Remote Head Emergency Lights

Remote head emergency lights supplement illumination from primary emergency lighting in the event of a power loss. They connect to a compatible, remote-capable emergency or exit light and draw power from it during an electrical outage. Remote heads provide coverage around corners, outside exits, and .....Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

What are remote head emergency lights?

Remote head emergency lights are auxiliary lighting fixtures that are connected to a central emergency lighting system or unit. They are designed to provide illumination in areas where additional lighting is needed during a power outage or emergency situation. These lights are typically used in conjunction with a main emergency lighting unit that contains the battery backup and control circuitry. The primary function of remote head emergency lights is to extend the coverage of emergency lighting to areas that are not adequately illuminated by the main emergency lighting unit. They are often installed in hallways, stairwells, large rooms, or any location where additional light is necessary to ensure safe egress during an emergency. Remote heads are usually compact and can be mounted on walls or ceilings. They are connected to the main emergency lighting unit via electrical wiring, which supplies power from the unit's battery during an outage. This setup allows the remote heads to operate independently of the building's main power supply. These lights are available in various designs and configurations, including single or dual lamp heads, and can be equipped with different types of light sources such as LED or incandescent bulbs. LED remote heads are particularly popular due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and bright illumination. In summary, remote head emergency lights are an essential component of a comprehensive emergency lighting system, providing additional illumination to ensure safety and compliance with building codes during power failures or emergencies.

How do remote head emergency lights work?

Remote head emergency lights are auxiliary lighting units connected to a central emergency lighting system, designed to provide illumination during power outages or emergencies. They work by being wired to a central battery or power source, which is typically part of an emergency lighting system that includes a main emergency light fixture with a battery backup. When the main power supply is functioning, the remote head emergency lights remain off, as they are not needed. The central system continuously charges the battery during this time, ensuring it is ready for use when required. The system includes a transfer switch that monitors the power supply. If a power failure is detected, the transfer switch automatically activates the battery, supplying power to both the main emergency light and any connected remote heads. The remote heads are strategically placed in areas that require additional lighting, such as long corridors, stairwells, or large rooms, to ensure adequate illumination for safe evacuation. They are typically equipped with LED or halogen bulbs, which are energy-efficient and provide bright, focused light. The design of remote head emergency lights allows for flexibility in installation, as they can be mounted on walls or ceilings and adjusted to direct light where needed. This adaptability makes them suitable for various building layouts and ensures compliance with safety regulations. In summary, remote head emergency lights function as part of a centralized emergency lighting system, providing additional illumination during power outages by utilizing a battery backup activated by a transfer switch. They enhance safety by ensuring critical areas remain lit, facilitating safe evacuation.

Where should remote head emergency lights be installed?

Remote head emergency lights should be installed in locations where additional lighting is necessary to ensure safe egress during an emergency. These locations typically include: 1. **Exit Routes**: Install remote heads along corridors, stairwells, and passageways leading to exits to ensure they are well-lit and easily navigable. 2. **Large Open Areas**: In spaces like warehouses, auditoriums, or gymnasiums, remote heads can provide additional coverage where standard emergency lights may not suffice. 3. **High-Ceiling Areas**: In areas with high ceilings, remote heads can be mounted at lower levels to provide adequate illumination closer to the ground. 4. **Obstructed Areas**: Use remote heads in areas where obstacles might block the light from standard emergency fixtures, ensuring all parts of the path are illuminated. 5. **Outdoor Egress Paths**: Install remote heads along outdoor exit paths, such as walkways leading to a safe assembly area, to ensure visibility in all weather conditions. 6. **Rooms Without Direct Emergency Lighting**: In rooms that do not have direct emergency lighting, remote heads can be used to extend coverage from a nearby emergency light fixture. 7. **Hazardous Areas**: In areas with potential hazards, such as mechanical rooms or chemical storage areas, remote heads can provide critical lighting to safely navigate during an emergency. 8. **Compliance with Codes**: Ensure installation complies with local building codes and standards, such as NFPA 101, which dictate specific requirements for emergency lighting placement. Proper installation of remote head emergency lights is crucial for safety and compliance, ensuring that all occupants can safely exit the building during an emergency.

What are the benefits of using remote head emergency lights?

Remote head emergency lights offer several benefits, enhancing safety and functionality in various settings: 1. **Extended Coverage**: Remote heads can be strategically placed to cover areas that are not directly illuminated by the main emergency lighting unit, ensuring comprehensive coverage in large or complex spaces. 2. **Flexibility in Installation**: They provide flexibility in installation, allowing for optimal placement in areas where traditional emergency lights may not fit or be effective, such as narrow corridors or high ceilings. 3. **Cost-Effective**: By using remote heads, you can extend the reach of a single emergency lighting unit, reducing the need for multiple standalone units and thus lowering overall costs. 4. **Enhanced Safety**: They improve safety by ensuring that all critical areas, including exits, stairwells, and pathways, are well-lit during power outages, facilitating safe evacuation. 5. **Customizable Lighting**: Remote heads can be adjusted or aimed to focus light where it is most needed, providing targeted illumination that can be tailored to specific architectural features or safety requirements. 6. **Reduced Maintenance**: With fewer complete units to maintain, the use of remote heads can simplify maintenance routines, as only the main unit requires regular checks and battery replacements. 7. **Aesthetic Integration**: Remote heads can be less obtrusive and more easily integrated into the design of a building, maintaining aesthetic appeal while providing essential safety features. 8. **Compliance with Regulations**: They help in meeting safety regulations and building codes that require adequate emergency lighting coverage, ensuring legal compliance and reducing liability. 9. **Increased Reliability**: By distributing light sources, remote heads can increase the reliability of emergency lighting systems, as the failure of one head does not compromise the entire system. Overall, remote head emergency lights enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of emergency lighting systems, providing a versatile and reliable solution for safety and compliance.

How do you connect remote head emergency lights to a primary emergency light?

To connect remote head emergency lights to a primary emergency light, follow these steps: 1. **Check Compatibility**: Ensure the primary emergency light is designed to support remote heads. Check the manufacturer's specifications for the maximum load capacity and voltage compatibility. 2. **Turn Off Power**: Before starting, turn off the power supply to the primary emergency light to ensure safety. 3. **Access Wiring**: Open the primary emergency light housing to access the internal wiring. This usually involves removing screws or clips. 4. **Identify Terminals**: Locate the terminals or connectors designated for remote heads. These are typically labeled as "Remote" or "Remote Head." 5. **Run Wiring**: Use appropriate gauge wire (as specified by the manufacturer) to connect the remote head to the primary unit. The wire should be rated for the voltage and current of the system. 6. **Connect Wires**: Connect the positive wire from the remote head to the positive terminal on the primary unit, and the negative wire to the negative terminal. Ensure connections are secure and insulated to prevent short circuits. 7. **Mount Remote Heads**: Install the remote heads in the desired locations. Ensure they are securely mounted and aimed to provide optimal illumination. 8. **Test the System**: Restore power and test the system by simulating a power outage. Ensure both the primary and remote heads illuminate properly. 9. **Secure Housing**: Once testing is complete, secure the housing of the primary emergency light. 10. **Compliance Check**: Ensure the installation complies with local electrical codes and regulations. By following these steps, you can effectively connect remote head emergency lights to a primary emergency light, ensuring reliable emergency illumination.

What are the power requirements for remote head emergency lights?

Remote head emergency lights typically require a power source that can provide sufficient energy to illuminate the lights during an emergency situation, such as a power outage. The power requirements for these lights generally include: 1. **Voltage**: Most remote head emergency lights operate on low voltage, typically 6V, 12V, or 24V DC. The specific voltage requirement depends on the design and specifications of the emergency lighting system. 2. **Battery Backup**: These systems often include a battery backup to ensure functionality during power failures. The battery capacity is crucial and is usually measured in ampere-hours (Ah). The capacity should be sufficient to power the lights for the required duration, often a minimum of 90 minutes as per safety standards. 3. **Wattage**: The wattage of the bulbs used in remote head emergency lights can vary, but they are generally low-wattage to conserve battery life. Common wattages range from 5W to 20W per head, depending on the brightness and coverage needed. 4. **Charging System**: A built-in charging system is necessary to keep the battery charged when the main power supply is available. This system should be capable of maintaining the battery at full charge without overcharging, which can damage the battery. 5. **Compliance with Standards**: The power system must comply with local and national safety standards, such as NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) in the United States, which dictates the performance and testing requirements for emergency lighting systems. 6. **Efficiency**: Energy-efficient LED bulbs are commonly used in remote head emergency lights to reduce power consumption and extend battery life. These requirements ensure that remote head emergency lights are reliable and effective in providing illumination during emergencies.

Can remote head emergency lights be used outdoors?

Yes, remote head emergency lights can be used outdoors, but certain conditions and specifications must be met to ensure their effectiveness and durability. Outdoor use requires that the emergency lights be specifically designed and rated for exterior environments. This typically involves the following considerations: 1. **Weatherproofing**: The lights must be weatherproof or waterproof to withstand rain, snow, and other environmental elements. They should have an appropriate Ingress Protection (IP) rating, such as IP65 or higher, indicating protection against dust and water. 2. **Temperature Range**: Outdoor emergency lights should be capable of operating within a wide temperature range to handle extreme cold or heat, depending on the location. 3. **Material Durability**: The materials used in the construction of the lights should be resistant to corrosion, UV radiation, and physical impact. Common materials include polycarbonate or die-cast aluminum. 4. **Mounting and Installation**: Proper mounting hardware and installation techniques are necessary to ensure stability and functionality. The lights should be securely mounted to withstand wind and other outdoor forces. 5. **Power Source**: Consideration of the power source is crucial. Battery backup systems should be reliable and capable of providing sufficient illumination during power outages. Solar-powered options may also be available for certain applications. 6. **Compliance and Standards**: The lights should comply with local building codes and safety standards, such as those set by the National Electrical Code (NEC) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL). By ensuring these factors are addressed, remote head emergency lights can be effectively used outdoors to provide safety and visibility during emergencies.