How LED Emergency Lights Support Safer Evacuations

When there’s a power cut, LED emergency lights illuminate routes clearly, helping individuals move towards safety without confusion.

Unlike fluorescent alternatives, LEDs don’t delay and give smooth light. This is crucial during an evacuation when uninterrupted lighting is important.

They also maintain colour integrity throughout their life, avoiding inconsistent lighting in key areas such as hallways.

Why Replacing Legacy Emergency Lights with LEDs Makes Sense

Older systems using fluorescent tubes often need constant maintenance and are less efficient overall.

LED units can run for tens of thousands of hours with steady performance, saving money and improving long-term planning.

Even during routine checks, their low consumption helps keep costs manageable.

Thanks to their durable design, LED lights cope well with vibrations, temperature variations, and ongoing testing.

Which LED Emergency Fitting is Right for the Job?

• Maintained units: Stay lit during both normal operation and outages. Suitable for theatres where constant lighting is required.


• Non-maintained units: Only power on during a power cut. Often seen in storage areas where lighting is not always needed.


• Exit signage: LED signs with strong contrast that stay visible in smoky conditions, directing people quickly to exits.


• Bulkheads: These are weather-resistant fittings for external stairs, designed to survive heavy use.

Compliant Installation and Testing Requirements

To ensure proper performance, LED emergency lights must be led emergency lighting installed and tested according to BS 5266.

This includes placing them near exit points, and ensuring they highlight fire control equipment such as plant rooms.

Newer models often come with self-test capabilities that alert to failures, helping to streamline audits.

Why LED Emergency Lights Are a Smart Choice

Reliable performance supports safe navigation during power loss, while resilience brings value to building owners.

LED systems can be retrofitted into existing safety setups with minimal rewiring and support low carbon operations through energy efficiency.

FAQs

How long do LEDs for emergency use typically operate?

Most models provide reliable output for several years before battery or circuit replacement is required.

Do they need professional installation?

Yes, a licensed contractor 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 automates testing, especially useful in large buildings.

What brightness level should escape routes have?

Lighting must meet minimum lux standards, and reputable LEDs are factory-set to comply.