Comparison
Maintained vs Non-Maintained Emergency Lighting
Maintained emergency luminaires are lit at all times; non-maintained fittings only illuminate when the normal supply fails. Each suits different areas and uses.
Emergency luminaires operate in one of two modes: maintained or non-maintained. The difference is simply whether the fitting is lit during normal operation or only on failure of the supply.
Maintained
A maintained luminaire is illuminated all the time — from the normal supply during regular use, and from its battery when the supply fails. Exit signs in places of assembly (such as cinemas, theatres and clubs) are commonly maintained so they are always visible.
Non-maintained
A non-maintained luminaire is off during normal conditions and only illuminates when the normal supply fails. It is common in workplaces such as offices, where general lighting is already on when the building is occupied.
Choosing between them
The choice depends on the type of premises and how it is used. Places where people gather in darkness or reduced lighting typically use maintained exit signage. Workplaces normally lit during occupancy often use non-maintained escape lighting. A fire risk assessment and BS 5266 guide the decision. Both modes require the same monthly and annual duration testing.
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