Adjustable Recessed Emergency Down-light Unit
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Adjustable Recessed Emergency Downlight — 6 in Cutout, PAR36 LED/Halogen, 90‑min 6 V SLA, 120/277 V — Features & Specs
The EMRL‑1 adjustable recessed emergency downlight delivers discreet, code‑compliant egress lighting from an architectural‑style ceiling fixture. It fits a standard 6 in ceiling opening and uses a tilt‑adjustable gimbal trim to aim light precisely along corridors, at doorways, or across open floor areas. For flexibility in retrofit or new construction, the lamp platform is field‑selectable between a crisp, energy‑efficient 1.5 W LED PAR36 and a classic 8 W halogen PAR36. A maintenance‑friendly 6 V sealed lead‑acid (SLA) battery provides the required 90‑minute UL 924 emergency runtime, while a 120/277 VAC universal input, on‑board test switch, and status indicator keep commissioning simple. If you need a ceiling‑integrated appearance that blends with standard downlights and avoids wall‑mounted “bug‑eyes,” EMRL‑1 is a clean, practical choice. Browse more recessed emergency lighting or see all LED emergency lights.
Key Features
- UL 924 listed; dry‑location rated for interior ceilings.
- Standard 6 in recessed housing with tilt‑adjustable gimbal trim for precise aiming.
- Field‑selectable PAR36 lamp platform: 1.5 W LED (low power, long life) or 8 W halogen (legacy retrofit).
- 90‑minute emergency runtime from a 6 V SLA battery with low‑voltage disconnect (LVD).
- Dual‑voltage 120/277 VAC input, test switch, and status LED for quick diagnostics.
- Solid‑state transfer and two‑rate charger (typical full recharge ~24 hours).
- Chrome reflector & clear lens deliver even, glare‑controlled illumination.
- Includes bar hangers for joist spacing and spring‑clip trim retention for a tight ceiling seal.
- Durable steel can with impact‑resistant thermoplastic trim in white (standard) or black.
- Compliance: NFPA 101, NEC, OSHA.
- Warranty: 5‑year electronics/housing; battery 2‑year prorated.
Why Choose a Recessed Emergency Downlight?
Recessed emergency luminaires offer a streamlined look, especially in corridors, lobbies, or hospitality spaces where exposed heads may clash with the design intent. By placing the battery and electronics above the ceiling and using a minimal trim below, EMRL‑1 maintains the visual rhythm of adjacent architectural downlights. The gimbal trim is more than an aesthetic detail—it allows you to tilt and aim light where it matters: along the path of egress, toward exit doors, or across stair landings. This flexibility helps reduce the number of fixtures required to achieve minimum code light levels, and it simplifies late‑stage layout adjustments if interior walls shift during construction.
LED vs. Halogen: Which PAR36 Source Should I Use?
- 1.5 W LED PAR36: Best for energy efficiency and longevity. LED sources maintain output better over time, run cool, and typically require less maintenance. Choose LED to minimize relamping and heat load in the plenum.
- 8 W Halogen PAR36: Useful for 1‑for‑1 legacy replacement where halogen beam characteristics are already documented, or when matching an existing photometric layout built around halogen. Expect more frequent relamping and higher heat.
Both sources are supported by the same recessed platform and driver/charger assembly. If you are unsure which to specify, we recommend starting with the LED lamp for most interiors and reserving halogen for legacy, like‑for‑like retrofit scenarios.
Design & Layout Notes
- Mounting height & aiming: EMRL‑1 typically installs at finished ceiling heights between 8–12 ft. After power‑up, aim the gimbal to “graze” the egress path—this increases uniformity and minimizes hot spots.
- Spacing: Exact spacing depends on ceiling height, reflectances, target illuminance (often 1 fc average / 0.1 fc minimum per local adoption of UL/NFPA guidelines), and whether you choose LED or halogen. Treat any catalog spacing claim as a design aid and confirm final placement via a point‑by‑point calculation.
- Doorways & turns: Place one unit within line‑of‑sight of exit doors and at corridor turns; use the gimbal to “throw” light into the next segment so you can reduce fixture count.
- Ceiling grid vs. drywall: The included bar hangers simplify T‑bar placement; for drywall, secure into framing and ensure a snug trim fit to avoid light leaks.
Related Recessed Emergency Lighting Guides
Spec Sheet
Download EMRL‑1 Emergency Downlight Spec Sheet (PDF)
Illumination
- Field‑selectable PAR36 lamp: 1.5 W LED or 8 W halogen.
- Polished chrome reflector and clear lens for smooth, glare‑controlled distribution.
- Tilt‑adjustable gimbal trim to target floors, doors, or turns in the egress route.
Electrical
- 120/277 VAC dual‑voltage input with test switch and bi‑color status LED.
- 6 V SLA battery with low‑voltage disconnect (LVD) to extend battery life.
- 90‑minute emergency operation via solid‑state transfer; two‑rate charger (full recharge ≈ 24 h).
- Input load: 8 W | Input current: 0.05 A @ 120/277 V (typ.).
Mounting
- Installs in 6 in recessed ceiling openings (drywall or T‑bar).
- Adjustable bar hangers accommodate common joist spacing in lay‑in ceilings.
- Spring‑clip trim retention provides a tight, rattle‑free fit and quick relamp access.
Construction / Finish
- Heavy‑duty steel can with integral junction box; impact‑resistant thermoplastic trim.
- Standard trim finish: white. Optional: black.
Warranty / Listings
- 5‑year warranty on housing & electronics; battery 2‑year prorated.
- UL 924 listed for dry locations.
- Meets NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, NEC, and OSHA requirements.
Dimensions
- Ceiling opening: 6 in nominal.
- Can height: ~7 in (see spec sheet for exact depth and clearances).
- Trim O.D.: 9 ¾ in.
Dimensions — 6⅛″ opening • 9¾″ trim O.D. • 7⅜″ overall height • 7″ can height (per spec).
Installation & Commissioning Tips
- Rough‑in: Position housings so trims align with architectural downlight rows; keep clear of sprinkler heads and HVAC diffusers to avoid shadowing.
- Branch circuiting: Use unswitched 120/277 V and follow NEC for emergency circuits; label the junction box accordingly.
- Battery connect: Leave the battery harness disconnected until permanent power is available; connect during punch‑list to start the initial charge cycle.
- Aim & verify: After 24‑hour charge, use the push‑to‑test to switch to emergency mode and aim the gimbal for uniform floor coverage.
- Recordkeeping: Log monthly functional tests and an annual 90‑minute test per NFPA 101; replace batteries at end‑of‑life.
Spacing — Illustrative egress coverage with overlapping beams (verify with a project photometric layout).
Application Examples
- Corporate corridors & lobbies: Maintain a clean ceiling aesthetic while meeting code illuminance levels.
- Education & healthcare interiors: Reduce vandalism risk vs. surface heads and improve patient/visitor experience.
- Hospitality & multi‑family common areas: Match the look of decorative downlights without visible emergency “bubbles.”
- Museums & civic buildings: Aim gimbals to protect wall‑mounted art or signage from glare while lighting egress paths.
Overview — Recessed housing with tilt gimbal and PAR36 LED/halogen platform for unobtrusive code-ready egress.
Compare Recessed vs. Surface Emergency Luminaires
Choose based on ceiling integration, aiming flexibility, and environment.
| Model / Form Factor | Lamp Platform | Aiming | Environment | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| This model — EMRL‑1 Recessed Gimbal Downlight | PAR36 LED 1.5 W or Halogen 8 W | Tilt‑adjustable gimbal | Dry location, interior ceilings | Architectural corridors, lobbies, hospitality |
| E‑1 Surface Low‑Profile | 2 × LED heads (0.5 W each; HL opt.) | Pan/tilt heads | Damp‑rated interiors | Budget retrofits; utility corridors |
| DEM Slim Decorative | 2 × LED heads (1 W each) | Aimed decorative lenses | Damp‑rated interiors | Design‑forward public areas |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does EMRL‑1 meet the 90‑minute UL 924 requirement?
Yes. A 6 V SLA battery and solid‑state transfer provide a minimum 90 minutes of emergency operation when fully charged.
Which lamp should I specify—LED or halogen?
Choose LED for efficiency and minimal maintenance in most interiors. Use halogen if you must match legacy photometrics or have a documented layout based on halogen beam spread.
Can I use EMRL‑1 in damp or wet locations?
No. EMRL‑1 is dry‑location listed. For hose‑down or outdoor areas, see our wet‑location emergency lights and wet‑location exit combos.
How do I aim the gimbal?
After a 24‑hour charge, press the test button to switch into emergency mode, then tilt the gimbal to “paint” the egress path with overlapping beams. Confirm with a light meter or a point‑by‑point calculation.
Is the recessed housing included?
Yes. The unit ships as a complete recessed emergency fixture—steel can, bar hangers, trim, battery/charger, and selected PAR36 lamp.
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