Emergency Lighting usually is classified as maintained and non-maintained one, so how to define?
What is the difference between maintained and non-maintained emergency lights?
Maintained Emergency Lighting
Maintained emergency lighting is on all the time no matter the mains power is on or off. Maintained emergency lights are mains powered and used as normal lighting in our daily life to help illuminate. At the same time, in an emergency situation when mains power fails, it will continue to stay lit for a specific duration powered by a back-up battery.When it comes to applications, it is generally used in non-residential places such as cinemas, shopping malls, underground parking lots, stations etc. In public venues where the normal lighting system is often dimmed, for example cinemas, theatres or bars, maintained luminaries are always required.
Maintained lighting could include exit blade, exit box, bulkhead or recessed downlights. There are LED options available that will reduce energy consumption and therefore running costs.
Non-maintained Emergency Lighting
Non-maintained emergency lighting only lights on for a specific duration when the power supply fails. Non-maintained emergency lights are normally suitable for workplaces that are usually lit when occupied. Non-maintained light fittings are powered by a battery that is charged from mains power. When there is power failure, the battery will discharge, and then non-maintained emergency lighting will light on for a duration of 3 hours or more, and then help people to calm nerves, even help them get out off dangerous situations.
Can emergency lighting be both maintained AND non-maintained?
Of course. Maintained emergency light fittings or signs used as part of a normal room lighting system can also be wired to perform as a non-maintained fitting if required. Many maintained fittings have switchable units, meaning they can be switched between maintained and non-maintained modes using an ordinary light switch or just a connect line, which makes it more convenient for users.
