Emergency Lighting LED Drivers

What Is an LED Emergency Driver?

An LED emergency driver is a battery-powered backup system that maintains lighting during power outages. When installed inside or adjacent to a fixture, it automatically switches to battery power whenever the main electrical supply is interrupted. Based on our 17 years in commercial lighting, these units have become essential for maintaining safety and code compliance across various building types.

When Does It Make Sense to Use an LED Emergency Driver?

Emergency drivers prove invaluable in commercial buildings, warehouses, offices, and retail spaces where occupant safety is paramount. During power failures, they illuminate critical areas like exit routes, stairwells, and work zones to prevent accidents and enable safe evacuation. Most jurisdictions mandate emergency lighting in commercial buildings, making these drivers both a safety necessity and legal requirement. We typically recommend them for any space where people regularly work or gather.

Is a LED Emergency Driver and a LED Emergency Backup the Same Thing?

Yes, these terms are interchangeable in the lighting industry. Both refer to the same battery backup technology that keeps LED fixtures operational during power interruptions.

What Types of LED Fixtures Can You Use an Emergency Driver With?

Most LED fixtures with 0-10V or 1-10V dimmable drivers are compatible with emergency backup systems. The key requirement is adequate space for installation, either within the fixture housing or nearby for external mounting. Compatibility depends on the fixture's driver type and available mounting space. We always verify compatibility before recommending specific emergency driver models for your project.

Can I Add Emergency Drivers to Only a Portion of the Units?

Absolutely. Strategic placement of emergency drivers on select fixtures often provides adequate safety lighting while reducing costs. Our lighting plans typically show both full illumination and emergency backup scenarios, demonstrating how partial emergency coverage meets safety requirements. This approach allows you to maintain essential lighting levels without equipping every fixture with backup power.

How Long Will an Emergency Battery Backup LED Driver Last For?

Emergency drivers are rated for approximately 250 charge-discharge cycles, which translates to many years of reliable service under typical conditions. Since most power outages are infrequent and brief, these units often exceed their rated cycle life in real-world applications.

Under What Conditions Will the Emergency Driver Start Delivering Power?

The emergency driver activates automatically when it detects a loss of AC power to the fixture. Activation typically occurs within 3-5 seconds of power interruption, ensuring minimal lighting disruption. The system continuously monitors the main power supply and seamlessly transitions back to AC power once service is restored.

How Do You Install an LED Emergency Driver?

Many fixtures come with factory-installed emergency drivers as a standard or optional feature. For retrofit applications, certified electricians can easily install aftermarket units following manufacturer specifications. Our technical support team provides installation guidance and can recommend qualified installers in your area to ensure proper setup and code compliance.

Will an Emergency Backup Driver Work with 277-480V Fixtures?

Our standard emergency drivers support 100-277 VAC input voltage, covering most commercial applications. For Canadian installations, we offer specialized models that accommodate 347 VAC systems. Higher voltage applications above 277V require different solutions, so contact us to discuss your specific voltage requirements.

Do You Have an Integrated Version or Does It Mount Externally?

We stock both configurations to meet different installation needs. Integrated units mount inside the fixture housing for a clean appearance, while external models install separately when space is limited or retrofitting existing fixtures. External mounting also simplifies maintenance and battery replacement.

How Long Does an Emergency Backup Last Without Power?

Emergency drivers provide 90 minutes of continuous operation on battery power, meeting standard building code requirements. This duration allows adequate time for safe evacuation and emergency response while maintaining essential lighting throughout the emergency period.

Can I Wire Multiple Fixtures to One Emergency Backup Driver?

No, emergency drivers are engineered for single-fixture operation only. Each driver is sized to power one specific fixture and should never be shared across multiple units. This one-to-one relationship ensures reliable performance and prevents overloading the battery system during emergencies.

Safety and Performance Certifications

All our fixtures carry essential certifications, including DLC Premium, UL Listed, and ETL Listed approvals. These certifications ensure safety, performance, and energy efficiency while qualifying your project for utility rebates and tax incentives. DLC Premium certification guarantees the highest efficiency standards and maximum rebate eligibility.

Warranty and Warranty Support

All our lights come with at least a 5-year warranty, and all warranty support is based in the USA. We take customer support seriously, and helping you with a warranty claim is important to us. Our experienced support team understands the importance of keeping your lighting operational and will work quickly to resolve any warranty issues.

Emergency Lighting LED Drivers Frequently Asked Questions