Emergency lighting plays a critical role in building safety, providing illumination when normal power supplies fail. Whether in a commercial office, warehouse, school, hospital, or apartment building, emergency lighting helps occupants safely locate exits and evacuate during an emergency.
When selecting an emergency lighting system, one of the most important decisions is whether a maintained or non-maintained fitting is required. Understanding the difference ensures compliance with Australian standards while delivering the right level of safety for the application.
What is a Maintained Emergency Light?
A maintained emergency light operates continuously during normal conditions and remains illuminated when mains power is available.
If a power failure occurs, the fitting automatically switches to its internal battery and continues operating for the required emergency duration.
Maintained emergency lights are commonly used where the fitting serves both as everyday lighting and emergency lighting. Typical applications include:
- Exit signs
- Shopping centres
- Hospitals
- Airports
- Hotels
- Public buildings
- Entertainment venues
Because they are always illuminated, maintained fittings provide clear visibility of exits and escape routes at all times.
What is a Non-Maintained Emergency Light?
A non-maintained emergency light remains off during normal operation and only activates when mains power is lost.
Under normal conditions, the fitting's battery is continuously charged and monitored, but the lamp does not operate. During a power outage, the fitting automatically switches to battery power and illuminates the designated area.
Non-maintained emergency lights are commonly installed in:
- Warehouses
- Plant rooms
- Storerooms
- Industrial facilities
- Office areas with existing lighting
- Low-occupancy spaces
Because they only operate during emergencies, non-maintained fittings consume less energy and often require less maintenance over their lifetime.
Key Differences
| Feature | Maintained | Non-Maintained |
|---|---|---|
| Illuminated during normal operation | Yes | No |
| Operates during power failure | Yes | Yes |
| Battery backup | Yes | Yes |
| Energy consumption | Higher | Lower |
| Typical application | Exit signs and public spaces | Emergency escape route lighting |
Which Type Should You Choose?
The choice depends on the purpose of the fitting and the requirements of the building.
Maintained emergency lighting is typically selected where continuous illumination is necessary, particularly for exit signage and areas where occupants need clear visual guidance at all times.
Non-maintained emergency lighting is generally used where normal lighting already provides adequate illumination, and emergency lighting is only required during a loss of power.
The requirements of AS/NZS 2293 should always be considered when selecting emergency lighting solutions, as the standard specifies where emergency and exit lighting must be installed and how it must perform.
The Tesla Emergency Solution
Tesla Emergency offers both maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting solutions designed to meet the requirements of AS/NZS 2293.
From cost-effective standalone fittings through to advanced monitored emergency lighting systems, Tesla Emergency provides reliable, compliant solutions for commercial, industrial, and public buildings across Australia.
If you're unsure which type of emergency lighting is right for your project, contact the Tesla Emergency team for expert advice and product recommendations.