The Importance of LED Emergency Lights in Fire Events

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

Unlike fluorescent alternatives, LEDs don’t delay and produce stable light. This is vital during a building exit when clear sight is essential.

They also maintain uniform brightness throughout their life, avoiding dim patches in key areas such as stairs.

Benefits of Upgrading to Modern LED Fittings

Older systems using halogen bulbs often need frequent replacements and are less efficient overall.

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

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

Thanks to their solid design, LED lights withstand tough conditions with vibrations, temperature variations, and ongoing testing.

Which LED Emergency Fitting is Right for the Job?

• Maintained units: Remain on during both normal operation and outages. Suitable for public corridors where constant lighting is required.


• Non-maintained units: Only activate 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 low-light conditions, directing people quickly to exits.


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

Compliant Installation and Testing Requirements

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

This includes placing them near escape routes, 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.

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 retrofitted into existing safety setups with little disruption and support low carbon operations through energy efficiency.

FAQs

How long do LEDs for emergency use typically operate?

Most models provide steady performance for several years before battery or circuit replacement is required.

Do they need professional installation?

Yes, a qualified electrician 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?

Definitely, as it simplifies compliance, especially useful in multi-use facilities.

What brightness level should escape routes have?

Lighting must meet minimum lux standards, and reputable LEDs achieve this automatically.