Choosing the Right Emergency Exit Lights: A Buyer's Guide

Imagine a crackling sound followed by plunging darkness. A power outage has struck your building, leaving everyone disoriented and potentially panicked. In such critical situations, having the right emergency exit lights can make a world of difference. These crucial safety fixtures illuminate exits, guiding occupants towards safety during power cuts or other emergencies.

Whether you're a building manager, homeowner, or owner of a business, this comprehensive guide can help you select the ideal emergency exit lights for your requirements. By understanding the types, regulations, and critical factors involved, you can ensure your building is equipped with reliable emergency exist lights that illuminates for safe evacuation in any situation.

Types of Emergency Exit Lights

Emergency exit lights come in various configurations to cater to diverse building layouts. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

Exit Signs

These illuminated emergency exit lights are often signs that feature bold lettering "EXIT" or directional arrows, clearly mark escape routes. They are typically wall-mounted and strategically placed at eye level for maximum visibility.

Wall-Mounted Lights

As the name suggests, these emergency lights are mounted directly on walls, illuminating corridors and hallways during emergencies. They can be either single or double-headed, casting light in one or two directions depending on the layout.

Ceiling-Mounted Lights

Ideal for larger spaces with high ceilings, these emergency lights cast a broader beam to ensure proper illumination throughout the area. They are often used in warehouses, factories, and open-plan offices where wall-mounted lights may need to provide more coverage.

Benefits of LED Emergency Lights

Modern emergency exit lights overwhelmingly utilise LED (Light-Emitting Diode) technology. LEDs offer numerous benefits over traditional incandescent bulbs, making them the preferred choice:

Energy Efficiency

LED lights consume significantly less power compared to incandescent bulbs, reducing your electricity bills in the long run. This eco-friendly aspect makes them a responsible choice for businesses and homeowners alike.

Long Lifespan

LED lights boast a much longer lifespan than traditional bulbs, requiring less frequent replacements. This not only saves money but also minimises maintenance needs, freeing you up for other priorities.

Brighter Illumination

LED lights offer superior brightness and clarity, ensuring better visibility of exit routes even in smoky conditions. This enhanced visibility is crucial for safe evacuation during emergencies where smoke inhalation could pose a severe threat.

Durability

LED lights are known for their robust construction, making them resistant to shocks and vibrations. This is particularly important for emergency exit lights, which need to be reliable and function flawlessly even in unexpected circumstances.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Emergency Exit Lights

Choosing the right emergency exit lights involves several crucial considerations. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Building Regulations

Every building must comply with specific local regulations regarding emergency exit lighting. These regulations typically cover aspects like:

Light Output

Emergency exit lights must provide a minimum level of illumination, measured in lux (lumens per square meter), to clearly guide occupants. This ensures everyone can see the exit paths clearly, even in low-light conditions.

Spacing Requirements

Regulations dictate the maximum distance between emergency exit lights to ensure adequate coverage throughout the evacuation path. This ensures no blind spots exist where occupants might struggle to find their way out.

Visibility

Emergency exit lights need to be clearly visible, even through smoke or dust, and positioned to avoid obstructions like furniture or signage. Local regulations may specify minimum visibility distances and any restrictions on emergency lights placement.

Understanding and adhering to these regulations is crucial. Non-compliant emergency exit lights pose a safety risk and could lead to fines or penalties during building inspections. It's advisable to consult with a qualified electrician or fire safety professional to ensure your chosen emergency lights meet all the necessary local regulations.

Location and Coverage

The placement of emergency exit lights is critical for effective evacuation. Here's what to consider for optimal coverage:

Building Layout

Consider the layout of your building, including hallways, staircases, and exit points. Emergency lights need to be strategically placed to illuminate the entire evacuation path. For complex layouts, consider using a combination of emergency exit signs and wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted lights for comprehensive coverage.

Size of Rooms and Corridors

The length of an area determines the number and type of emergency exit lights needed. Larger spaces with wider corridors may require more powerful lights or additional units to ensure proper illumination and avoid dimly lit areas.

Number of Exits

Ensure each exit has clear and visible signage and lighting to avoid confusion during emergencies. This may involve installing emergency exit lights above each doorway and placing additional wall-mounted lights nearby for enhanced visibility.

Mounting Options

Depending on the location and layout, you can choose from various mounting options. Wall-mounted lights are ideal for corridors and hallways. In contrast, ceiling-mounted lights are suitable for open spaces with high ceilings. Some LED emergency lights even come as combination units that function as both exit signs and emergency lights, offering a space-saving solution for smaller areas.

Power Source and Backup

Emergency exit lights need a reliable power source to function during outages. Here are the two main options, each with its own advantages and considerations:

Self-Contained Battery Packs

These lights have built-in batteries that automatically activate upon a power cut. The batteries typically last for a minimum of 90 minutes. Still, this duration can vary depending on the model and battery capacity. Regular testing and replacement of these batteries are crucial to ensure functionality. Some models come with features like self-testing capabilities and LED indicators to alert you when batteries need attention.

Central Battery Systems

These systems power multiple emergency lights throughout a building from a centralised battery bank. This centralised approach offers advantages like streamlined maintenance and the ability to monitor battery health remotely. However, proper installation and maintenance of the central battery system is required to ensure all connected lights function correctly during emergencies.

Maintenance Needs

Regular maintenance is vital to ensure the proper functioning of your emergency exit lights. Different types may have varying maintenance requirements:

Routine Testing

Regularly test your emergency lights, typically monthly or quarterly, depending on local regulations. This involves simulating a power outage and verifying that the lights illuminate correctly and the batteries function as expected.

Battery Replacement

For emergency lights with self-contained batteries, replace them according to the manufacturer's recommendations or after they reach their expiry date. Failure to replace expired batteries could render the emergency exit lights inoperable during a critical situation.

Cleaning

Regularly clean the emergency exit lights to remove dust or grime that could hinder their effectiveness. Dust build-up can obstruct the light output, reducing visibility during an emergency.

Additional Considerations

Cost

The cost of emergency exit lights varies depending on factors like size, features, power source, and the number of units needed. Consider your budget while prioritising functionality and compliance with regulations. More advanced features like self-testing capabilities or remote monitoring will typically come at a higher cost.

Aesthetics

While safety is paramount, you can choose emergency exit lights that complement the overall design of your building. LED emergency lights come in various configurations and housings. Opt for sleek and modern designs for contemporary spaces, or choose more traditional styles for historical buildings.

Finding the Right LED Emergency Exit Lights Supplier

Once you have a clear understanding of your needs and the factors to consider, it's time to find a reliable supplier for your LED emergency exit lights. Look for a supplier with a good reputation and a wide selection of compliant emergency lights to suit your requirements. 

Here are some additional tips for finding the right supplier:

Product Certifications

Ensure the emergency exit lights you choose are certified by a reputable organisation to meet relevant safety standards. Look for certifications like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or equivalent local certifications.

Warranty

Choose emergency exit lights with a reasonable warranty period to ensure protection against manufacturing defects. A more extended warranty demonstrates the manufacturer's confidence in the product's quality and durability.

Customer Service

Opt for a supplier with a responsive and knowledgeable customer service team to answer any questions you might have and provide support if needed.

Illuminate Safety With Samcom Electronics' LED Emergency Exit Lights

For a wide selection of high-quality, compliant LED emergency exit lights, explore the options offered by Samcom Electronics. Samcom Electronics boasts a comprehensive range of emergency lights, including exit signs, wall-mounted lights, and ceiling-mounted lights, to suit diverse needs and building layouts. Their LED emergency lights are known for their energy efficiency, long lifespans, and superior brightness – perfect for ensuring clear visibility during emergencies.

Samcom Electronics prioritises safety and offers products certified by leading organisations to meet all relevant standards. Additionally, they provide excellent customer service and support to assist you in choosing the right emergency exit lights for your building and ensure proper installation and maintenance. Visit their website or contact them today to discuss your emergency lighting needs and find the perfect solution for your building.

By following this guide and considering the various factors involved, you can make an informed decision when choosing emergency exit lights for your building. Remember, investing in high-quality, compliant LED emergency lights is an investment in the safety of your occupants. During an emergency, proper illumination can guide occupants to safety quickly and efficiently, potentially saving lives.