Connecting emergency lighting is more than just plugging a fixture into 230 volts. The lighting normally operates on mains power, but in the event of a power failure, it must be taken over immediately by an emergency power supply. This can be a fixture with a built-in battery or a centrally powered system with a separate emergency power supply.
The exact difference between central or decentralized emergency lighting determines how it is connected. Below you can see which wiring diagram corresponds to which type of fixture, what you need to pay attention to during installation, and why testing, inspection, and maintenance are just as important afterwards as the initial installation.
How power supply and switching work in an emergency situation
Under normal conditions, emergency lighting runs on the regular mains power supply. If that voltage fails, the fixture automatically switches to a built-in battery or a central emergency power supply.Whether the light stays on continuously or only switches on during an emergency depends on the luminaire configuration. That switchover must happen quickly enough and remain available long enough to keep escape routes safely visible in the event of smoke, fire, or power failure.
Quick overview: which wiring diagram suits your luminaire?
In practice, LED emergency luminaires are often the logical choice because they operate efficiently and help limit maintenance requirements.
| Fixture type | Power supply in normal operation | Emergency power supply | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escape route lighting or exit sign luminaire, decentralized | Fixed 230 V power supply | Built-in battery in the fixture | Corridors, stairwells, emergency exits |
| Escape route lighting or exit sign luminaire, centrally powered | Connected to central emergency power system or substation | Dependent on central supply | Larger or centrally managed installations |
| Anti-panic lighting | 230 V or central supply, depending on design | Built-in battery or central emergency supply | Open spaces, halls, and assembly areas |
| Outdoor emergency lighting | Mains power with suitable outdoor connection | Built-in battery or central supply according to schedule | Outdoor routes and exits |
Here is how to approach the connection for each system
The exact wiring varies per manufacturer and fixture.Dit is de praktische lijn per systeem:
- With a self-contained luminaire, you typically connect a constant 230 V power supply so that the internal battery remains charged and the luminaire can take over as soon as the mains voltage fails.
- With non-maintained emergency lighting, the luminaire only illuminates during a power failure. With a maintained version, in addition to the permanent power supply, an extra switched phase may also be required, but only if specified in the manufacturer's wiring diagram.
- With centrally powered emergency lighting, the luminaire is connected behind a central emergency power supply or a sub-station. Emergency operation then depends on that central installation.
- Do not simply connect a luminaire to an arbitrary lighting circuit. Group distribution, switching, and cabling must match the system design and technical documentation.
- After installation, the connection is only truly correct when you simulate a power outage and check whether the luminaire switches on automatically, remains visible, and achieves the required operating time.
Working in ceilings or walls with limited installation height? Then choose fixtures and connection points for recessed emergency lighting designed specifically for this purpose.
Don't forget these installation prerequisites
When it comes to emergency lighting, the prerequisites surrounding the connection also matter. Cabling and penetrations between fire compartments must be designed in such a way that fire, smoke, or power failure cannot spread unnecessarily via the installation. In addition, the fixture must be suitable for the environment: in damp rooms, warmer zones, and outdoor applications, extra protection is often required.Always place emergency lighting at locations where orientation is crucial, such as escape routes, stairwells, emergency exits, and open spaces where anti-panic lighting is required. In practice, you will often combine escape route lighting, exit sign luminaires, anti-panic lighting, and suitable outdoor luminaires for this purpose.
Emergency lighting must comply with these standards and minimum performance requirements
- Standards such as NEN 1010, NEN-EN 50172, NEN-EN 50171, NEN-EN-IEC 60598-2-22, and EN 1838 play an important role in design, connection, and management.
- Luminaires and systems must be demonstrably suitable and compliant, for example through technical documentation and relevant markings.
- Functional performance, such as timely activation and the prescribed autonomous operating time, is also important.
- The exact requirements that apply depend on the building function, risk profile, and application area, not just on the luminaire itself.
Want everything clearly organized in one place, including guidelines and practical help? View the emergency lighting advice and regulations.
Inspection, maintenance, and lifespan: this remains mandatory
Installation is only the beginning. Proper maintenance of emergency lighting requires periodic checks, functional tests, and duration tests. Record-keeping is also part of this: stickers, logbooks, and maintenance documentation show that inspections have been carried out and assist with management, audits, and future replacement.
Preventive maintenance reduces the risk of failure when the system is needed. The battery in particular, as well as the light source, electronics, and environmental factors, determine how long a fixture remains reliably operational. For replacement, choose suitable emergency batteries and battery packs. Please note the difference between operating time and lifespan: operating time is how long emergency lighting continues to function during a power outage, while lifespan refers to the total usage period of the fixture or battery before replacement is necessary. After adjustment or replacement, the operation must be tested again.
