LED safety lights are increasingly used in fire protection due to their ease of care, steady output, and energy-saving operation.
How LED Emergency Lights Support Safer Evacuations
When mains electricity fails, LED emergency lights brighten routes clearly, helping individuals move towards safety without confusion.
Unlike fluorescent alternatives, LEDs start instantly and emit flicker-free light. This is vital during an evacuation when visibility is important.
They also maintain colour integrity throughout their life, avoiding inconsistent lighting in key areas such as stairs.
Benefits of Upgrading to Modern LED Fittings
Older systems using halogen bulbs often need regular upkeep and consume more electricity overall.
LED units can run for tens of thousands of hours with minimal loss, saving money and improving long-term planning.
Even during routine checks, their low consumption helps limit wastage.
Thanks to their non-fragile design, LED lights withstand tough conditions with vibrations, temperature variations, and ongoing testing.
Types of LED Emergency Lights
- Maintained units: Remain on during both normal operation and outages. Suitable for public corridors where constant lighting is required.
- Non-maintained units: Only illuminate during a power cut. Often seen in back rooms where lighting is not always needed.
- Exit signage: LED signs with uniform lighting that stay visible in smoky conditions, directing people quickly to exits.
- Bulkheads: These are weather-resistant fittings for outdoor passageways, designed to resist the elements.
Compliant Installation and Testing Requirements
To ensure proper performance, LED emergency lights must be installed and tested according to BS 5266.
website
This includes placing them near escape routes, and ensuring they cover essential areas such as high-risk sections.
Newer models often come with built-in diagnostics that alert to failures, helping to ease maintenance scheduling.
Practical Gains for Facility Operators and Occupants
Reliable performance supports safe navigation during power loss, while resilience brings value to building owners.
LED systems can be added into existing safety setups with little disruption and support sustainability targets through energy efficiency.
FAQs
- How long do LEDs for emergency use typically operate?
- Most models provide reliable output for several years before component renewal is required.
- Do they need professional installation?
- Yes, a certified installer should fit them in line with BS 5266 to ensure safety and compliance.
- Are older systems compatible with LED units?
- Yes, many LED fittings are compatible with standard fire systems, but check specifications first.
- Is it worth choosing a self-test version?
- Yes, as it reduces inspection effort, especially useful in low-maintenance environments.
- What brightness level should escape routes have?
- Lighting must meet minimum lux standards, and reputable LEDs are factory-set to comply.
more info