Efficient Emergency Lighting: The Promise of LED Bulkheads with Integrated Batteries

12th December 2023

In the world of safety and security, emergency lighting plays a crucial role in providing illumination during unexpected power outages or critical situations. Traditional emergency fixtures have served their purpose for years, but with advancements in technology, there’s a new player in the field –Integrated Batteries.

The Importance of Emergency Fixtures

Imagine a scenario where a sudden power outage plunges a building into darkness. In such situations, emergency lighting becomes the beacon of safety. Emergency fixtures are strategically placed throughout buildings to ensure that when the primary power source fails, these lights seamlessly take over, guiding occupants to safety.

Emergency fixtures are not only a legal requirement in many buildings but also a fundamental aspect of safety regulations. They are designed to prevent panic, aid in evacuation, and assist emergency response teams in their duties. Without adequate emergency lighting, navigating through buildings during power failures could be hazardous, leading to accidents or delays in evacuation.

How Lighting Operates in an Emergency

Understanding how emergency lighting operates is essential to appreciate the role it plays in ensuring safety. Typically, emergency fixtures are designed to function in two modes: maintained and non-maintained.

1. Maintained Operation: In this mode, the emergency light operates continuously, both during normal conditions and power outages. These lights are commonly found in areas where consistent illumination is necessary, such as stairwells or escape routes.
2. Non-Maintained Operation: Non-maintained lights remain off during normal conditions but activate automatically when the power supply is disrupted. These are often installed in areas that do not require constant lighting but need illumination during emergencies, like storage rooms or utility areas.

Emergency lighting systems can also have additional features like selectable manual or self-test emergency operation, allowing users to check the functionality of the lights periodically.

The Importance of Integral Batteries for Emergency Lighting Applications

Integral batteries are the powerhouse behind emergency lighting systems. They ensure that the lights remain operational even when the primary power source fails. The ability to provide extended illumination during power outages is a critical factor in emergency lighting design.

When it comes to integral batteries, the Shelford Bulkhead stands out as a prime example. This innovative option comes equipped with a vital 3-hour emergency operation function, guaranteeing continued illumination when it matters most. Whether the emergency is triggered by a power failure or another critical event, the Shelford Bulkhead ensures that pathways stay lit, facilitating a swift and safe evacuation.

Moreover, the Shelford Bulkhead offers flexibility with selectable power settings (12W or 18W) at the time of installation, allowing users to adapt the lighting intensity based on specific requirements. The selectable colour temperature (3000K, 4000K, or 6500K) ensures that the emergency lighting integrates seamlessly with the overall lighting scheme of the building.

The Shelford Bulkhead: Illuminating the Path to Safety

The Shelford Bulkhead is more than just a lighting fixture – it’s a reliable companion during emergencies. Its integral emergency battery is the backbone of its performance, providing a robust 3-hour emergency operation. This means that even in prolonged power outages, the Shelford Bulkhead remains steadfast, guiding occupants to safety.

The option of maintained or non-maintained emergency operation adds to the versatility of the Shelford Bulkhead. Depending on the specific needs of the area, users can choose the mode that aligns with the overall lighting strategy of the building.

For added convenience, the Shelford Bulkhead offers a selectable manual or self-test emergency operation. This feature allows users to ensure the functionality of the emergency lighting system without any hassle. Regular testing is crucial to guarantee that the lights are ready to perform when the need arises.

Additionally, the Shelford Bulkhead lets users choose the power setting at the time of installation, tailoring the lighting intensity to the requirements of the space. The selectable colour temperature further enhances the adaptability of this bulkhead, ensuring a harmonious blend with the existing lighting aesthetics.

Duxford Bulkhead: Lighting the Way Through Emergencies

Another notable player in the LED Bulkheads with Integrated Batteries arena is the Duxford Bulkhead. Designed with safety and reliability in mind, the Duxford Bulkhead boasts a 3-hour emergency function, providing an extra layer of safety and convenience during power outages.

Similar to the Shelford Bulkhead, the Duxford option offers maintained or non-maintained emergency operations, catering to diverse lighting needs. The selectable colour temperature further allows users to customise the lighting to match the ambience of the surroundings.

The Duxford Bulkhead excels in emergency operation, ensuring that it seamlessly transitions into emergency mode when needed. The reliable 3-hour emergency function is a testament to its commitment to safety. In critical situations, every minute counts, and having a lighting solution that can provide consistent illumination for an extended period is invaluable.

 

Your Questions Answered

1. What is an emergency bulkhead?

An emergency bulkhead refers to a specialised lighting fixture designed for emergency situations. These fixtures, typically wall-mounted, are equipped with integrated batteries that activate during power outages or emergencies. The purpose is to provide continued illumination, ensuring visibility and safe evacuation in critical scenarios.

2. What’s the difference between maintained and non-maintained emergency lights?

Maintained and non-maintained refer to the operational modes of emergency lights.

• Maintained Lights: These are fixtures that operate both during normal conditions and in emergencies. They provide continuous illumination and are commonly used in areas where lighting is required at all times.
• Non-Maintained Lights: These fixtures remain off during normal conditions and activate only in emergencies. They are typically used in areas where lighting is not necessary under normal circumstances but is crucial during power failures or emergencies.

3. How do emergency bulkhead lights work?

Emergency bulkhead lights operate through an integrated battery system. In normal conditions, they function like standard lights, drawing power from the main electrical supply. In the event of a power outage or emergency, the integrated batteries take over, ensuring uninterrupted illumination. These batteries are charged when the main power is available, ensuring they are ready to activate when needed.

4. Where do you put bulkhead lights?

Bulkhead lights find applications in various settings where reliable and durable lighting is crucial. Common placements include:

• Stairwells: Providing visibility during evacuations.
• Corridors: Guiding occupants safely through passageways.
• Social Housing: Enhancing safety in communal areas.
• Educational Environments: Ensuring safety in schools and other learning institutions.

5. How long do emergency bulkhead lights stay on during a power outage?

The duration of illumination during a power outage depends on the specific emergency bulkhead model and its integrated battery capacity. For example, all of our Emergency lighting ranges are equipped with a 3-hour emergency operation function, which ensures continued illumination for up to three hours or longer during an emergency or power failure.

 

Conclusion:

LED bulkheads with integrated batteries represent a pivotal advancement in emergency lighting, ensuring enhanced efficiency during power outages. The Shelford and Duxford Emergency Bulkheads stand out with their integral 3-hour emergency operation, offering flexibility and reliability. In the dynamic landscape of safety, these innovations illuminate the path to swift and secure evacuations, setting a new standard for emergency lighting.