subject: What Are The Main Types Of Emergency Lighting And How They Are Used? [print this page] Emergency lights come in many forms and are used to illuminate an area during an emergency or when power goes out in a building. The main forms of emergency lighting are typically those powered by the backup generator of a building, batteries, and even solar power. This type of lighting is often used for a safety light, a standby light, and to illuminate escape routes.
Backup Generator Lights
Many building have a backup generator installed that supplies emergency power. This is often provided by a diesel engine or an engine that is powered by natural gas. Emergency lights are wired to light up if the generator is activated. They are often used to power low-level lighting that allows people inside of a building to find their way out safely.
Batteries and Solar Power
Some types of emergency lights are designed to run off of batteries. When power does out, the batteries in these lights are used to provide temporary power. You can also find other types of lights that will run on solar power. These lights also use a battery, but the batter is being charged by the sun. Batteries for a solar light are kept constantly charged. A flashlight is an example of a LED emergency light requiring a battery.
Safety Lights
This type of lighting is also known as high-risk task lighting. These lights are used to illuminate places or areas in a building that need to be accessed in an emergency. This includes the access to stairwells or hallways that would otherwise be dark if the power went out. Manufacturing plants often have this type of lighting to allow workers to quickly exit a building or to shut down equipment.
Standby Lights
These lights are installed in buildings that have a backup generator. When a power failure occurs, these lights are used to allow critical work to continue. They are often found in hospitals, fire stations, and in other buildings that require continually running services. Standby lights will activate and power on if a power failure occurs or the main power goes out.
Escape Route Lighting
Hallways and paths that are used to evacuate a building will require escape lighting. These will often be LED emergency light that are floor mounted. When power goes out, these lights are used to provide a lighted path to an outside door or exit out of a building. The use of escape lighting is designed to keep a person from getting disoriented. A common area for escape lighting is a movie theatre.
Additional Information
A common type of emergency light is an exit sign that is located over the door for a building. This light is often powered by a battery.
