Emergency LED fittings has increased in use for its energy-saving features, low maintenance, and consistent performance during mains outages.
Why LED Emergency Lighting Makes Sense for Fire Systems
When the mains power fails, properly located LED emergency fittings light up evacuation paths, helping occupants evacuate safely.
Unlike older fluorescent lights, LEDs activate immediately and offer continuous illumination, which is essential during emergencies.
LEDs also retain their luminous output and hue consistency across their lifespan, minimising lighting variations in areas such as stairwells and corridors.
Reasons to Upgrade to LED Emergency Lights
Many facilities still use legacy emergency lights with older technology, which require frequent maintenance 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 fragile components.
Main Types of LED Emergency Lighting
- Maintained fittings: Remain on under normal conditions and continue during outages. Used in public venues.
- Non-maintained fittings: Only activate when mains power is lost. Suitable for workplaces.
- Exit signs: LED exit signage ensures clear visibility even in dim conditions. These are a requirement in regulated fire safety plans.
- Bulkhead lights: Designed for tough environments, bulkheads are durable and ideal for service yards.
Installation & Testing for Compliance
To fully benefit from LED emergency lights, proper installation and routine testing are required.
Adherence to BS 5266 is mandatory to ensure appropriate positioning near emergency exits, equipment stations, and hazard areas.
Many LED units now include built-in monitoring functions that report faults, reducing the need for manual testing and improving reliability.
Practical Gains from LED Emergency Lighting
LED emergency lighting contributes to secure evacuation procedures and predictable servicing. Their ease of integration makes them a sensible upgrade.
Lower power consumption also supports environmental goals, while consistent performance during mains failure enhances confidence 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 correct positioning.
- Can they be used with older systems?
- Many LED models are designed to integrate into 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 infrequent inspections.
- What brightness is appropriate for escape routes?
- Reputable fittings meet the required standards for emergency illumination without the need for manual adjustment.
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