Types of Emergency Lighting: Which One is Right for Your Building?

In this blog, we will explain all emergency lighting types and help you identify which one is best for your building.

Types of Emergency Lighting

Escape Route Lighting

Escape route lighting is essential in guiding people safely through exit paths, such as corridors and stairways, during an emergency. These are carefully positioned to avoid glare and confusion while highlighting exit signs and fire-fighting equipment.

Depending on the area, these emergency exit lights must be placed at regular intervals (typically every 10-15 meters) to prevent dark spots or obstructions. 

Standby Lighting

Unlike escape route lighting, which directs people to safety, standby lighting is used in spaces that require general lighting for safety but without the need for evacuation-specific illumination. It’s found in public spaces, offices, retail areas, and other areas where people may need to continue their activities after the main power goes out.

Open Area (Anti-Panic) Lighting

Open area lighting is designed for large spaces exceeding 60 square meters, such as shopping malls, airports, and stadiums, where the risk of confusion or disorientation is higher during emergencies. These lights are carefully positioned to provide consistent brightness across the area, minimizing shadows or dark spots that could lead to anxiety or impede movement.

High-Risk Task Area Lighting

High-risk task area lighting ensures that work can continue safely during a power outage in laboratories, emergency rooms, and industrial settings. The lights need to be placed directly above areas where life-saving procedures or critical tasks are performed. If the lighting fails or is inadequate, it can lead to serious mistakes, like errors in surgeries or safety problems in industrial settings. 

Emergency Downlights

These lights are commonly installed in ceilings and positioned to provide focused light, such as over key exits, stairwells, or large rooms with complex layouts. Depending on the lighting requirements, the spacing of emergency downlights ranges from 10 to 15 feet (3 to 5 meters) in corridors and up to 25 feet (8 meters) in large spaces. In high-risk areas like stairwells and doorways, downlights should be placed more frequently, about 4 to 8 feet (1.2 to 2.5 meters) apart. 

Maintained Lighting

Maintained lighting stays on at all times and switches to an emergency power source if there is a power failure. It has a higher level of reliability because it doesn’t depend on an emergency situation to activate.

Exit signs 

Exit signs are designed to clearly indicate the paths to safety during power outages or emergencies. These illuminated signs, typically marked with the word "EXIT," remain visible even in low-light or obstructed conditions, such as heavy smoke during a fire. 

There are several types of exit signs:  

• Standard exit signs provide basic marking for exits.
• Directional exit signs include arrows to point the way to the nearest escape route. 
• Photoluminescent signs glow in the dark without electricity. 
• LED exit signs are popular for their energy efficiency and longevity.
• Combination exit signs integrate emergency lighting.

These exit signs and emergency lights should be installed above every exit door, along escape routes in hallways or passageways, and at intersections where multiple routes converge. In large rooms or open spaces, signs must be visible from a distance of up to 30 meters (98 feet) to ensure clear guidance for occupants.

To comply with fire safety regulations, it is essential to install Chicago approved emergency lighting in all commercial, industrial, and public spaces.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Emergency Lighting 

When selecting emergency exit lights for your building, it's crucial to carefully consider several factors to ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency. Here’s a more detailed look at the key elements you should take into account:

Regulatory Compliance

It’s crucial to ensure your emergency lighting system meets local and international standards like NFPA 101. These regulations define the brightness, duration, and placement requirements to provide safety during emergencies.

Building Type and Usage

The type of building dictates the emergency lighting needs. Hospitals, industrial sites, and offices each require specific lighting solutions to support safe evacuation, ongoing operations, or critical tasks, depending on the building’s purpose.

Power Supply System

Self-contained systems feature individual batteries for each light, ideal for smaller spaces, while central battery systems provide backup power to multiple lights, making them better suited for larger or more complex buildings.

Battery Duration

Choose an emergency lighting type that offers battery backup for 90 minutes to 3 hours, with longer durations needed for critical areas. Make sure the lighting remains operational until power is restored or evacuation is completed.

Energy Efficiency

LED emergency lighting is highly energy-efficient, has a longer lifespan, and requires less maintenance, making it a cost-effective option. These lights provide reliable illumination without consuming excessive power.

Ease of Maintenance

Opt for systems with automatic testing and self-diagnostics, making regular maintenance easier and more efficient. This ensures the lights are always ready to perform when needed and comply with safety regulations.

Environmental Suitability

Consider the environment where the lights will be installed. Waterproof models are necessary for wet areas, and explosion-proof lights are required in industrial settings with hazardous materials.

Aesthetics and Integration

While safety is the priority, the emergency lighting should also blend with the building’s design. Choose outdoor lighting solutions that are both functional and discreet, ensuring they don’t detract from the aesthetic while maintaining effectiveness.

Maintenance Considerations for Emergency Lighting 

• Inspections: Emergency exit lights should be inspected at least once a month to check that they are functioning, free from obstruction, and fully operational. This includes checking the backup power systems like batteries.

• Testing: Perform monthly functional tests and annual full-duration tests. The system should be able to run for at least 90 minutes during these tests.

• Battery Care: Poor battery maintenance can lead to failure during emergencies. Check batteries regularly and replace them every 3-5 years, depending on their condition. 

• Cleaning: Ensure that lights and exit signs are cleaned regularly to maintain their brightness. Dust and dirt can reduce their effectiveness, especially during low-light conditions.

• Record Keeping: Document inspections, tests, and any repairs or upgrades. This will help ensure ongoing compliance and be useful for safety audits.

• Light Source Maintenance: Environmental factors can cause LED lights to lose effectiveness over time, so periodic checks are still essential.

• Cabling and Wiring Checks: Regular inspection of wiring for visible damage, such as fraying, cuts, or loose connections, is crucial to prevent system failure during an emergency. Proper cable management and ensuring that wires are secure can help prevent malfunctions.

Conclusion

When deciding on the best system for your building, remember that it’s not just about installing lights; it’s about creating a safe environment that can support occupants during an emergency. If you’re unsure about which emergency lighting type suits your needs, consulting with our expert can help you make the right choice. For a safe and sustainable lighting solution, consider integrating Maverick LED lighting energy solutions' forward-thinking technologies to meet both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.