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NEMA Rated Emergency Lights

NEMA Rated Emergency Lights – Waterproof, Sealed & Code-Compliant

NEMA rated emergency lights are engineered for harsh industrial and outdoor environments with moisture, dust, and corrosive agents. These UL 924 listed emergency lights feature sealed housings and gasketed construction to achieve NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, or NEMA 3R protection—keeping LEDs and electronics safe during wash-downs, rain, ice, and airborne debris. See all NEMA rated emergency lights.

NEMA 4X / 12 / 3R UL 924 Listed 90-Min Backup LED Lamp Heads Self-Testing (Options)
Buyers Guide Tips

What to Look for in NEMA Rated Emergency Lights

  • NEMA type & use case: Match NEMA 4X (wash-down/corrosion), NEMA 12 (dust/drips), or NEMA 3R (rain/ice) to the environment.
  • Compliance & runtime: UL 924 listing with a minimum 90-minute operation; align with NFPA 101/OSHA and your AHJ.
  • Enclosure & sealing: Gasketed, sealed housings with continuous gaskets and tight fastener interfaces for hose-down and spray exposure.
  • Materials & corrosion: Fiberglass/polycarbonate or coated steel with stainless hardware for chemicals, salt-mist, and cleaners.
  • Lumen output & egress: Size heads to achieve ≈ ≥1 fc average and ≥0.1 fc minimum along paths at 90 minutes; confirm spacing with photometrics.
  • Optics & aiming: Adjustable, low-glare optics to push light down aisles and open areas without hotspotting; verify tilt/swivel and locks.
  • Power & electronics: Universal 120/277 VAC, solid-state charger/automatic transfer, low-voltage disconnect, status indicator, and test switch; brownout/surge protection recommended.
  • Battery & ambient: Maintenance-free Ni-Cd or lithium with 90-minute runtime; check recharge time and ambient temperature range; add heaters for cold rooms as needed.
  • Mounting & entries: Wall/ceiling brackets and sealed conduit entries; verify hub size, box pattern, and clearances near doors and equipment.
  • Lens & impact: Impact-rated lenses and rugged housings for carts, forklifts, and wash-down pressure; consider guards if traffic is heavy.
  • Diagnostics & upkeep: Self-testing electronics automate monthly/annual checks and simplify recordkeeping for inspections.

Ideal for food processing plants, manufacturing lines, wash-down zones, chemical storage, outdoor corridors, and wet mechanical rooms, these waterproof emergency lights use fiberglass, polycarbonate, or powder-coated steel enclosures with corrosion-resistant hardware and impact-rated lenses. Many models are also suitable as wet-location emergency lights where continuous exposure to water or humidity is expected.

Every unit includes integrated LED heads and a long-life battery system providing at least 90 minutes of illumination during power failure. Options such as self-testing emergency lights automate monthly and annual diagnostics to simplify compliance with NFPA 101, OSHA, and local fire codes. Pair with rugged NEMA rated exit signs for fully sealed, end-to-end egress coverage.

NEMA quick guide: NEMA 4X adds corrosion resistance for wash-down and marine environments; NEMA 12 protects against circulating dust, lint, and drips in industrial interiors; NEMA 3R resists rain, sleet, and ice for outdoor installations.

💡 What is a NEMA rated emergency light?
A sealed, UL 924 egress fixture with a NEMA enclosure rating (e.g., 4X/12/3R) that protects against water, dust, and corrosion—ensuring reliable 90-minute emergency lighting in harsh locations.

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NEMA Rated Emergency Lights – Spec Guide

  • NEMA type & application: Match NEMA 4X (wash-down/corrosion), NEMA 12 (dust/drips), or NEMA 3R (rain/ice) to site conditions.
  • Compliance & runtime: UL 924 listing; provide a minimum 90-minute operation and align with NFPA 101/OSHA (verify with AHJ).
  • Enclosure & sealing: Gasketed, sealed housings with continuous gaskets and tight fastener interfaces for hose-down and spray exposure; protected vents as required.
  • Materials & corrosion: Fiberglass/polycarbonate or powder-coated steel with stainless hardware to resist chemicals, cleaners, and salt-mist environments.
  • Lumen output & egress: Size heads to achieve ≈ ≥1 fc average and ≥0.1 fc minimum along paths at 90 minutes; confirm spacing with photometrics for aisles/corridors.
  • Optics & aiming: Adjustable, low-glare optics to push light down aisles and open areas without hotspotting; verify tilt/swivel range and locking features.
  • Lens & impact: Impact-rated lenses and rugged housings to withstand carts, forklifts, and wash-down pressure; consider guards in high-traffic zones.
  • Power & electronics: Universal 120/277 VAC, solid-state charger/automatic transfer, low-voltage disconnect, status indicator, and test switch; brownout/surge protection recommended.
  • Battery & ambient: Maintenance-free Ni-Cd or lithium with 90-minute runtime; verify recharge time and ambient temperature range; add heaters for cold rooms as needed.
  • Mounting & entries: Wall/ceiling brackets and sealed conduit entries; confirm hub size/locations, J-box pattern, and clearances near doors/equipment.
  • Diagnostics & maintenance: Optional self-testing electronics automate monthly/annual checks and simplify recordkeeping for inspections.
  • Nameplate & markings: Ensure label lists NEMA rating, UL file, input voltage, ambient range, and any special conditions of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “NEMA rated” mean for emergency lights?

A NEMA rating tells you how well the enclosure resists the environment. For example, NEMA 4X and NEMA 12 indicate protection against water, dust, corrosion, and ice buildup, making these units suitable for wet, industrial, or otherwise harsh areas.

What’s the difference between NEMA 4X and NEMA 12 emergency lights?

NEMA 4X fixtures are fully weatherproof and corrosion-resistant for outdoor or washdown use. NEMA 12 fixtures are intended for indoor industrial spaces—protecting against dust, oil, and dripping fluids—and are not rated for outdoor exposure.

Are NEMA rated emergency lights UL 924 listed?

Yes. Models are UL 924 listed and meet NFPA 101 life-safety requirements, including a minimum of 90 minutes of emergency illumination during a power failure.

Can NEMA rated emergency lights be used outdoors?

Yes. NEMA 4/4X emergency lights are designed for outdoor use and can handle rain, snow, and temperature swings. Always choose the rating that matches your environment.

Do NEMA lights include self-testing diagnostics?

Many models offer self-testing diagnostics that automatically run the monthly 30-second check and the annual 90-minute test to simplify NFPA 101 / OSHA compliance.