Emergency lighting (alumbrado de emergencia)

What emergency lighting is

Emergency lighting (alumbrado de emergencia) is the set of light fittings that switch on automatically when the power goes, so nobody is left in the dark in premises, a garage or a stairwell and everyone can get out safely. Each fitting has its own battery, recharged while there is supply, and detects the cut by itself.

Types of emergency light

• Signage: marks exits and escape routes with pictograms.
• Open area or anti-panic: gives general light that prevents panic and helps people find their way.
• Maintained: always on, and keeps working on battery when the grid fails.
• Non-maintained: switches on only when the supply fails.

Fittings must meet their product standard (UNE-EN 60598-2-22) and the minimum lux levels of UNE-EN 1838.

Where it is compulsory

• Public premises: bars, shops, academies, clinics and offices open to the public, under ITC-BT-28.
• Garages and car parks.
• Escape routes in buildings, under the Technical Building Code (DB-SUA 4).

It is not compulsory in a private home, although an emergency light in the hallway or by the fuse box is very practical.

Testing and maintenance

Batteries lose capacity over the years, and a fitting that lights when you press test may not last the time required. Test them regularly and replace those that fail. In premises, the OCA checks them during inspections, and many businesses ask for an annual maintenance certificate, roughly 80 to 250 euros per premises.

Price

An emergency light fitted costs roughly 40 to 90 euros. If you are opening premises, have an inspection coming up or your emergency lights do not come on when the power is cut, see emergency lighting and shops and offices in Seville, Spain.