With proper escape route lighting, the path outside remains visible as soon as the mains power fails. In this category, you will find LED fixtures for corridors, stairwells, entrances, warehouses, and other areas where safe evacuation matters.
Are you looking for a single replacement or a complete solution for a building? LedLoket is happy to help you make the right choice regarding mounting, light distribution, and emergency duration. Many models are available quickly from stock. For commercial projects, we are happy to assist with personal technical advice and a lighting calculation for your project.
What is escape route lighting?
Escape route lighting is a form of emergency lighting that makes the evacuation route visible during a power failure. You will also often hear the term escape route lighting. The purpose is practical and important: people must be able to continue seeing the route, level differences, steps, and obstacles to safely reach an exit.A fitting is normally connected to the mains power supply, but automatically switches to an internal battery in the event of a failure. As a result, the light remains on when normal lighting fails. In larger or open spaces, this is sometimes supplemented by anti-panic lighting, so that the space remains clear and people can orient themselves calmly. Would you like background information on applications and requirements? We are happy to explain the relevant standards and points of attention.
Emergency lighting, escape route lighting and escape route indication
Emergency lighting is the overarching term for lighting that operates during a power outage. Escape route lighting illuminates the walking route itself. Escape route indication uses a pictogram to show which direction you need to go to reach the emergency exit. In practice, these functions are often combined. Think of an illuminated pictogram above a door and additional fittings in the hallway or on the stairs.A separate, unlit sign is not the same as emergency lighting. If you want both clear direction and sufficient visibility of the floor and obstacles, a combination of signage and route lighting is usually the best choice.
Which LED emergency escape lighting suits your situation?
You choose the right LED emergency escape lighting based on the space and application. In a hallway or stairwell, a targeted light distribution is often enough to keep the route clear. In an open hall, warehouse, or larger commercial space, visibility over a broader surface is more important. The mounting height also plays a role: the higher the fixture is hung, the more attention you need to pay to the light spread and beam pattern.
Additionally, pay attention to factors such as emergency duration, battery type, IP rating, auto-test function, and whether you need a fixture with or without a pictogram. For dry indoor spaces, a standard version is often sufficient.In humid or more demanding environments, such as a parking garage, technical room, or loading and unloading zone, you are more likely to choose a more robust and better-protected model. Don't forget the rest of the route either: the escape route doesn't always stop at the door, but continues to a safe place outside. Are you unsure about the power supply setup of the system? Central or decentralized?
Surface-mounted, recessed, or a luminaire with a pictogram?
Surface-mounted emergency lighting is often the quickest solution during renovation or replacement, because the luminaire remains visible and is easy to install and inspect. Recessed emergency lighting is frequently chosen for modern or drop ceilings, where a sleek finish is desired. If you mainly need directional signage, a luminaire with a pictogram is a logical choice. If you are specifically looking for light along the route itself, for example in a corridor or on a staircase, a route luminaire without a pictogram is often a better fit.By clearly determining the function in advance, you prevent making the wrong choice.
Requirements and standards for an escape route
Whether escape route lighting is mandatory depends on the building, its use, and its occupancy. In the Netherlands, the assessment of emergency lighting is based on applicable building regulations and commonly used standards, including the Dutch Building Decree (Bbl), NEN-EN 1838, and NEN-EN 50172. The exact implementation varies per situation. Therefore, it is always wise to have a design or replacement reviewed if you are dealing with a commercial building, apartment complex, public space, or other utility environment.
Many designs are based on, among other things, automatic activation in the event of a power failure, sufficient visibility of the escape route, and a minimum emergency duration of at least 60 minutes. Calculations are also frequently based on a minimum of 1 lux along the centerline of the escape route.These are important starting points, but the exact requirements remain dependent on the space and the application. With the right fixtures, you not only prevent unsafe situations, but you also make maintenance and inspection much more manageable. Want to know more about types, regulations, and installation? Contact us for advice.
Maintenance, autotest, and battery
Emergency escape route lighting must not only be present, but also continue to work when needed. Regular inspection of the fixture, charging function, battery, and duration is therefore essential. An autotest function can be useful for this, as the fixture periodically performs a test itself and malfunctions become visible more quickly. Keep in mind that an emergency battery does not last indefinitely. For maintenance and replacement, there are Emergency batteries. When replacing, you look not only at dimensions, but also at emergency duration, mounting method, light distribution, and any test function.Particularly for larger installations, proper management is at least as important as the purchase itself. Read more about testing and maintenance in Emergency lighting maintenance.
Where is escape route lighting commonly used?
LED escape route lighting can be found in offices, schools, shops, stairwells, hallways, warehouses, apartment complexes, and other buildings where people need to be able to safely exit. In a stairwell, clear lighting is extra important because changes in elevation pose an immediate risk. In a commercial building or public space, good LED emergency lighting for escape routes helps keep routes recognizable, even for people who are less familiar with the building. Various fixtures are available for both indoor and outdoor use, depending on the environment and the required degree of protection.
Expert advice for your project
Are you unsure whether to choose recessed or surface-mounted, with or without a pictogram, or do you want to know which fixtures suit your building? We are happy to think along with you. LedLoket combines a wide LED assortment with fast delivery from our own warehouse, personal technical advice, and free lighting calculations for business inquiries. You are also welcome to visit our showroom in Denekamp, Overijssel.
Frequently asked questions about emergency escape route lighting
What is the difference between emergency lighting and escape route lighting?
Emergency lighting is the general term. Escape route lighting is a subset of this and specifically focuses on illuminating the path to a safe exit. Escape route signage complements this with pictograms indicating the direction.
What is escape route lighting?
In practice, escape route lighting is simply another term for emergency escape route lighting.These are fixtures that remain illuminated during a power outage, keeping the route to the emergency exit visible.
Which lighting should you use during a power outage?
During a power outage, you use emergency lighting. Depending on the space, this may consist of escape route lighting, illuminated escape route signage, and possibly anti-panic lighting in larger open spaces.
When is escape route lighting mandatory?
This depends on the type of building, its intended use, and occupancy. Emergency lighting requirements apply to many commercial buildings and shared circulation areas. Always have the exact requirements and implementation verified against current regulations and standards for your specific situation.
What are the requirements for an escape route?
An escape route must be safe, recognizable, and usable in the event of an emergency.For lighting, people often look at automatic activation in the event of a power failure, sufficient visibility along the route, and a minimum burning time, often starting from 60 minutes, with commonly used standard references such as NEN-EN 1838.
Can I replace existing Van Lien emergency lighting?
Yes, but do not just look at the size of the old fixture. Also check the mounting method, emergency duration, power connection, viewing distance of a pictogram, and any self-test function. If you want to replace existing Van Lien emergency lighting, we are happy to help you with a suitable alternative or a 1-to-1 replacement where possible.
