.
Standard practice is that one in five lighting fixtures should be a serviceable emergency light to provide adequate illumination.
Maintenance free emergency lighting
Maintenance-free emergency lights are designed to remain idle during normal building operations and only turn on when a power failure is detected. You may find maintenance-free emergency lighting in offices and other work areas.
Unlike its maintained counterpart, maintenance-free emergency lighting allows buildings to use two different lighting fixtures for a single area. High energy consumption lamps can be used for normal operations, while low energy consumption lamps can be used in emergency situations. The use of secondary low-power units increases the total operating time of the luminaires and reduces the load on the backup power system.
Maintenance-free emergency lighting requires a higher capital investment but provides greater versatility in emergency situations and does not interfere with existing lighting design.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this deep dive into emergency lighting highlights its paramount importance in ensuring public safety during unforeseen events such as power outages or emergencies. As we’ve explored the basics, types, and reasons behind the need for emergency lighting, it’s evident that these systems play a crucial role in disaster risk mitigation and building safety.
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