How Do Emergency Lights Work?

Emergency lights are a type of lighting system that are designed to provide illumination in the event of a power failure. They are typically installed in buildings such as offices, schools, hospitals, and other public buildings to ensure that occupants can safely evacuate the building during an emergency.

Emergency lights work by using a battery backup system that is connected to the emergency lighting fixtures. The battery backup system is charged while the power is on, and in the event of a power failure, the battery backup system provides power to the emergency lights.

The emergency lights are typically connected to a sensor that detects when the power goes out. When the power goes out, the sensor triggers the emergency lights to turn on. This ensures that the emergency lights come on automatically in case of a power failure, providing illumination for occupants to safely evacuate the building.

There are different types of emergency lights available, including:

1. Self-contained emergency lights: These lights have their own power source, typically a battery, and turn on automatically when the power goes out.
2. Central battery systems: These systems use a central battery that powers multiple emergency lights.
3. Inverter systems: These systems use a device called an inverter, which converts DC power from a battery into AC power to power the emergency lights.
4. LED emergency lights: LED emergency lights are becoming more popular due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. They provide high-quality light, and can be powered by a battery.

Emergency lights are required to provide a minimum level of illumination for a certain duration, usually 90 minutes, and should be tested regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. Additionally, it's important to consult with a licensed electrician or lighting professional to ensure that your emergency lighting system meets the requirements of the Australian lighting standard and meets the needs of your specific building.