History and Modern Installations
– Emergency lights were initially designed with incandescent light bulbs.
– The early models provided dim lighting during blackouts.
– There was a need for brighter and longer-lasting lights.
– Modern emergency floodlights provide high-lumen, wide-coverage light.
– Some lights use halogen bulbs similar to automobile headlights.
– Emergency lighting is installed in almost every commercial and high occupancy residential building in the United States.
– Lights can consist of incandescent bulbs or clusters of high-intensity LEDs.
– The lights can be rotated and aimed for optimal emergency illumination.
– Modern systems operate with low voltage, usually from 6-12 VDC.
– Batteries are commonly made of lead-calcium and can last for 10 years or more.
Compliance Codes
– New York City requires emergency lights to carry a Calendar Number signifying local approval.
– Chicago requires emergency lighting to have a metal face plate.
– Los Angeles requires additional exit signs to be installed near the floor to mark exits during a fire.
– Strict requirements ensure that emergency lighting provides adequate illumination along the path of egress.
– Emergency lighting can be integrated into the architecture of buildings.
UK Specific Information
– Emergency lights in the UK must undergo monthly and annual tests for compliance.
– Regular maintenance and replacement of batteries and bulbs are necessary.
– Emergency lighting serves the purpose of illuminating escape pathways and locating fire-fighting equipment.
– A yearly assessment of the system is required by British fire safety law.
– Monthly flick-tests are conducted to ensure proper functioning.
Types and Standards
– Maintained luminaires remain illuminated at all times, even during a power failure.
– They are used for emergency exit lighting.
– Sustained or non-maintained luminaires can be switched on and off normally.
– They turn on automatically when the power fails.
– The type of luminaire used depends on the specific application.
– IEC 60598-2-22 Ed. 3.0 specifies the requirements for emergency lighting luminaires.
– IEC 60364-5-56 Ed. 2.0 provides guidelines for the selection and installation of electrical equipment for safety services.
– ISO 30061:2007 specifies the luminous requirements for emergency lighting systems.
– These standards ensure the proper functioning and safety of emergency lighting.
– Compliance with these standards is essential for emergency lighting installations.
Definition, Purpose, and Components of Emergency Lighting
– Emergency lighting refers to a lighting system that activates during power outages or emergencies.
– It is designed to provide illumination and visibility in order to facilitate safe evacuation.
– Emergency lighting is crucial in public spaces, such as buildings, schools, hospitals, and theaters.
– It helps to prevent panic, reduce accidents, and ensure the safety of occupants.
– The purpose of emergency lighting is to guide people towards emergency exits and aid in emergency response.
– Exit signs are a common type of emergency lighting, indicating the location of emergency exits.
– Emergency lights can be battery-powered or connected to a backup power source.
– Some emergency lights are designed to be self-testing, ensuring their functionality at all times.
– Standby lighting systems automatically activate during power failures to provide temporary illumination.
– High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps are often used in emergency lighting due to their long lifespan.
– Various regulations and standards exist to ensure the proper installation and maintenance of emergency lighting.
– In the United States, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides guidelines through NFPA 101: Life Safety Code.
– The International Building Code (IBC) also includes requirements for emergency lighting in buildings.
– Emergency lighting systems should comply with specific illumination levels and uniformity of lighting.
– Regular testing and inspection of emergency lighting systems is necessary to ensure compliance.
– The main components of an emergency lighting system include emergency lights, exit signs, and backup power sources.
– Emergency lights typically consist of LED lamps, which are energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan.
– Exit signs are often equipped with battery backup to remain illuminated during power outages.
– Backup power sources can include batteries, generators, or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems.
– Central control units are used to monitor and control emergency lighting systems in larger buildings.
– Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the reliability and functionality of emergency lighting systems.
– Emergency lights should be inspected periodically for any damage or signs of malfunction.
– Batteries in emergency lights and backup power sources should be tested and replaced as needed.
– Testing should be conducted according to regulations and standards, including duration and frequency.
– Records of maintenance and testing should be kept to demonstrate compliance with regulations. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_light
The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (December 2010) |
An emergency light is a battery-backed lighting device that switches on automatically when a building experiences a power outage.
In the United States, emergency lights are standard in new commercial and high occupancy residential buildings, such as college dormitories, apartments, and hotels. Most building codes in the US require that they be installed in older buildings as well. Incandescent light bulbs were originally used in emergency lights, before fluorescent lights and later light-emitting diodes (LEDs) superseded them in the 21st century.
