Emergency lighting fixtures
If the power goes out, emergency lighting safely guides everyone outside. For commercial buildings, offices, shops, and public spaces, this is not a luxury but a legal obligation — established in the Dutch Building Decree 2012 (Bouwbesluit 2012). At LedLoket you will find LED emergency lighting fixtures for immediate installation, either by yourself or via your installer. Energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and equipped with a built-in battery that automatically takes over in the event of a power failure.
Which emergency lighting fixture do you need?
Most buildings require two types of emergency lighting, each with its own function.
Escape route signage are fixtures with a pictogram that indicate the route to the emergency exit. They remain continuously lit — even under normal mains voltage — so that the escape route is always visible. Think of the green pictograms above doors and on hallway walls.
Anti-panic lighting consists of luminaires without pictograms that illuminate the room during a power outage. They prevent panic by providing sufficient visibility so that people can evacuate calmly and safely.
Also, choose the mounting type that suits your situation:
- Surface-mounted — mounted on the ceiling or wall, quick to install in existing situations
- Recessed — concealed in a drop ceiling for a sleek and professional finish
Where do you place emergency lighting?
Emergency lighting is mandatory in all locations where people must be able to find their way out during a power outage.Be sure to consider at least:
- Emergency exits and emergency doors — escape route signage directly above the door
- Escape routes and corridors — at least every 25 meters and at every change of direction
- Stairwells — on every floor
- Large spaces without a direct view of an exit — anti-panic lighting to sufficiently illuminate the walking surface
The exact requirements for quantities and lighting levels are laid down in NEN-EN 1838. Among other things, this standard prescribes that the lighting level on the escape route must be at least 1 lux along the centerline, and at least 0.5 lux in larger anti-panic zones. The exact number of fixtures your building needs depends on the layout, function, and size.Unsure about the design or layout? Our specialists are happy to advise you free of charge.
Commercial project? We are happy to help you get started
Need to equip multiple rooms or an entire building with emergency lighting? As an LED lighting specialist, we regularly supply products for commercial projects — from small office buildings to larger commercial and public facilities. Request free project advice. Together, we will review the appropriate fixtures, quantities, and placement to ensure you comply with current standards.
Frequently asked questions
Is emergency lighting mandatory for my business?
In most commercial premises and public buildings, emergency lighting is mandatory under the Dutch Building Decree 2012 (Bouwbesluit 2012). This requirement applies to offices, retail stores, the hospitality industry, healthcare facilities, and industrial spaces with more than 50 occupants, among others. The exact requirements depend on the intended use and the construction year of your building.In onze kennisbank lees je er alles over.
Wat is het verschil tussen vluchtwegaanduiding en anti-paniekverlichting?
Vluchtwegaanduiding heeft een pictogram en brandt altijd — ook bij gewone stroomtoevoer. Het wijst de route naar de nooduitgang. Anti-paniekverlichting heeft geen pictogram en schakelt alleen in bij stroomuitval. Het verlicht de ruimte zodat mensen zonder paniek kunnen evacueren. In de meeste panden zijn beide typen verplicht.
Opbouw of inbouw — wat kies ik?
Kies opbouw als je snel wilt installeren of werkt in een bestaand pand zonder systeemplafond. Kies inbouw als je een strak resultaat wilt in een systeemplafond of renovatieplafond. Beide typen voldoen aan dezelfde normen; het verschil is puur esthetisch en praktisch.
How long does emergency lighting stay on during a power outage?
Emergency lighting fixtures are equipped with a built-in battery. According to NEN-EN 1838, the minimum required operating time is 1 hour. Most modern fixtures offer a battery life of 1 to 3 hours — the exact duration is specified per product. Replacement batteries can be found in our emergency lighting batteries.
Does emergency lighting need to be inspected?
Yes. According to NEN-EN 50172, emergency lighting must be tested periodically:
- Monthly a brief functional test (checking whether the system activates during a power interruption)
- Annually a full duration test on full battery capacity
The results must be recorded in a logbook.Many fixtures have a built-in test function that automatically records this.
