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LED Emergency Bulkheads
Emergency LED bulkheads are essential for safety and compliance in commercial and public buildings. These fittings provide up to 3 hours of backup illumination during a power outage, ensuring safe evacuation from areas like stairwells, corridors, communal spaces, and fire exit routes.
They come in maintained or non-maintained versions and are available in round, square, and rectangular housings. Many combine emergency functionality with motion sensors, or are part of dual-purpose fittings that serve as general and emergency lighting in one.
All models comply with UK fire safety and building regulations, making them ideal for schools, offices, care homes, and HMOs.
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Bright Source 9w/14w/18w IP65 Square Bulkhead White - 3CCT - Emergency & Photocell Sensor£57.23£68.68Out of stock
LED Emergency Bulkhead Lights | Maintained & Non-Maintained
FAQ's
A: An emergency bulkhead light is a specialised lighting fixture designed to provide illumination during power failures, ensuring visibility and safety in critical areas such as escape routes, stairwells, corridors, and exit points. These lights feature a built-in battery backup system, which automatically activates the fitting when mains power is lost. The battery typically delivers up to 3 hours of light, helping building occupants safely navigate during emergencies.
LED emergency bulkheads are widely used in commercial, residential, and public buildings, and are essential for meeting UK fire safety regulations, including BS 5266-1. Available in maintained (always on) and non-maintained (only on during power loss) variants, these fittings offer a reliable, energy-efficient solution that supports safe evacuation and legal compliance. Many models also include sensor control or IP65 weatherproof ratings for added versatility in indoor and outdoor applications.
A:Â Emergency bulkhead lights are legally required in many commercial, public, and multi-occupancy residential buildings under UK fire safety regulations, specifically the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. These regulations mandate that emergency lighting must be provided along designated escape routes, at stairwells, corridor junctions, exit doors, fire equipment points, and any areas where people may be at risk during a power failure. The goal is to ensure occupants can safely evacuate in the event of an emergency.
These requirements apply to premises such as offices, factories, schools, hospitals, hotels, HMOs, and communal areas of residential blocks. Emergency bulkheads are often used because they are durable, energy-efficient, and available in both maintained and non-maintained formats. When installed correctly and in accordance with BS 5266-1, they help building owners and facility managers meet their legal obligations and provide a vital layer of life safety protection.
A: The main difference between maintained and non-maintained emergency bulkheads lies in how and when the light operates. A maintained bulkhead functions as a regular light during normal conditions and automatically switches to emergency battery power when there’s a power failure. These are commonly used in public areas such as stairwells, corridors, and communal entrances, where constant lighting is needed, and emergency backup is also required.
A non-maintained bulkhead, on the other hand, remains off under normal conditions and only activates during a mains power failure. These are typically installed in areas where lighting is not always required, but emergency illumination is essential — such as plant rooms, storage areas, and escape routes. Both types are compliant with BS 5266-1 and serve critical roles in supporting safe evacuation procedures, but the choice depends on whether the space also requires general illumination during normal use.
A: Yes, all emergency bulkhead lights require regular testing to ensure they remain fully operational and compliant with UK fire safety regulations. According to BS 5266-1 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, responsible persons must carry out monthly function tests, a brief check to confirm the light switches to emergency mode, as well as annual full-duration tests to ensure the battery provides the required 3 hours of illumination. These inspections are critical for maintaining life safety standards and preparing for emergencies.
Many emergency bulkhead models come with a manual test button, while others may be part of a self-testing system that automatically logs test results and faults. Keeping a record of all testing and maintenance is also a legal requirement and may be reviewed during fire safety audits or risk assessments. Regular testing not only ensures regulatory compliance but also helps prevent failures during real power outages, making it an essential part of any building’s emergency preparedness plan.
A: Yes, most LED emergency bulkheads are designed for easy installation, making them a practical choice for both new builds and retrofit projects. These fittings typically come with universal mounting brackets, pre-wired terminals, and clearly marked test functions, allowing for quick and straightforward wiring. Whether installed on walls or ceilings, the compact design and surface-mounted housing help save time and reduce disruption during installation.
Some models also include self-test functionality, which simplifies ongoing maintenance and compliance with emergency lighting regulations. It’s always recommended that emergency lighting be installed by a qualified electrician, particularly to ensure the unit is correctly connected to the unswitched power supply and meets the requirements of BS 5266-1. With proper planning, emergency bulkheads offer a low-hassle, high-reliability solution for safety lighting in a wide range of environments.