How to Have Light in a Power Outage?

COMLED

Power outages are inconvenient, often occurring during critical moments and leaving homes, businesses, and public spaces in darkness. Ensuring you have reliable lighting during these moments is essential for safety, functionality, and comfort. In this article, we’ll explore various lighting options for power outages, their key features, benefits, and guide you on how to select the most suitable solutions for different spaces. Additionally, we’ll touch on installation steps, suppliers like COMLED, and potential energy-saving incentives or rebates you could receive by investing in emergency lighting solutions.

What is Emergency Lighting?Emergency lighting refers to lighting fixtures designed to automatically operate when a power outage occurs. They ensure safe navigation and visibility in critical areas such as stairways, corridors, and workspaces. There are various forms of emergency lighting, each with unique characteristics to meet different needs.
Types of Emergency Lighting

• Battery-Powered Emergency Lights: These are self-contained fixtures that rely on built-in batteries to supply power when the grid fails. They are perfect for quick and easy installation in homes, small businesses, and public facilities.
  
• Generator-Powered Lights: In larger settings such as factories, hospitals, or schools, lighting systems may be connected to backup generators. When power is lost, these generators take over to maintain lighting and other essential services.
  
• Solar-Powered Lighting: A more sustainable option, solar-powered lights store energy during the day and utilize it when an outage occurs. These are ideal for outdoor lighting in residential areas, parks, and industrial facilities.
  
• LED Emergency Batten Lights: These lights are specifically designed to function as general lighting as well as emergency lighting. COMLED’s LED batten lights, for instance, come equipped with a LiFePO4 battery to ensure hours of reliable lighting in the event of a blackout.
  
  

Key Features of Emergency Lighting

• Automatic Operation: Emergency lights should switch on automatically when a power failure occurs, ensuring there’s no delay in lighting.
  
• Long Battery Life: Lights with higher-capacity batteries, such as LiFePO4, offer long-lasting illumination during extended outages.
  
• High Luminous Efficacy: A key feature in high-quality emergency lights is their luminous efficacy (lm/W). The more lumens per watt, the more energy-efficient the light is. COMLED offers emergency batten lights with 110-140 lm/W, optimizing power consumption during outages.
  
• Durability: Emergency lights used in industrial and commercial settings should be robust. Our weatherproof batten lights, for example, come with IP65 and IK08 ratings, making them suitable for harsh environments.
  
  

Factors to Consider When Choosing Emergency LightingWhen selecting emergency lighting for your space, consider the following factors:

• Lighting Duration: How long will the light need to operate in an outage? For homes, 3 hours may be sufficient, but in commercial spaces, extended durations may be required.
  
• Installation Environment: Is the light to be used indoors or outdoors? If outdoors, make sure the fixture is weatherproof and impact-resistant.
  
• Type of Space: Different areas may require different solutions. For example, residential corridors might only need battery-powered emergency lights, while industrial zones may benefit more from generator-powered systems or linkable LED lights like those we offer at COMLED.
  
• Maintenance Requirements: Consider lighting fixtures with easy maintenance options, like our Oyster Lights, which have a split-type power supply allowing repairs without switching off the power.
  
  

Benefits of Emergency Lighting

• Safety: Having lights during a power outage ensures the safety of individuals by providing clear visibility, reducing accidents, and allowing for safe evacuation.
  
• Security: Well-lit environments deter theft and vandalism during blackouts, making emergency lights essential for commercial and residential properties.
  
• Regulatory Compliance: Many industries and public buildings are required by law to have emergency lighting to comply with safety standards. Using certified lighting, like COMLED’s CE, RoHS, and ETL-approved fixtures, ensures compliance.
  
  

Purchase Guide for Emergency LightingTo make an informed purchase, consider:

• Energy Efficiency: Choose lights with high luminous efficacy for energy savings both during normal operation and power outages.
  
• Warranty and Lifespan: Opt for fixtures that offer long warranties and lifespan ratings. COMLED’s products come with a 5-year warranty and an L70 lifespan of 54,000 hours.
  
• Adaptability: Look for versatile fixtures that can be easily mounted, linked, or suspended based on your specific application needs.
  
• Certifications: Ensure the lights you purchase have the necessary safety certifications (e.g., CE, SAA, and ETL), which is particularly important for emergency lighting systems.
  
  

Installation and SetupEmergency lights should be installed according to manufacturer specifications to ensure proper functioning. At COMLED, we provide a detailed manual for each product, outlining installation steps such as surface mounting, wiring, and battery replacement procedures. If you’re unsure about installation, it’s always best to hire a qualified electrician to help.
For optimal performance, ensure the following:

• Proper Mounting: Install lights at key locations like stairwells, exits, and large open areas.
• Test the System Regularly: Emergency lights should be tested monthly to ensure they will function correctly during a power outage.
• Use the Right Accessories: Depending on your setup, you might need extra brackets or connectors for linking multiple fixtures.
  

COMLED: Your Trusted SupplierAt COMLED, we specialize in providing high-quality LED lighting solutions tailored for industrial and commercial environments. With over 10 years of experience, we’ve developed a range of reliable, energy-efficient emergency lighting systems. Our LED batten light fixtures are a popular choice among engineering contractors and electrical service providers globally.
Energy-Saving Incentives and RebatesDepending on your location, investing in energy-efficient emergency lighting can qualify you for government or utility company incentives. These rebates can help offset the initial cost of your lighting setup, especially if you're installing energy-efficient fixtures like our LED lights with high luminous efficacy. Be sure to check local regulations for energy-saving programs.
ConclusionEmergency lighting is essential for safety, security, and compliance during power outages. Whether you're looking for battery-powered solutions, solar options, or robust LED fixtures, selecting the right type of lighting is crucial for ensuring your space remains functional in a blackout. COMLED provides industry-leading LED batten lights that are durable, energy-efficient, and versatile, making them ideal for various applications. Don’t wait for the next outage—equip your space with reliable emergency lighting today!
FAQsQ: How long do emergency lights last during an outage?
Emergency lights typically last between 3 to 8 hours depending on the battery capacity and type of fixture. COMLED’s emergency batten lights offer 3 hours of continuous lighting, with options for extended durations.
Q: Can I use emergency lights in outdoor spaces?
Yes, many emergency lights are designed for outdoor use. COMLED’s weatherproof batten lights, with IP65 ratings, are ideal for outdoor settings and harsh environments.
Q: Do I need to replace emergency light batteries regularly?
Yes, batteries in emergency lights need regular testing and replacement to ensure they function correctly during a power outage. COMLED recommends replacing batteries in its fixtures every 1 to 2 years for optimal performance.
Q: What is the difference between battery-powered and generator-powered emergency lights?
Battery-powered lights are self-contained and operate without the need for external systems, while generator-powered lights are connected to backup generators and can provide extended lighting but may require more complex installation.

Q: Are there energy-saving benefits to using LED emergency lights?
Yes, LED emergency lights are highly energy-efficient and often qualify for energy-saving incentives or rebates, especially those with high luminous efficacy like COMLED’s LED batten lights.