How to Choose, Install and Test a Factory Emergency Light

How to Choose, Install and Test a Factory Emergency Light

Whether you’re overseeing a warehouse, operating a medical facility or running a manufacturing plant, proper emergency lighting isn’t just about ticking off a regulatory requirement.factory emergency light It’s about ensuring people can find their way out of danger when visibility is low and panic sets in. This article explores the regulations, codes and standards that govern emergency lighting, along with how to choose, install and test the right fixtures for your location.

LED Emergency Lights

Emergency lights use high-efficiency, long-life, energy-saving light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide illumination during power outages and other emergencies.factory emergency light These lights are available in a variety of styles and mounting types, including wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, recessed, remote head, and wet/cold-location models. They are typically powered by battery backup systems (NiCad, NiMH or Lithium-ion) that are automatically activated when the main power supply is interrupted.

We carry a wide selection of LED emergency lights to suit your needs, from compact bulkhead luminaires for doorways and escape routes to wide-area floodlights for large spaces like warehouses or outdoor areas.factory emergency light You can also find combo emergency luminaires that combine exit signs with emergency lighting for a dual-function solution.

Regulations governing emergency lighting vary from country to country, but all jurisdictions set minimum requirements for building occupant safety.factory emergency light These include NFPA Life Safety Code 101, UL 924 and New York City’s emergency lighting requirements.

NFPA 101 defines the general requirements for emergency lighting, such as how long illumination must be provided to help occupants safely evacuate a building. It requires emergency lighting to be on and illuminated for a minimum of 90 minutes after a loss of main power.

The code states that all defined escape paths must be adequately illuminated to ensure occupants can reach and progress along them. This includes hallways, stairwells, assembly rooms and even open office areas. In addition, it specifies that doors must remain open and unlocked until a fire alarm or similar event is activated.

The UL 924 standard for emergency lights is more specific, dictating the performance requirements and testing protocols that products must meet. It requires that the battery backup system and driver in an emergency light be listed to UL 924, and that it provide illumination that averages 1 ft-candle on floor level along the egress path for at least 90 minutes after a loss of main power.

New York City’s emergency lighting rules require all buildings with more than 3,000 occupants to have a fully tested and compliant emergency lighting system. The rules stipulate that all emergency lights must be inspected at least once per year, and they must have a full discharge test performed annually.

In addition to adhering to federal, state and local regulations, it’s important to follow manufacturer recommendations for maintenance and testing. This helps to avoid damage and extend the life of the batteries, reducing the need for replacements. Most manufacturers recommend monthly functional tests, where the light is manually pressed and verified to work, and an annual full discharge test.

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