The Importance of LED Emergency Lights in Fire Events

When the power goes out, LED emergency lights highlight routes clearly, helping occupants move towards safety without confusion.

Unlike fluorescent alternatives, LEDs switch on without lag and produce stable light. This is necessary during a building exit when uninterrupted lighting is critical.

They also maintain uniform brightness throughout their life, avoiding inconsistent lighting in key areas such as exit zones.

Why Replacing Legacy Emergency Lights with LEDs Makes Sense

Older systems using fluorescent tubes often need frequent replacements 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 solid design, LED lights withstand tough conditions with vibrations, climate shifts, 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 activate during a power cut. Often seen in office spaces where lighting is not always needed.


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


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

Meeting Safety Standards with Proper Setup

To ensure full functionality, LED emergency lights must be installed and tested according to BS 5266.

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 cut manual inspection time.

Practical Gains for Facility Operators and Occupants

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

LED systems can be integrated into existing safety setups with minimal rewiring and support environmental objectives through energy efficiency.

FAQs

How long do LEDs for emergency use typically operate?

Most models provide uninterrupted light 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 built to fit standard fire systems, but confirm wiring compatibility first.

Is it worth choosing a self-test version?

Yes, as it automates testing, 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.