When the power goes out or the fire alarm goes off, you need emergency lights to show you where to exit safely. When choosing emergency and exit lighting for your business, the good news is you have a wide variety of options and styles to choose from. But wading through these choices can be a long process. To narrow it down, consider these professionally recommended emergency and exit lighting factors.

3 Aspects of Emergency Lighting

1. Self Contained & Central Battery

One of the main ways of classifying emergency lighting is by its power source. Self-contained lighting units, which are also referred to as single point systems, rely on individual power supplies for each light. Central battery systems hook a series of lights to a single power source separate from your everyday electrical wiring. Self-contained systems require no additional wiring for installation, and each unit will keep working when others fail. However, the battery life is only two to four years, and each unit must be tested and maintained separately.

2. Egress Pathway & Standby Lighting

For many businesses, when the power goes out, emergency lighting serves as a guide to the exit door. In these cases, you should opt for luminous exit signs and egress pathway lighting, which outlines the route to the door. While this an ideal safety plan, some institutions will require additional services, such as standby lighting.

3. Environment & Practicality

For most indoor applications, simple LED lights and fire-proof cables are enough for emergency and exit lighting. But some environments require special, durable setups. Lighting is available for wet locations, for example, or for hazardous environments where flammable vapors are a risk. Consider whether your business has any of these special requirements before you settle on a lighting option.

If you aren't sure which type of emergency and exit lighting you need, your distributor can help you make an informed decision. Call a fire protection company today to learn more about your options.

GMW Fire Protection in Anchorage, Alaska, provides a range of commercial fire protection equipment, including emergency lighting. For more information about their products, contact them today at (907) 336-5000 or online.