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Architectural Emergency Lights

Architectural emergency lights (often called decorative emergency lights) deliver code-required egress illumination in a refined, low-profile form. Slim wall- and ceiling-mount housings, premium finishes, and high-efficiency LEDs provide discreet coverage with 90-minute emergency runtime for corridors, stair towers, galleries, and lobbies. See all emergency lights, and for coordinated wayfinding explore architectural exit signs. For layout-driven installs, consider recessed emergency lights or remote-capable emergency lights.

Slim Architectural Form LED Egress Output 90-Min Runtime Recessed / Surface Designer Finishes UL 924 (select)
Buyers Guide Tips

What to Look for in Architectural Emergency Lights

  • Verify 90-minute performance (not just initial output): Size lumen output and beam distribution to hit required foot-candles along the path of egress at the end of discharge. Confirm spacing by mounting height, aiming, and photometrics—not assumptions.
  • Form factor & install details: Choose recessed or micro-profile surface housings to keep sightlines clean. Confirm junction-box pattern, ceiling clearance, trim/finish compatibility, and glare control for galleries, glass walls, and lobbies.
  • Listing, options & maintenance: Look for UL 924 (as required by your jurisdiction), universal voltage where needed, and features like self-testing, damp/wet ratings, or remote capability to streamline inspections and reduce service calls.

Architectural emergency lights keep sightlines clean while delivering the egress illumination your plans call for. Use slim wall or ceiling locations to cross-light corridors and stairs, and tune head aim, optics, or lens cut-off to control glare on glossy finishes, glass, and artwork. Always validate spacing at the 90-minute mark—not only at initial output.

For design-led interiors, match finishes to adjacent metalwork and consider recessed or micro-profile housings near doors and soffits. Place test indicators where they’re readable from floor level, and prefer front-service layouts so batteries and boards can be accessed without disturbing alignment or trim.

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Architectural Emergency Lights: Specs & Features

Specs at a glance

Emergency runtime 90 minutes (code-required)
Typical input 120/277 VAC (varies by model)
Mounting styles Recessed kits and ultra-slim surface housings
Optics Symmetric or asymmetric beams; glare control options
Common options Self-testing, remote-capable outputs, damp/wet-location variants (select)

Specifications vary by model—always confirm submittals, listings, and photometrics for your application and AHJ requirements.

  • Egress photometrics: Specify optics to maintain required foot-candles at 90 minutes. Asymmetric beams and glare shields can cross-light corridors without hotspots on glass, polished stone, or artwork.
  • Architectural form + clean installs: Micro-profile surface housings and recessed kits preserve sightlines. Confirm junction-box pattern, ceiling grid compatibility, trim depth, and service clearance at install height.
  • Power, recharge & diagnostics: Many units support 120/277 VAC with brownout/LVD protection and documented recharge behavior. Optional self-testing helps automate monthly function tests and the annual full-duration test.
  • Finishes & environments: Designer finishes (white/black/metallic) support high-end interiors. Select damp/wet-location variants where moisture, washdowns, or exterior exposure are present.
  • Remote capability (when layouts demand it): If using remote heads, verify the remote voltage/watt rating and plan runs to minimize voltage drop—so remote heads remain effective at end-of-discharge.

FAQs About Architectural Emergency Lights

What makes an emergency light “architectural”?

Architectural models prioritize refined housings (often die-cast metal), premium finishes, and recessed or micro-profile forms that blend into design-led interiors—while still meeting emergency egress requirements like a verified 90-minute runtime (and UL 924 listing where required).

Are architectural emergency lights UL 924 listed?

Many are, but it can vary by model. For code-driven projects, confirm the specific product’s listing and documentation (and any local AHJ requirements) before submittal and installation.

How do I control glare on glossy finishes or glass walls?

Use fixtures with asymmetric optics, glare shields, or cut-off lenses, then fine-tune head aim during commissioning. The goal is to keep light off reflective surfaces while still maintaining egress levels at the 90-minute point.

When should I choose recessed vs. ultra-slim surface housings?

Recessed housings visually disappear into ceilings and soffits where sightlines matter most (galleries, lobbies). Ultra-slim surface units are ideal where ceiling depth is limited, plenum access is restricted, or you want simpler serviceability.

Do self-testing emergency lights reduce maintenance?

Yes—self-testing models can automate routine functional checks and indicate status via onboard LEDs, which can simplify inspection workflows. Always follow your jurisdiction’s testing requirements and keep documentation for compliance.

Can architectural emergency lights be remote-capable?

Many design-grade units offer remote-head outputs. Verify the remote voltage/watt rating and plan wire runs and voltage drop so remote heads remain bright at the end of discharge.