Emergency lighting is battery powered lighting which will switch on and illuminate when the power is cut from the mains. This is usually for the people inside the building to find their way out of the building in a safe manner. Emergency lighting regulations now exist in the UK which mean all-new larger buildings must have the correct emergency lighting fitted whilst older buildings must retro-fit emergency lighting to ensure the building is as safe as possible.
There are a variety of different types of emergency lights which are available to suit whatever lighting needs you may have. The most traditional type of emergency lighting is the internal and external bulkhead emergency fittings. These usually have a polycarbonate body and tray which houses all the components and most of these will operate for three hours without any mains power and will recharge when the mains power has been restored.
Another very popular type of emergency lighting is the illuminated fire exit signs which light up to show you where the exits are. There are a number of different types of fire signage that can be illuminated using emergency lighting. 
LED emergency lighting is now starting to become very popular thanks to its energy-saving benefits. LED downlights are also a newer addition to the market over the last few years and there is an emergency option available with comes complete with battery pack should the mains power cut. 1-watt and 3-watt version are available producing over 75 lumens of light.
It is also vitally important to replace batteries as soon as they are no longer working correctly.
When looking for the emergency lighting fitting you require, you are likely to come across the terms ‘maintained’ and ‘non-maintained’. These phrases are terminology usually associated with types of emergency lighting products, but what is the difference?
Maintained fittings are ones which can be operated with a lighting controller (such as a switch) and can be left permanently on or can just operate when there is a power cut. Maintained lights are often used where groups of people meet, for example, a cinema. These lights prevent complete darkness and the emergency lights are designed to still work despite a power cut.
Non maintained fittings will not illuminate unless there is a power cut. These types of emergency lights are often powered via a battery which can charge itself through its own power supply.
Both of these types of emergency lights require consistent rigorous testing by a lighting professional to ensure they meet the safety requirements for the buildings they occupy.
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