Imagine what happens when power goes out in a large
building. Everything turns dark depending on the time of the day. People begin
to feel nervous. Some might even panic. In this moment, emergency exit lights
become more than just signs. They become the guide out of the dark.
These lights are not fancy or flashy. They are simple. But
they do an important job. They help people find the way out when it matters
most. Whether in an office, a school, a shopping mall, or an apartment
building, emergency exit lights play a key role in safety.
Emergency exit lights are lights that stay on when the main
power goes out. They show the way to the nearest exit. You will often see them
above doors or in hallways. They usually have a green or red "EXIT"
sign. Some also have arrows pointing toward the path you should take.
These lights do not run on the building’s main power all the
time. They have a backup power source—usually a battery. This battery charges
while the power is on. When the power cuts off, the battery keeps the light
working for a set time, often about 90 minutes.
In an emergency, people must leave a building quickly and
safely. Fires, gas leaks, power failures, or other problems can happen without
warning. When that happens, the building might turn dark. Thick smoke can make
it even harder to see. Emergency exit lights give people a clear path to
follow. They help prevent panic. They guide people out fast.
In many places, the law says public buildings must have
emergency exit lights. Safety codes require them. This is because they save
lives.
Emergency exit lights are not complex. They usually have a
few key parts:
1. The light itself: This may be an LED bulb. LEDs are
bright, use less power, and last longer than older types of bulbs.
2. A battery: This powers the light when the building loses
power.
3. A charger: This keeps the battery full when power is
available.
4. A test button: This allows someone to check if the light
and battery are working.
When everything works right, the light turns on during a
power cut. Some lights turn on fully only during an emergency. Others stay on
all the time, even when power is normal.
There are a few different kinds of emergency lights. Knowing
the types can help you pick the right one for your home or business.
- Maintained lights: These lights stay on all the time.
They use the main power during normal use and switch to the battery during an
outage.
- Non-maintained lights: These only turn on when the power
fails. They stay off the rest of the time.
- Combined units: These have two lights in one. One is for
daily use. The other is for emergencies.
- Signs with arrows: These show the direction of the
nearest exit. This helps in large or complex buildings.
Proper placement of emergency lights is just as important as
having them. You need to place them where people can see them easily during an
emergency.
Common places include:
- Above all exit doors
- Along escape routes
- Near stairs or ramps
- In long hallways
- At points where the route changes direction
- At floor level if smoke is likely to rise
The goal is to make sure someone can always see the next
sign from wherever they are.
Emergency exit lights need care to keep working. A broken
light during an emergency is useless. Here are some simple ways to keep them in
good shape:
- Monthly checks: Press the test button once a month. Make
sure the light turns on and stays on.
- Yearly test: Once a year, run a full test. Turn off the
power and see if the light works for the full time (often 90 minutes).
- Replace batteries: If the light does not stay on during
the test, the battery may be weak. Replace it.
- Clean them: Dust and dirt can block the light. Wipe them
clean often.
It is a good idea to keep a log of your tests. This helps
you know when to fix or replace a light. It may also be required by local
rules.
Sometimes, emergency lights fail. Here are a few common
problems:
- Battery not charging: This could be due to a dead battery
or a faulty charger.
- Bulb burned out: If the bulb is out, the whole unit may
seem broken.
- Loose wires: If connections inside the unit are loose, it
may not work right.
- Power supply issues: If the light does not switch on
during a power cut, the power circuit might be the problem.
A licensed electrician can help fix these issues. Do not try
to repair lights if you are unsure how. Safety comes first.
Most countries have safety rules for emergency lights. These
rules tell you where to place lights, how long they should stay on, and how
often to test them. Building owners must follow these rules.
In some places, fire inspectors check the lights during
regular visits. If your lights do not meet the code, you may get a fine or
warning. More important, you may be putting people at risk.
Emergency exit lights do not grab much attention. Most
people walk by them without a second thought. But when the lights go out and
the room goes dark, they become one of the most important parts of the
building.
These lights guide people to safety. They help reduce fear
and confusion. They save lives.
Every building owner, manager, or safety officer should
understand how they work. Keep them clean, test them often, and replace parts
as needed. You never know when they might be needed.
Emergency exit lights may be simple. But their role is
clear. They are the path out when it matters most.
