1 Product
Photocell Emergency Lights – Smart, Automatic Emergency Illumination
Photocell emergency lights offer a reliable, energy-efficient solution for outdoor safety lighting by combining UL 924-listed emergency lighting with built-in dusk-to-dawn photocell sensors. These fixtures function as standard LED outdoor lights during normal operation, automatically turning on at night and off at daylight. In the event of a power outage, they instantly switch to emergency mode using an internal battery backup—ensuring code-compliant illumination when it’s needed most.
Designed for demanding outdoor environments, photocell emergency lights are constructed with wet-location rated housings—typically made from corrosion-resistant die-cast aluminum or UV-stabilized thermoplastic. Each unit includes a sealed Ni-Cd battery that provides a minimum of 90 minutes of emergency runtime in accordance with NFPA 101 and UL 924 requirements. The integrated photocell maximizes energy efficiency by reducing unnecessary power consumption and extending the lifespan of the fixture.
These versatile fixtures are ideal for parking lots, walkways, building exteriors, stairwell exits, loading docks, and other wet or semi-exposed areas that require dual-purpose functionality. Advanced models feature self-testing diagnostics, push-to-test switches, and dual-voltage input (120/277 VAC) for compatibility with most commercial systems. Some units offer adjustable LED outputs of up to 1,000 lumens to meet specific lighting needs while maintaining compliance.
What is a photocell emergency light? It’s an outdoor-rated emergency light that includes a built-in light sensor. It operates automatically from dusk to dawn and switches to battery-powered emergency mode during outages—ideal for entryways, loading zones, and egress paths.
With their sleek, architectural profiles and smart light-sensing technology, photocell emergency lights deliver continuous safety coverage, reduced maintenance, and streamlined installation. Whether you're updating exterior egress lighting or outfitting a new facility, these fixtures provide an all-in-one solution for smart emergency illumination.
Browse our full collection of commercial emergency lights or shop outdoor emergency lights for additional wet-location and dual-mode configurations that enhance life safety and energy efficiency.
FAQs About Photocell Emergency Lights
❓ What is a photocell emergency light?
It’s an emergency lighting fixture with an integrated light sensor that automatically turns the unit on at dusk and off at dawn—plus 90-minute backup power in case of a power loss.
❓ How does the photocell work?
Photocell sensors detect ambient light levels: below threshold they switch the light on; above threshold they turn it off, saving energy and extending unit lifespan.
❓ Are these UL 924-compliant?
Yes—all models are UL 924 and NFPA 101 compliant, combining emergency lighting certification with intelligent control features.
❓ Is the housing weatherproof?
Absolutely—units are built with IP65 or NEMA 4X-rated housings (die-cast aluminum or thermoplastic), ideal for wet or outdoor locations.
❓ What backup power is included?
Most models use sealed nickel-cadmium batteries that provide at least 90 minutes of backup lights and recharge within 24 hours.
❓ Do they have self-testing features?
Many units include self-test diagnostics or manual test buttons to meet monthly and annual inspection requirements.
❓ Where are they used?
Commonly installed in building exteriors, parking garages, walkways, loading docks, stairwell exits, and other dim or outdoor locations.