We endeavour to be a clear and as straightforward to deal with at all times, however there’s times when everyone can benefit from a bit of clarity! Weve compiled this list of terms and their definitions for some of the most common words used in emergency lighting, which we hope is (occasionally) of use.
Anti-panic (open) area
An anti-panic, or open area is set up to show people a clear point of interest that is safe in an emergency. This helps prevent panic and aid safe evacuation.
Ballast
The ballast is the component within a fluorescent light fitting that regulates the current to the lamps and provides sufficient voltage to start them.
Ballast lumen factor (BLF)
BLF is a measure of the light output of a fluorescent lamp when the ballast is working at its designed voltage. Typically ballasts operate at full output, meaning they will power the lamp at 100% of its capability. Some ballasts operate at around 80% to reduce the operating temperature and help the lamp last longer.
Battery
The battery is a storage cell providing power during a mains failure.
Battery capacity
Measured in ampere per hour, the battery capacity states how long a battery will last.
BS5266
The British standard for emergency lighting. Separated into multiple sections that are updated over time. They are now also combined with the European standard BS EN 1838.
Candela
Candela is the unit used to measure luminous intensity. It gets its name form a candle, as a common candle emits 1 candela.
Central battery system
A single unit that plays host to all the batteries for the building, along with the control gear.
Combined emergency luminaire (Sustained)
A dual lamp light fitting, one of which powered by the mains supply, the other by a backup battery for emergencies.
Emergency conversion kit
A kit containing the parts needed to convert a normal light into an emergency light fitting.
Directional beam
When the light from a luminaire is focused on one particular area.
Emergency exit route
A clear way out of the building in the case of an emergency. This route isn’t necessarily used everyday, but must be lit up by the appropriate warning and directional signs.
Emergency lighting
Lighting that is for use when the mains power is down to ensure people can evacuate the building safely.
Escape route lighting
Lighting that is installed along the route of escape so that people can safely exit the building in the case of an emergency. This also helps to prevent people panicking.
Externally illuminated sign
A safety sign that is illuminated by an external source, regulations state this source must be no further than two meters away.
F-mark
A mark given to show a fitting is suitable for mounting onto flammable surfaces.
Final exit
The end point of an escape route, once through this point the person should no longer be in any danger.
Flood beam
When the light emitted is set to cover as much surface as possible.
High output
A luminaire that emits higher levels of light, either directional or flood.
High-risk area emergency lighting
Emergency lighting set up in high-risk areas to aid the safe shut down of the facility. Regulations state that this lighting should provide at least 10% of normal illumination.
Hot wire 850°C test (Housing test)
All emergency lighting systems must pass this to make sure that the material used to make them doesn’t melt under high temperatures.
Illuminance (Lux)
Measured in lumens per m2 (lm/m2), illuminance is the luminous flux density at a given surface.
Ingress Protection (IP) Rating
This indicates how much protection is provided by a fitting against solid objects and water. The measurement is written ‘IP’ followed by two numbers.
Lamp
More commonly known as a “bulb” a lamp is a light bulb, typically florescent or LED’s.
LED
An LED is a type of lamp, standing for light emitting diode.
Lumen
Lumens are used to describe the quantity of light emitted. It is a measure of the amount of light perceived by the human eye.
Luminaire
A luminaire is a light fixture, which is used to create artificial light by using an electric lamp.
Luminous intensity
The power of a light source, typically measured in candela.
Lux (lx)
Lux is the unit for luminance; one Lux is equal to one lumen per m
2.
Maintained emergency light
A fitting that holds one or more lamps that are permanently illuminated throughout normal situations, but also in emergencies.
Mounting height
The vertical distance between the floor and the luminaire.
Non-maintained emergency light
A fitting designed to turn on in the event of a power failure and not at any other time.
Rated duration
The specified duration the lamp will stay on in an emergency fitting running on the battery alone.
Rated load
The specified maximum load that can be placed on a system.
Recessed
A method of mounting the fitting into a wall or ceiling void so that the luminaire is flush with the surface.
Re-charge time
The amount of time it takes to fully recharge the battery in an emergency fitting.
Self-contained emergency light
A fitting that has all the electrical components within it. These components usually consist of a lamp, control gear and backup battery.
Self-test emergency light
A luminaire that automatically does tests to ensure that the emergency mode is still in working order. A warning light usually indicates any problems.
Surface mount
A method of fixing the fitting to the wall or ceiling so it sits on top of the surface.
Switchable maintained emergency light
A fitting that can act as the main room light and as an emergency light. It can be turned on and off via the room light switch and operate fully in the event of a power failure.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
A device that provides emergency power when the main source fails.
