Emergency lighting systems are critical for ensuring safety during power outages, fires, or other emergencies. As a leading manufacturer, ZHENAO specializes in designing reliable lighting solutions that meet global safety standards. Below, we break down the two primary types of emergency lights—maintained and non-maintained—along with their applications, benefits, and how to choose the right system for your needs.
1. Maintained Emergency Lights
Definition: Maintained emergency lights remain illuminated at all times, even during normal operation, and switch to battery power during outages. They are ideal for environments requiring continuous lighting to prevent total darkness.
Key Features:
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Continuous Operation: Provide constant illumination, ensuring visibility in spaces like theaters, cinemas, or hospitals where sudden darkness could cause panic 310.
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Dual Power Source: Draw power from the mains during normal operation and seamlessly switch to batteries during failures .
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Compliance: Meet regulations for high-risk areas where uninterrupted lighting is mandatory (e.g., stairwells, exit routes) .
Applications:
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Theaters, cinemas, and auditoriums.
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Hospitals and healthcare facilities.
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Public venues with limited natural light.
ZHENAO Solutions:
Our Z-Maintain Series offers energy-efficient LED maintained lights with adjustable brightness and compliance with 90-minute backup requirements.
2. Non-Maintained Emergency Lights
Definition: Non-maintained lights activate only during power failures, relying on battery backup. They remain off during normal operation, conserving energy.
Key Features:
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Energy Efficiency: Lower operational costs due to inactive status during regular power supply .
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Automatic Activation: Use sensors to detect outages and illuminate exit routes instantly .
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Cost-Effective: Ideal for offices, retail spaces, and buildings with frequent daylight access .
Applications:
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Office buildings and corporate campuses.
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Retail stores and warehouses.
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Residential complexes .
ZHENAO Solutions:
The Z-EcoGuard Series combines lithium-ion batteries and LED technology for rapid activation and extended battery life (up to 3 hours).
Comparing Maintained vs. Non-Maintained Systems
| Feature | Maintained | Non-Maintained |
|---|---|---|
| Power Usage | Continuous (higher energy cost) | Only during outages (lower cost) |
| Visibility | Prevents total darkness | Activates only in emergencies |
| Ideal For | High-risk/public spaces | Offices, low-traffic areas |
| Compliance | Required in theaters, hospitals | Meets basic safety standards |
| Battery Life | 90+ minutes (regulated) | 90+ minutes (regulated) |
Other Classifications of Emergency Lighting
While maintained and non-maintained systems are the primary categories, emergency lighting can also be classified by:
1. Power Source
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Self-Contained: Each fixture has an integrated battery (e.g., ZHENAO’s Z-Compact Pro), ideal for small buildings .
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Central Battery: A single battery powers multiple fixtures, suited for large facilities like hospitals or airports .
2. Functionality
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Escape Route Lighting: Guides occupants to exits (e.g., illuminated exit signs, floor markers).
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Standby Lighting: Ensures continuity of critical operations (e.g., hospitals, data centers) .
3. Design
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LED Systems: Energy-efficient, long-lasting, and eco-friendly (ZHENAO’s Z-LED Max Series) .
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Explosion-Proof: For hazardous environments like chemical plants .
Compliance and Best Practices
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Duration: Systems must provide at least 90 minutes of illumination during outages .
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Testing: Monthly functional tests and annual full-duration tests are mandatory .
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Installation: Follow standards like NFPA 101 and BS EN 1838 for placement and brightness (1 ft-candle minimum) .
Why Choose ZHENAO?
At ZHENAO, we engineer emergency lighting systems that balance safety, efficiency, and innovation:
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Custom Solutions: Tailored systems for hospitals, industrial sites, and commercial buildings.
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Durability: IP68-rated, waterproof, and shockproof designs.
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Smart Technology: Self-testing features and DALI compatibility for automated monitoring .
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between maintained and non-maintained emergency lights is crucial for compliance and safety. While maintained systems ensure continuous visibility, non-maintained options offer cost savings for low-risk environments. By integrating advanced LED technology and robust battery systems, ZHENAO delivers lighting solutions that protect lives and properties.
Explore ZHENAO’s Emergency Lighting Range
Visit ZHENAO’s Official Website to discover products engineered for reliability, efficiency, and global compliance.
Stay Safe. Stay Illuminated. Choose ZHENAO.
About ZHENAO
ZHENAO is a global leader in emergency and tactical lighting solutions. Our commitment to innovation ensures that every product meets the highest standards of safety and performance, empowering businesses and communities to navigate emergencies with confidence.