Emergency lighting is lighting for an emergency situation when the main power supply is cut and normal electrical illumination fails. The loss of mains electricity could be the result of a fire or a power cut. Without emergency lighting this could lead to sudden darkness and possible danger to occupants, either through physical danger or panic.
Emergency luminaires shall be classified in accordance with IEC 60598-2-22 and marked as per their construction as follows.
A unique designation denoting the type, mode of operation, the facilities included and the rated duration of the luminaire shall be clearly affixed to the luminaire.
The designation consists of a rectangle, divided in three or four segments, each containing one or more positions. Relevant to the construction, a position will consist of a letter or a figure, or a point if no indication has to be given.
The shape of the emergency luminaire designation is as follows:
The segments and positions have to be completed by letters and figures indicating the intended constructions as identified in the following list.
a) First segment containing one character: Type
X self-contained
Z central supply
b) Second segment containing one digit: Mode of operation
0 non-maintained
1 maintained
2 combined non-maintained
3 combined maintained
4 compound non-maintained
5 compound maintained
6 satellite
c) Third segment containing a possible seven characters: Facilities. To be completed where appropriate at the time of installation
A including test device
B including remote rest mode
C including inhibiting mode
D high-risk task-area luminaire
E with non-replaceable lamp(s) and/or battery
F automatic test gear complying with IEC 61347-2-7 denoted EL-T
G internally illuminated safety sign
d) Fourth segment containing up to three digits: For self-contained luminaires to indicate the minimum duration of the emergency mode expressed in minutes e.g.;
10 to indicate 10 min duration
60 to indicate 1 h duration
120 to indicate 2 h duration
180 to indicate 3 h duration
The following two examples of marking are given to explain the method of using the coding:
Meaning: self-contained, non-maintained luminaire including test device, automatic test gear and as internally illuminated safety sign and having an emergency mode duration of 180 min.
Meaning: centrally supplied, maintained luminaire with automatic test function and having an
emergency mode duration that will be defined by the emergency power supply used in the
installation.
