When the electricity goes out and the Emergency Mode begins, an emergency light must operate for a minimum of 90 minutes according to NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. But what happens when the power is out for days or weeks? How long will your emergency lights last?
How Long Do Emergency Lights Last?
This depends on the sort of emergency light you possess. Incandescent, fluorescent, and LED are the three primary types of emergency lighting. Each variety has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Incandescent emergency lighting utilizes a standard incandescent bulb. Despite their low cost, these bulbs have a rather short lifespan, often only 500 hours. Therefore, if you have an incandescent emergency light, you will need to replace the bulb every few months to ensure that it will function correctly in an emergency.
Emergency fluorescent lighting use a small fluorescent lamp (CFL). CFLs are more expensive than typical incandescent bulbs, but they last around 10,000 hours longer. If you possess a fluorescent emergency light, you will only need to replace the bulb every few years. CFLs can be difficult to locate in stores and may require special ordering.
LED emergency lighting is comprised of light-emitting diodes (LED). LEDs are more expensive than both incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs, but they have a lifespan of around 50,000 hours. This means that if you have an LED emergency light, you will only need to change the bulb approximately once every decade. In addition, LEDs are becoming more accessible as technology advances and prices continue to fall.
What are emergency lights and what are they used for?
Every public or commercial structure needs emergency lights for safety purposes. They offer a source of lighting in the event of a power loss, enabling people to safely exit the building.
In many nations, emergency lights are mandated by legislation, and building rules often outline the quantity and positioning of lights that must be installed in a specific structure.
The precise specifications depend on the type of building, but generally speaking, emergency lights need to be installed close to stairwells and exits and should be bright enough to illuminate the departure path.
Emergency lights can occasionally also be used to illuminate areas where occupants are required to remain during a power loss. For instance, emergency lights and other vital systems are often kept operating during power outages by backup power generators in hospitals and other critical buildings.
How long do emergency lights last on a single battery charge or set of batteries?
According to UL requirements, any battery used to power emergency lighting must be able to keep the lights on for a full 90 minutes.
On the other hand, OSHA regulations only call for testing the battery once a month to make sure it is holding a charge, not that it actually lasts for the whole 90 minutes. So in theory, both sets of requirements are met if your emergency lights are still operational after 90 minutes.
But you should always err on the side of caution, so make sure your batteries are current and fresh. After all, you can never predict when an emergency would arise.
What factors can affect how long emergency lights will last before needing to be replaced or recharged again?
There are a number of variables that can affect the length of time before emergency lights must be changed or recharged.
One is the type of battery being utilized. Alkaline batteries often have a longer lifespan than other battery types, such as lithium ion batteries.
Additionally, the ambient temperature is an influence. In cooler temperatures, emergency lights will last longer than in warmer conditions.
The frequency of use will also affect the duration of emergency lighting. When emergency lights are used infrequently, they will live longer than when they are used everyday.
Are there any ways to make emergency lights last longer than their expected lifespan?”
In any circumstance, the usefulness of an emergency light is limited by its longevity. You must be certain that your emergency lights will remain on long enough for you to reach safety in the event of a power outage. Unfortunately, emergency lighting is not always dependable, and its lifespan might vary considerably. There are, thankfully, a few things you can do to extend the life of your emergency lights.
- First, ensure that your lights are frequently tested to verify they are functioning properly.
- Second, maintain a supply of fresh batteries so you can immediately replace any that die.
- Lastly, make sure to clean and maintain your lights so that they are functional when you need them the most.
By following these easy procedures, you can help ensure that your emergency lights will work when you need them the most.
Can you recycle emergency light batteries when they eventually die out and need to be replaced?”
When batteries die and need to be replaced, it’s important to get rid of them in a safe way.
Batteries for emergency lights can be recycled, but you should first ask your local recycling center if they take this type of battery. If they don’t, you can always do it yourself.
To do this, just take the emergency light’s battery out and take it apart. Then, the positive and negative ends can be taken apart, and the battery case can also be reused.
By recycling your old batteries, you not only help cut down on waste, but you also make sure that these materials are thrown away in the right way.
FAQ
Do emergency lights stay on all the time?
How long does an emergency light take to charge?
Conclusion
Emergency lights are an important part of any safety plan. They provide illumination in the event of a power outage and can help people find their way to safety. But how long do they actually last? It depends on the type of emergency light you have. Incandescent bulbs have a short lifespan but are inexpensive; fluorescent bulbs have a longer lifespan but may be difficult to find; LED bulbs have an even longer lifespan but are more expensive. No matter which type of emergency light you choose, be sure to check the batteries regularly and replace them as needed so that your lights will be ready when you need them most.