Today's Industrial Products and Solutions February 2019 | Page 6

Comprehensive Emergency
Lighting System Solutions
from Single Source Providers
From lights to exit signs, a single source emergency lighting
system product supplier can streamline the design process for
electrical engineers
 For electrical engineers responsible for designing a building’s emergency lighting system, the process of
selecting and integrating the various component parts from lights to exit signs is not a one-size-fits-all
proposition. 
 After all, there are a myriad of combinations and approaches available that will sufficiently provide one-
foot candle of illumination along the path of egress specified by the NFPA.
 These options often begin with deciding on the type of power source that will be used in the event of a
power outage.  Often, existing architectural lights are incorporated if possible, powered by centralized
inverters or generators.  However, when that is not sufficient, dedicated battery powered emergency lights
may be required.   
 In an industry flooded with inexpensive, commoditized products, another key decision is whether to speci-
fy higher end, architectural alternatives. 
Dedicated emergency lights, for example, can be concealed until needed behind panels that can be covered
by wallpaper or matching wall paint, if desired.  Even emergency exit signs require consideration, with op-
tions ranging from inexpensive thermoplastic models to more elegant, energy efficient models.
Additional challenges can occur within the design and specification process as well. 
Although electrical engineers are well trained in emergency lighting system design, it is often one of the last
aspects considered.  This can create difficulties sourcing and receiving items – often from multiple parties.
However, for those emergency lighting product companies that provide a full catalogue of options from
lights to exit signs and inverters, much of the pain can be taken out of the process by simplifying the inter-
action and providing a single source.
“Electrical engineers prefer not to source items from three different companies: one for the exit sign, one
for the inverter, and another for the lighting,” says Bill Lynch, President of Isolite Corporation, a company
that offers high quality, specification grade emergency lighting products.
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TIPS Magazine • February ‘19