Emergency Lighting Fixtures: Types, Standards and How to Choose

Emergency lighting fixtures keep people safe when the lights go out. From exit signs to corridor luminaires, these fixtures are a legal requirement in most commercial and industrial buildings.

Choosing the right emergency lighting products can feel complex, with different fixture types, power systems and standards to consider. This guide explains the essentials.

What Are Emergency Lighting Fixtures?

Emergency lighting fixtures are luminaires designed to operate when the normal power supply fails. They include exit signs, emergency luminaires, and combination units that do both.

Each fixture contains, or is connected to, a backup power source. In self-contained fixtures the battery is built in; in centralized systems the fixture is powered from a central emergency lighting power supply unit.

Main Types of Emergency Lighting Fixtures

Emergency lighting products can be grouped by their role on the escape route:

• Exit signs: internally illuminated signs showing the way out.
• Emergency luminaires: general lighting fixtures that activate on power loss.
• Emergency exit lighting fixtures: dedicated fittings for escape routes and exit doors.
• Bulkhead and weatherproof fittings: for external and industrial areas.
• Maintained and non-maintained versions: always-on or emergency-only operation.

Emergency Lighting Units and Centralized Power

In larger buildings, emergency lighting units are often powered from a central source. The central unit contains the batteries and charging electronics, while the fixtures themselves are simple, low-cost fittings.

Yomin Electric manufactures centralized emergency lighting power supply units in Type A configurations with lead-acid and LiFePO4 battery series. They deliver safe low-voltage DC power to the emergency lighting circuits and switch automatically during a mains failure.

Centralized power brings clear benefits for facility managers: one battery room instead of hundreds of individual batteries, simpler testing, longer service life and easier maintenance.

Standards for Emergency Lighting Fixtures

Emergency lighting products are governed by national and international standards. The most relevant include:

• EN 60598-2-22 / IEC 60598-2-22: requirements for luminaires for emergency lighting.
• EN 1838: lighting applications and emergency lighting performance.
• GB 17945: the Chinese standard for fire emergency lighting and exit sign products.
• NFPA 101: life safety code in North America.

When buying emergency lighting products for export, always confirm which standard applies in the destination market and that the fixtures carry the relevant certification.

LED vs Conventional Emergency Lighting

LED technology has transformed emergency lighting. LED fixtures consume far less power, which means smaller batteries and longer operating times. They also last longer and need less maintenance.

• Lower power consumption extends battery life and operating duration
• Longer service life reduces replacement costs
• Compact designs fit modern interiors
• Instant illumination on power failure

How to Choose Emergency Lighting Fixtures

Follow these steps when selecting emergency lighting products for a project:

1. Identify the escape routes and the illumination level required by the local code.
2. Decide between self-contained fixtures and a centralized emergency lighting system.
3. Check the operating duration requirement (usually 90 minutes or 3 hours).
4. Choose fixtures with the right IP rating for the environment.
5. Verify compliance certificates for the target market.

Frequently Asked Questions about Emergency Lighting Fixtures

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Emergency lighting fixtures are a vital part of building safety. The right combination of fixtures and power supply keeps escape routes lit and occupants safe during an emergency.

• Match the fixture type to its role on the escape route.
• Centralized emergency lighting systems simplify maintenance in large buildings.
• Choose LED fixtures for lower energy use and longer battery life.
• Always verify compliance with the relevant standard.

Yomin Electric supplies centralized emergency lighting power supplies, EPS cabinets and controllers worldwide. Ask our team for a recommendation for your next project.