Maintained Emergency Light Fittings
A maintained emergency light is a luminaire that remains illuminated under normal conditions and continues to function in the event of a power failure. These fittings are widely used in buildings where continuous illumination is necessary for safety or operational reasons.
How Maintained Emergency Lights Work
- Dual Power Source: The fitting operates on mains power under normal conditions and automatically switches to battery power if the mains supply fails.
- Integrated Battery Pack: Most units contain a built-in rechargeable battery that powers the light during emergencies.
- Charge/Monitoring Circuitry: Maintained lights include circuitry to charge the battery and monitor its status. Fault indicators may be present (LEDs or test switches).
Typical duration: 1 or 3 hours in emergency mode, depending on design and compliance needs.
Common Applications
| Location | Why Maintained? |
|---|---|
| Cinemas/Theatres | Audience areas are dark during normal use. |
| Shopping Centres | High public footfall—ensures exits are always visible. |
| Hospitals | Continuous lighting required in corridors and wards. |
| Schools & Colleges | Exit signs and escape routes must be visible at all times. |
| Multi-use Public Spaces | Changing lighting conditions make constant illumination important. |
Common Types of Maintained Emergency Fittings
1. Maintained Bulkhead Light
- Wall or ceiling-mounted unit with diffused lens.
- Often used in corridors or stairwells.
- Some models are IP-rated for outdoor use.
2. Maintained Emergency Exit Sign
- Illuminated pictogram (ISO 7010 compliant).
- Clearly marks escape routes and final exits.
- Can be ceiling-hung, wall-mounted, or recessed.
3. Maintained Twin Spot
- Twin adjustable floodlights for larger areas.
- Typically found in warehouses, plant rooms, or sports halls.
- Offers wide light coverage in both normal and emergency modes.
4. LED Panel Downlights (Maintained Emergency Conversion Kits)
- Standard LED luminaires converted to include emergency function.
- Ideal for integrating emergency lighting into modern architectural designs.
Maintenance Requirements (BS 5266 Compliant)
| Activity | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Inspection | Monthly | Check indicators, casing damage, and battery charge lights. |
| Functional Test | Monthly | Brief test to simulate power failure—ensure fitting remains illuminated. |
| Full Duration Test | Annually | Confirm unit remains operational for full rated time (1 or 3 hours). |
| Battery Replacement | Every 4–5 years* | Depending on battery type and manufacturer recommendations. |
*Note: Some newer lithium or NiMH-based batteries may last longer. Always follow specific manufacturer guidelines.
Common Faults
- Battery degradation or failure to charge.
- LED driver failure (in integrated LED models).
- Lamp failure (in older fluorescent units).
- Dirty diffusers reducing light output.
Advantages of Maintained Fittings
- Constant illumination ensures visibility at all times.
- Can double as part of the building’s general lighting scheme.
- Clearly identifies emergency exits and escape paths.
Disadvantages
- Higher energy consumption due to continuous use.
- More frequent lamp/battery wear compared to non-maintained fittings.
- May require careful planning to avoid visual clutter in design-sensitive areas.