What is required of emergency lighting in commercial buildings?

Emergency lighting in commercial buildings is required to operate automatically during a power failure. This ensures that adequate illumination is provided in critical areas so that occupants can safely evacuate the building. The automatic activation of emergency lighting systems is crucial in emergencies when the main power supply fails, as it eliminates the need for individuals to find and activate lighting manually, which may not be feasible during a panic or chaotic situation.

The intention behind this requirement is to facilitate safe egress and minimize the risk of injury during evacuation. Emergency lighting typically covers exit routes, stairways, and other areas where visibility is crucial to ensure occupants can navigate safely in low or no light conditions.

This automatic operation is supported by regulatory standards that require emergency lighting systems to be tested regularly to ensure functionality when needed.