Question

Describe emergency lighting system with neat diagram.

Answer 1

### Emergency Lighting System

An emergency lighting system is designed to provide illumination in the event of a power failure or when the normal lighting system is not functioning. These systems are essential in helping people safely evacuate a building during emergencies like fires, power outages, or any situation that causes disruption to normal lighting.

Key Components of Emergency Lighting:

1. Emergency Lights: These lights automatically turn on during a power failure. They usually have batteries to keep them running for a certain time.
   

1. Backup Power Source: Typically, these are batteries or generators that power the emergency lights when the main electrical power fails.
   

1. Control System: A system to detect power failure and activate the emergency lighting.
   

1. Charging System: This keeps the backup batteries charged during normal conditions so they are ready to work when needed.
   

1. Luminaires: The actual light fixtures installed in the building to provide emergency illumination.
   

Types of Emergency Lighting:

1. Escape Lighting: Helps guide people to the nearest exit during an emergency.
   

1. Standby Lighting: Provides illumination to ensure normal activities can continue in areas like offices or corridors.
   

1. Open Area Lighting: Provides light for areas without exit signs (like large halls), so people can move around safely.
   

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Basic Diagram of Emergency Lighting System

Here’s a simple diagram of how an emergency lighting system works:

`
    [Normal Power Supply] ------------> [Main Lighting System]
                        |
                     Power Failure
                        |
    [Backup Power Supply] ---> [Emergency Lights]
                        |       
                    [Batteries] ---> [Charging System]
`

1. Normal Power Supply: This is the primary source of power for regular lights in a building.
   

1. Power Failure: If the main power fails, the backup system takes over.
   

1. Backup Power Supply: Provides energy to the emergency lights via batteries or a generator.
   

1. Emergency Lights: Lights that turn on during power failure.
   

1. Batteries: Store power for the emergency lights to use when normal power is down.
   

1. Charging System: Keeps the backup batteries charged during normal operation.
   

Important Features:

1. Automatic Activation: Emergency lighting should turn on automatically during a power failure.
   

1. Duration: The system should provide adequate illumination for a period long enough to ensure safety (typically 1-3 hours).
   

1. Test and Maintenance: Regular testing and maintenance are required to ensure the system functions properly in an emergency.
   

This system plays a crucial role in safety and should be properly installed and maintained in buildings of all sizes, especially in places like schools, hospitals, hotels, and office buildings.