Fire Emergency Lighting in India: Choosing the Best Emergency & Exit Lights

In any fire or power failure situation, emergency and exit lights serve as silent lifesavers. These lights provide critical guidance and visibility, ensuring people can find safe exits quickly and calmly. Whether it’s a high-rise office building, a shopping mall, an industrial unit, or a hospital, fire emergency lighting is a non-negotiable part of your safety strategy.

With the growing demand for fire safety compliance and infrastructure development across India, understanding the role of emergency lights—from prolite emergency lights to industrial emergency lights—is more important than ever. 

What Are Emergency and Exit Lights?

Emergency lights automatically turn on when a building’s main power fails. They provide immediate illumination to key areas such as hallways, staircases, exits, and high-risk zones.

Exit lights, on the other hand, are installed above exit doors or at keywayfinding points. They remain lit or become illuminated during power outages to guide people to safety.

Both systems are crucial components of any modern fire emergency lighting plan.

Why Are Emergency Lights Essential for Fire Safety?

Emergency and exit lights are not just helpful—they are legally required in most commercial and industrial buildings. Here’s why they matter:

  • Ensure safe evacuation during fire or blackout

  • Prevent panic by maintaining visibility

  • Guide people to exits quickly and efficiently

  • Support emergency responders in locating individuals and hazards

  • Comply with Indian fire and safety codes

Key Applications for Emergency and Exit Lights

Emergency and exit lights are necessary in:

  • Commercial buildings – offices, retail spaces, malls

  • Industrial facilities – factories, warehouses, refineries

  • Educational institutions – schools, colleges, training centers

  • Healthcare facilities – hospitals, clinics, labs

  • Hospitality and public venues – hotels, airports, cinemas

  • Residential complexes – high-rise apartments and gated communities

Types of Emergency & Exit Lights Available in India

Choosing the right lighting type depends on your building layout, occupancy, and risk assessment. Let’s explore the most widely used models:

1. Standard Emergency Lights

  • Automatic lighting during power outages

  • Dual lamp heads for wide-angle illumination

  • Battery backup of 2–3 hours

  • Wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted options

2. Industrial Emergency Light

  • Built for harsh environments like factories or warehouses

  • Shockproof and waterproof (IP-rated models available)

  • High lumen output for large areas

  • Often includes metal or flame-retardant enclosures

3. Prolite Emergency Light

  • A trusted brand in Indian fire safety lighting

  • Models include LED twin beam, solar-powered, and explosion-proof units

  • BIS-approved and compliant with Indian safety standards

  • Ideal for commercial, industrial, and institutional use

4. Exit Signage and Combo Units

  • Illuminated signs that say “EXIT” or directional arrows

  • May include emergency light heads

  • Available in single-sided and double-sided versions

  • Rechargeable, with power backup batteries

Features to Look for in Fire Emergency Lighting

Not all emergency lights are created equal. Here’s what to consider when choosing one:

  • LED lighting – Energy-efficient and long-lasting

  • Rechargeable battery – Usually NiCd or Li-ion with at least 2 hours of backup

  • Automatic test function – Indicates battery or circuit failure

  • Durability – Especially for industrial environments

  • Compliance – Ensure the product is BIS-certified and meets NBC requirements

Fire Safety Standards for Emergency Lights in India

In India, emergency lighting systems are governed by fire safety standards outlined in:

  • NBC (National Building Code) Part 4 – Fire and Life Safety

  • BIS standards (Bureau of Indian Standards) for electrical safety

  • IS 9583 for general emergency lighting

  • Local Fire Department regulations based on state building codes

Buildings must:

  • Install lights at every exit and directional change

  • Cover escape routes, staircases, and corridors

  • Conduct routine inspections and maintenance

  • Maintain records of battery performance and testing

Installation Best Practices

Proper installation ensures your fire emergency lighting system works when it matters most. Here are key best practices:

  • Place emergency lights every 10–12 meters in escape routes

  • Install exit signs above all exit doors and intersections

  • Use industrial emergency lights for large open spaces

  • Mount lights at a minimum 2-meter height for optimal visibility

  • Test lighting systems monthly and inspect batteries quarterly

Maintenance Tips for Emergency Lighting Systems

Like all fire supplies in India, emergency lights need regular checks. Follow these maintenance steps:

  • Perform monthly function tests by simulating a power failure

  • Conduct full discharge tests at least once a year

  • Clean lenses and check for obstructions

  • Ensure batteries are holding charge and replace every 3–5 years

  • Maintain maintenance logs for compliance checks

Where to Buy Reliable Fire Emergency Lighting in India

Choosing a reputable supplier is essential for both quality and compliance. Some of the top suppliers for fire emergency lighting in India include:

  • Prolite Autoglo Ltd. – Trusted brand with ISI-marked emergency lights

  • Havells India – Offers LED emergency luminaires

  • Syska LED – Budget-friendly LED emergency lights

  • Fire Supplies – Nationwide supplier of firefighting products in India, including lighting, extinguishers, alarms, and signage

Explore the full product range on Fire Supplies to find emergency lighting solutions tailored to your needs.

How to Choose the Right Emergency Light for Your Facility

Here are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing:

  • Environment type: Commercial, residential, or industrial

  • Size of the area: Small rooms vs. large warehouses

  • Backup time needed: Minimum 90 minutes is recommended

  • Ease of maintenance: Battery indicators and test functions

  • Certifications: BIS, CE, RoHS, NBC compliance

Benefits of LED Emergency Lights

LED lights have become the gold standard for emergency applications due to:

  • Lower power consumption

  • Longer lifespan (30,000+ hours)

  • Instant-on response

  • Cool operation

  • Compact and modern designs

Advantages of Using Prolite Emergency Light Systems

Prolite is one of India’s leading emergency light brands and is widely used in:

  • Malls and multiplexes

  • Airports and train stations

  • Data centers and server rooms

  • Corporate buildings and IT parks

  • Industrial units and logistics hubs

Their products are known for:

  • Fast response during outages

  • Easy wall and ceiling mounting

  • Sturdy design for long-term performance

  • Wide coverage with low energy usage

Legal and Safety Risks of Not Installing Emergency Lights

Neglecting emergency lighting can lead to:

  • Panic during evacuations

  • Delayed rescue or exit times

  • Legal penalties for non-compliance with building codes

  • Higher insurance premiums

  • Fatalities or injuries during emergencies

Don’t wait for an inspection or accident. Be proactive with your safety planning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency & Exit Lights

1. Are emergency lights mandatory in commercial buildings in India?

Yes. As per NBC and state fire department guidelines, emergency and exit lighting is mandatory in all commercial buildings, especially high-rise structures, malls, hospitals, and industrial sites.

2. How long should emergency lights stay on during a power cut?

Emergency lights should stay illuminated for a minimum of 90 minutes. Some industrial-grade models can last up to 3–4 hours, depending on the battery capacity.

3. What is the difference between an emergency light and an exit sign?

An emergency light provides illumination in dark areas during power failure, while an exit sign offers clear guidance to exit routes. Many modern units combine both in a single fixture.

Final Thoughts

Emergency and exit lighting is an essential component of every fire safety plan. It’s not just about following codes—it’s about ensuring that people can evacuate safely when seconds count. Whether you're installing lights in a high-rise building, a manufacturing unit, or a public space, investing in reliable, BIS-certified fire emergency lighting pays off in safety, compliance, and peace of mind.

Contact Us

  • 06363497974
  • info@firesupplies.in 
  • 254, 10th B Cross, 29th Main Rd, I Phase, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560078

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