The Importance of LED Emergency Lights in Fire Events

When mains electricity fails, LED emergency lights highlight 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 visibility is critical.

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 use more power overall.

LED units can run for extended periods with minimal loss, cutting downtime and improving long-term planning.

Even during battery charging, 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: Operate continuously during both normal operation and outages. Suitable for theatres where constant lighting is required.


• Non-maintained units: Only illuminate 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 hard-wearing fittings for outdoor passageways, designed to resist the elements.

Meeting Safety Standards with Proper Setup

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

This includes placing them near critical zones, and ensuring they cover essential areas such as switchboards.

Newer models often come with automatic self-checking that alert to failures, helping to ease maintenance scheduling.

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 qualified electrician should fit them in line with BS 5266 to ensure safety and compliance.

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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 regulatory lighting levels, and reputable LEDs achieve this automatically.