Maintained emergency lighting stays on during normal operation and continues to work on the emergency battery during a power outage. However, not every emergency fixture is always on: especially escape route signage with pictograms is usually continuously visible, while other emergency lighting often only switches on when the mains power fails. Want to quickly understand the basics and differences between maintained and non-maintained? Read All about emergency lighting. In this article you can quickly see what the difference is, which basic rules apply, and what to look out for when choosing the right fixture.
What exactly happens during normal use and power failure
With maintained emergency lighting, we mean a fixture that is lit in normal situations and continues to function in the event of a power failure. In product specifications, you will often see the term maintained for this. The opposite is non-maintained: in that case, the fixture remains off during normal use and only switches on during a power outage.Permanent emergency lighting is used to keep exits and escape routes visible and to reduce panic in an emergency situation. The emergency function depends not only on the light source, but also on the power supply, electronics, and the built-in or connected battery. Would you like to know how to correctly perform the wiring and switching? See Connecting emergency lighting.
When should you choose maintained or non-maintained?
| Type of emergency lighting | On during normal use? | During a power outage? | Practical example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escape route signage with pictogram | Usually yes | Yes, via the emergency battery | Emergency exit sign above a door |
| Escape route lighting without pictogram | Often no | Yes | Luminaire that illuminates the route to the exit |
| Anti-panic lighting | Often no | Yes | Lighting in an open area to keep obstacles visible |
| Switchable or configurable luminaire | Depending on setting and connection | Yes, if the product and system are suitable for this | Luminaire that can be used as maintained or non-maintained |
Some luminaires are therefore flexible to use, but only if the product specifications and connection permit; the choice of system also plays a role in this.Are you unsure about the setup? Central or decentralized emergency lighting system?
What the legal requirements generally ask for
Regulations and applicable standards do not require every emergency luminaire to be continuously lit. Both maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting can be appropriate, as long as the function of the luminaire matches the space and the evacuation situation. NEN-EN 1838 is an important standard in this regard, among other things for the visibility of escape routes and safe evacuation. Escape route signage must remain clearly recognizable. Therefore, design, placement, and control must always align with the current use of the building.
Battery and operating time: what you need to know
Even continuously lit emergency lighting requires a battery, because in the event of a power failure, the luminaire must continue to operate independently. Operating time or autonomy refers to how long it can manage this without mains power.The product specifications usually state a fixed emergency duration for this, for example, a few hours. Do not focus solely on that duration: the battery status, charging, emergency lighting maintenance, periodic testing, and correct connection are equally important in determining whether the emergency function remains reliable.
How to choose the right fixture for your situation
- First, determine the function: do you need escape route signage, escape route lighting or anti-panic lighting?
- Then choose the operating mode: maintained, non-maintained, or a switchable fixture if the specifications allow it.
- Check the practical requirements, such as surface mounting or another mounting method, indoor or outdoor application, IP rating, and the specified autonomy.
- Also check whether the fixture suits the installation and whether the relevant product specifications and certifications align with your application.
- If you want to compare examples, you can focus on LedLoket LED emergency lighting, surface-mounted emergency lighting and outdoor emergency lighting.
