How Emergency Exit Lights Work

Emergency exit lighting is a vital part of fire supplies in India. These lights guide people safely out of buildings when electricity fails or during emergencies, such as fire, smoke, or a power outage.

This guide explains how emergency lights work, types like the Prolite emergency light, where to install them, maintenance tips, and why they matter. It is written in simple, natural language.

What Are Emergency Exit Lights?

Emergency exit lights are lighting fixtures placed near exits, staircases, and corridors.
They stay charged under normal conditions and automatically light up if the power cuts out.
This ensures people can see the exit route even in the dark or during smoke-filled emergencies.
These units are an essential part of building safety and fire supplies in India.

How Emergency Exit Lights Work

These lights are hardwired into the building’s electrical system and include an internal battery.

  • Regular power keeps the battery charged.

  • When the mains fails, built-in sensors switch to battery power instantly.

  • LED bulbs or lamps light the exit path for a set time, usually 90 minutes to 3 hours, per BIS standards IS 9583 and IS 10322 

Most units have a test button to check the battery and bulb, all without losing power.

Types of Emergency Exit Lights

Maintained Units

Stay lit at all times—both during normal power and outages.
Good for always-visible exit paths.

Non-Maintained Units

Remain off during normal power and only light up when there is an outage.

Combined Exit Sign + Light

These units show the word “EXIT” and also illuminate the area.
This helps people both see the sign and walk toward exits safely.

Self-Contained vs Central Battery Systems

  • Self-contained: Each unit has its own battery and circuitry easy to install and test in small setups.

  • Central battery: One big battery powers many lights used in larger buildings. This system is monitored via a control panel and is easier to manage overall.

Why These Lights Are Important

  • Provide visibility during blackouts or smoky areas

  • Reduce panic by clearly showing where to go

  • Lower risk of trips, falls, or crowding

  • Required by law and safety codes in India, such as BIS standards IS 9583 and IS 10322.

They work together with fire alarms, sprinklers, and exit signs to make evacuation smooth and safe.

Popular Choice: Prolite Emergency Light

Prolite emergency light is commonly used across India.

  • LED-powered for low energy use

  • Battery backup lasts 3–4 hours

  • Meets BIS standards for emergency lighting

  • Both maintained and non-maintained versions are available

  • Easy surface mounting and durable build

Prolite units are trusted in hotels, offices, apartments, and public buildings.

Installation Guidance

To install properly:

  • Map all exit routes

  • Mount lights above exits, stairs, and corridors

  • Use wall or ceiling brackets as per instructions

  • Ensure they are wired to mains and battery backup circuits

  • Label switches clearly to avoid accidental power off

Hire licensed electricians who understand building regulations and safety standards. Follow BIS and local fire codes.

Testing and Maintenance

Routine checks keep these lights ready:

  • Monthly: Press the test button to ensure the battery and bulb work

  • Yearly: Perform a full 90-minute test under battery mode

  • Clean dust from the lens and housing

  • Replace worn-out parts or dim bulbs

Keep records of tests as evidence for safety audits and inspections.

Where to Use Emergency Exit Lights

Common places in India include:

  • Hotels, malls, offices

  • Schools, colleges, and hospitals

  • Apartment blocks and public buildings

  • Factories and parking structures

Ensure every area where people walk during evacuation has clear lighting and visible signs—even during power loss.

Common Questions (FAQs)

1. How long do emergency exit lights work on a battery?

Standard units operate for at least 90 minutes, and many BIS-approved models—including Prolite—can run up to 3 or 4 hours during power failure.

2. What is a maintained vs non‑maintained emergency light?

  • Maintained lights remain on at all times.

  • Non‑maintained lights stay off under normal power, only activating when power fails.

3. Can emergency lights be replaced or maintained?

Yes. Batteries (usually Ni‑Cd or Ni‑Mh) and bulbs must be regularly checked and replaced if failing.
Monthly testing and annual battery checks help keep them operational when needed

Conclusion

Emergency exit lights are an essential part of any building’s fire safety system. They help guide people to safety when there is a power outage, fire, or other emergency. Whether you’re installing them in an office, apartment, school, or mall, these lights play a vital role in preventing panic and injuries during evacuations. By choosing trusted products like the Prolite emergency light, following BIS standards, and keeping your system well-maintained, you can ensure your building stays prepared for any emergency.

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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