The Importance of LED Emergency Lights in Fire Events

When the power goes out, LED emergency lights illuminate routes clearly, helping occupants move towards safety without confusion.

Unlike fluorescent alternatives, LEDs switch on without lag and produce stable light. This is necessary during a building exit when uninterrupted lighting is critical.

They also maintain uniform brightness throughout their life, avoiding inconsistent lighting in key areas such as exit zones.

Benefits of Upgrading to Modern LED Fittings

Older systems using non-LED technology often need constant maintenance and use more power overall.

LED units can run for long durations with steady performance, cutting downtime and improving long-term planning.

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

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

Types of LED Emergency Lights

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


• Non-maintained units: Only illuminate 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 smoky conditions, directing people quickly to exits.


• Bulkheads: These are weather-resistant fittings for outdoor passageways, designed to last in harsh conditions.

Compliant Installation and Testing Requirements

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 light up danger spots such as plant rooms.

Newer models often come with self-test capabilities that track performance, helping to cut manual inspection time.

Why LED Emergency Lights Are a Smart Choice

Consistent illumination supports safe navigation during power loss, while longer lifespan brings value to building owners.

LED systems can be retrofitted into existing safety setups with minimal rewiring and support environmental objectives 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 licensed contractor 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 confirm wiring compatibility first.

Is it worth choosing a self-test version?

Yes, as it automates testing, especially useful in low-maintenance environments.

What brightness level should escape routes have?

Lighting must meet regulatory lighting levels, and reputable LEDs are factory-set to comply.