In 2024, the U.S. had 27 major weather disasters, each causing over $1 billion in damage, as reported by the National Centers for Environmental Information.
Many of these disasters led to power outages.
Without emergency lighting, buildings can become dark and dangerous.
Power failures, fires, and other emergencies can happen anytime.
Without proper lighting, people may struggle to find exits.
In this quick guide, you will learn why emergency lighting matters and the best ways to keep your building safe.
Why Emergency Lighting Matters
Emergency lighting helps people see when the power goes out during a fire or other emergency.
It lights the way so everyone can find exits and stay safe.
Without it, people could panic and get hurt while trying to escape.
Buildings with emergency lighting are safer in unexpected situations.
Lights in hallways, stairways, and exits show people where to go.
This is especially important in places like hospitals, schools, and offices.
Emergency lighting also helps firefighters and rescue teams.
Bright lights make it easier for them to find people and help quickly.
Good lighting can save lives in dangerous situations.
Legal and Compliance Requirements
Laws and safety rules require buildings to have emergency lighting.
Work areas with electrical equipment must be well-lit for evacuation safety.
Following these rules keeps workers safe and avoids legal problems.
Extra lights are not needed if nearby lighting is bright enough.
However, rooms with electrical equipment must have lights that do not turn off automatically.
These lights ensure workers are never left in the dark.
Buildings must check their emergency lights regularly.
If the lights don’t meet safety rules, owners may have to pay fines or fix problems.
Keeping up with inspections prevents legal trouble.
Businesses should also keep records of testing and maintenance.
These records prove that emergency lights work properly.
Good documentation shows a commitment to safety and compliance.
Types of Emergency Lighting Systems
Emergency lights have different jobs during a power outage.
Regular lights won’t work when the power goes out.
Only emergency lights with batteries or generators will work in these scenarios.
Different emergency light systems help people exit buildings safely.
These include exit sign lighting, pathway lights, and backup power sources.
Each one plays a role in guiding people during an emergency, as highlighted below:
- Exit signs: Bright signs that clearly show where to exit
- Pathway lighting: Lights along hallways and stairs to help people see
- Backup power sources: Batteries or generators that keep lights on during an outage
- Self-testing systems: Smart lights that check themselves and alert when there’s a problem
Modern emergency lights are more reliable and use less energy.
Some connect to smart systems that turn them on automatically.
Upgrading to these options improves safety and convenience.
Common Causes of Emergency Lighting Failures
Batteries can wear out and stop emergency lights from working.
Over time, they lose power and need to be replaced.
Regular testing helps ensure they work when needed.
Lack of maintenance is another common issue.
Dust, broken wires, or loose connections can cause lights to fail.
Checking them often helps keep them in good condition.
Some buildings do not test their emergency lights enough.
If a light has a problem, people may not realize it until an emergency like a fire outbreak happens.
Routine testing ensures the lights will work in a crisis.
Weather and temperature can also affect commercial safety lighting.
Heat can drain batteries faster, and moisture can damage electrical parts.
As such, protect the lights from these conditions to keep them reliable.
Key Features of a Reliable Emergency Lighting System
A reliable emergency lighting system turns on right away when the power goes out.
It should have various key features.
These features help lights work well during power failures and here’s an overview of each of them:
- Long battery life: Keeps lights on for a long time during outages
- Automatic activation: Turns on right away when the power goes out
- Energy-efficient LEDs: Use less power and last longer
- Self-diagnostic features: Check for problems and send alerts
Future emergency power lighting will be even smarter and more energy-efficient.
Some systems already send real-time updates on battery life and performance.
These new features make buildings safer and easier to manage.
Adding energy efficiency to a building’s maintenance plan can lower electricity costs without major upgrades.
Smart systems also reduce the need for manual checks.
Be sure to consider this when investing in emergency lighting for your commercial building.
Testing and Maintenance Best Practices
Checking emergency lights often helps prevent problems.
So look for broken parts and test the batteries to keep the system in good shape.
These simple steps ensure the lights work in an emergency.
Lights should be tested to ensure they turn on when needed.
Monthly and yearly tests help confirm that batteries and bulbs are working.
Regular testing should follow safety rules, like the fire code, to prevent failures.
Always clean the lights and replace old parts to help them last longer.
Fixing small issues before they get worse can save time and money.
It’s because well-maintained emergency lighting is more reliable when disaster strikes.
Upgrading to Modern Emergency Lighting Solutions
New emergency lighting systems are safer and easier to use.
Some can test themselves and send alerts when something is wrong.
Therefore, they reduce the need for manual checks and ensure problems are fixed quickly.
Smart systems provide updates on battery life and performance.
Managers can check the status of the lights remotely and get alerts if there’s an issue.
These features help keep buildings safe with less effort.
LED emergency lights use less power and last longer.
They’re a cost-effective upgrade that improves safety.
Switching to modern emergency light systems ensures better protection and lower maintenance costs.
Get Reliable Emergency Lighting for Your Property’s Safety
Emergency lighting helps people see and stay safe during power outages.
It shows the way to exits, prevents accidents, and follows safety rules.
Install and maintain a good system today to keep your building prepared.
If you need emergency lighting for your home or business in Maricopa County, Yavapai County, or White Mountain Lake, we can help.
Certizona Fire & Safety has over 30 years of experience installing, testing, and maintaining dependable lighting when it matters most.
Call us now to schedule an inspection.
Looking for an Emergency Lighting Replacement Company?
Trust Certizona Fire & Safety for expert emergency lighting replacement services throughout Arizona. Our experienced team ensures your lighting systems are up to code and ready to provide safety in any emergency.
Call (623) 227-2092 or request an online quote today!
