Types of Emergency Lighting Systems and Maintenance

Emergency Lighting System

Emergency lighting systems are designed to illuminate areas during power outages, natural disasters, or other emergencies. These systems use multiple light sources, such as candles, flashlights, lamps, and battery-operated equipment, to give you enough light to see your way around and maintain safety. Some emergency lighting systems use battery-operated lighting that can be recharged by hand crank or solar power generators. The type of lighting system you choose depends on several factors, including the volume of electricity in your house, the price tag, and your budget.

The emergency lighting system is broadly divided into two categories: Emergency Escape Lighting and Standby Lighting.

An Introduction to Emergency Escape Lighting

This lighting system enables the user to quickly escape a dangerous situation, such as an intruder or fire. It can be installed in an exit corridor or hallway, stairwell, or elevator shaft. The emergency lights are usually mounted on the ceiling, so they project downward and provide illumination for people who are exiting the building at night.

These systems are fairly easy to install and maintain. They also require no special wiring or additional hardware, just a few essential components supplied by the manufacturer. The light bulbs used in these systems should be high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps or compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) that emit a maximum of 500 lumens per watt. HID lamps provide a brighter light than CFLs while still being energy efficient, lasting up to three times longer than CFLs before replacement is required.

An Introduction to Standby Lighting

Standby lighting is the term used to describe any form of lighting that is designed to function when power is out. Standby lights are often used in emergencies, such as after a power outage or during a power failure.

Standby lighting can be used alone or in conjunction with other forms of emergency lighting. The most common types of standby systems are battery-powered or generator-powered. A battery-powered system will require no additional equipment or wiring, while a generator-powered system requires an electrical outlet and additional equipment (such as a generator).

Key Difference Between Emergency Escape Lighting & Standby Lighting.  

Emergency Lighting System

The difference between emergency escape lighting and standby lighting is that the first is a temporary solution to your problem, while the latter is a permanent solution. The main difference between these two types of lights lies in their purpose. Emergency lights are designed to help people get out of a building in an emergency, while standby lights are intended to help keep your home lit at night.

Emergency Escape Lighting: Emergency lights are used primarily during power failures or other emergencies when finding your way out of a building is necessary. They can be found on the stairways of high-rise buildings, parking garages, and elevators. They are usually activated by pressing any part of the door frame or nearby wall, and they come with a light source that emits bright light for up to 10 seconds before going off automatically.

Standby Lights: Standby lights refer to those installed in homes or other buildings for illumination purposes only. They do not require electricity to operate but instead rely on the presence of electricity from the grid itself (or from solar power). Standby lights can be powered by batteries or solar cells that convert sunlight into energy through photovoltaic technology (PV).

Emergency Escape Lighting Vs., Standby Lights- Which One To Choose?

Emergency Lighting System

Emergency escape lighting is a single light placed on a wall or ceiling to illuminate an exit route. It is located directly above the door and usually provides enough light to help somebody find their way to safety in an emergency.

Standby lights are two or more lights that are turned on when needed. They can be installed in areas with no emergency escapes and will provide illumination for an exit route if needed.

Emergency escape lighting can be used as either a stand-alone system or as part of a larger lighting package that includes standby lights. Suppose you install both types of lighting in the same area. In that case, you’ll have three systems working together to provide illumination for your entire facility: one for an emergency, one for general illumination, and one for auxiliary use (such as task lighting).

Let’s Wind Up

Many people are taking a more proactive approach and contacting qualified electricians to assess their home’s electrical system. Many of these professionals will help the homeowner by advising on improving their electrical system. Furthermore, they will often offer service guarantees. While doing it on your own is not recommended, there are ways for homeowners to check out and make any necessary electrical adjustments. To ensure that your home is ready for any emergency, contact a professional at Resco who can assess and handle your specific needs.




Founded in the year of 2009, RESCO electro mechanical LLC is involves for all the electro mechanical work installation services especially in the life safety and security systems design engineering, supply and installation, test and commission the complete system as per the client requirements.

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