The importance of emergency lighting for commercial buildings cannot be overstated. In the event of a power outage, such as during a fire or other emergency, these lights play a crucial role in guiding people to safety. The absence of emergency lighting and exit signs can lead to panic and potential injuries. Therefore, it's not just a regulatory requirement, but a key component of a building's safety framework that should ideally function correctly at all times.

The importance of reliable emergency lighting for commercial buildings becomes even more apparent due to the high occupancy levels and complexity of the building layouts. Whether it's an office building, shopping mall, hospital, or industrial facility, a well-designed emergency lighting system can be the difference between a tragedy and a minor incident. These systems, which activate automatically when the main power supply becomes unavailable, provide immediate illumination to critical areas, including exits, stairways, and corridors, ensuring a safe passage for occupants.

There are different kinds of emergency lighting for commercial buildings, each serving different needs. In this web blog, we are going to learn about the various types of emergency lights that are generally used for commercial buildings. We will address exit signs, which identify safe paths of evacuation; backup lights, which provide general illumination during power outages; emergency floodlights that illuminate larger areas; emergency exit path lighting that guides occupants through evacuation routes; and emergency stairwell lighting, which provides safe passage in stairwells.

Understanding the various types of emergency lighting for commercial buildings and their functions empowers building owners/managers to make informed decisions. It can significantly improve their properties' safety and compliance levels. By ensuring these systems are properly installed, regularly maintained, and safety measures are followed, they can enhance the safety of their buildings. Here, we provide details on the different types of emergency lights and their roles in commercial buildings.

5 Types of Emergency Lights for Commercial Buildings

1. Exit Signs

Definition and Purpose: Exit signs are a critical part of emergency evacuation for any building or structure. They're marked exits and help to alleviate confusion and panic.

Types of Exit Signs:

Illuminated Exit Signs: Our signage is powered by electricity, and many have a battery backup to keep them running in a power outage.
Photoluminescent Exit Signs: These signs soak up and retain surrounding light, so they glow in the dark without electricity.
Self-Luminous Exit Signs: They are self-luminous and do not require an external power source to activate them as they contain tritium gas.

Installation Guidelines:

Place exit signs along the path of the exit in addition to doors.
Signs should be placed regularly, and all direction changes within the exit path.
Inspect and service exit signs routinely to ensure they are working correctly.

2. Backup Lights

Definition and Purpose: Backup lights give light during blackouts so that individuals can move around the place safely. Take a look at the different types of backup lights for emergency lighting in commercial buildings:

Types of Backup Lights:

Battery-Operated Backup Lights: These lights run on batteries and switch on automatically in case there is a power outage.
Generator-Powered Backup Lights: The lights are connected to a generator like the one that provides power during an outage.
Solar-Powered Backup Lights: These lights are powered by solar panels that charge batteries, providing a clean and dependable source of emergency lighting.

Maintenance Tips:

Exercise or replace batteries in battery-powered backup lights regularly.
Ensure generators are in good condition and have enough fuel.
Solar panels should be cleaned and serviced regularly to keep them performing at optimum levels.

3. Emergency Floodlights

Definition and Purpose: When significant areas need to be lit up during emergencies, floodlights are used—better known as emergency flood lights.

Types of Emergency Floodlights:

Halogen Floodlights: These energy-efficient lights produce an intense, long-lasting glow.
Portable Floodlights: These lights will emit a bright white light and are most often used outdoors.
Portable: These lights can be repositioned as necessary during an emergency.

Applications:

Emergency flood lights are mainly used in parking lots, halls, staircases, and other common areas in a building.

4. Emergency Exit Path Lighting

Definition and Purpose: In case of an emergency, exit path lighting leads individuals toward exit paths and provides a safe way to exit the building.

Types of Exit Path Lighting:

Floor-Level lighting: These lights are placed along the floor for the guidance of occupants.
Wall-Mounted Lighting: These lights are installed on walls to illuminate exit paths.
Handrail Lighting: These lighting systems are embedded along handrails to illuminate stairways and ramps.

Installation Tips:

Lights on the exit path must regularly be placed along routes of evacuation.
Check testing and maintenance schedule for exit path lighting.

5. Emergency Stairwell Lighting

Definition and Purpose: Emergency stairwell lighting is essential for the safe evacuation of a facility during a fire or other emergency, providing much-needed visibility in stairwells.

Types of Stairwell Lighting:

Continuous Lighting: These luminaries stay on continuously, providing uninterrupted light.
Motion-Activated Lighting: They activate upon motion detection to save energy, providing lighting only when necessary.
Photoluminescent Strips: These strips soak in the light and then give it off in the dark to guide you.

Safety Standards:

Confirm stairwell illumination within standards and building codes.
Always check and service staircase lighting to ensure effective operation.

Contact Gordon Electrical for Emergency Lights for Commercial Buildings in Brisbane

At Gordon Electrical, we believe in the value of good customer service, reliability and honesty, alongside high-quality work at a competitive price. As a family-run business with over 9 years of experience within the domestic and commercial industries, we provide high-quality, reliable emergency lighting for commercial buildings services using technology that challenges the conventions of traditional cleaning and enhances their expertise in the field.

Services Offered:

Emergency Repairs
Rewiring and Check-ups
Security lights and home electronics installation.

A. Customer Satisfaction: All of our services come with a guarantee of 100% satisfaction. We are fully certified and have electricians that are available 24/7.

B. Competitive Pricing: We have top-notch services yet reasonable prices and also offer free estimates.

C. Contact Information: Get in touch with Gordon Electrical for emergency lighting for commercial buildings in Brisbane, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast to get a free quote.

Conclusion

If you're responsible for emergency lighting in a building, knowing what type of emergency lights exist and their purpose will help you make better choices to improve your facility's safety and compliance. Evaluate your current emergency lighting systems and update them to ensure they are working correctly.