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 switch on without lag and emit flicker-free light. This is necessary during an evacuation when uninterrupted lighting 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 frequent replacements 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 reduce energy usage.

Thanks to their non-fragile design, LED lights resist damage with vibrations, climate shifts, and ongoing testing.

Types of LED Emergency Lights

• 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 office spaces 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 full functionality, LED emergency lights must be installed and tested according to BS 5266.

This includes placing them near critical zones, and ensuring they light up danger spots such as switchboards.

Newer models often come with automatic self-checking that track performance, 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 sustainability targets 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 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 built to fit standard fire systems, but consult your provider first.

Is it worth choosing a self-test version?

For sure, as it automates testing, especially useful in large buildings.

led emergency lighting

What brightness level should escape routes have?

Lighting must meet legally required brightness, and reputable LEDs are factory-set to comply.