LED High Bay Lights with Battery Backup

How Emergency Battery Backup High Bays Work

LED high bay lights with emergency battery backup use an emergency backup module (EMB) to provide reduced lighting when normal power fails. During normal operation, the high bay runs at its specified wattage and lumen output while the emergency battery remains charged. When the EMB detects a loss of normal power, it automatically switches the fixture to battery operation. The high bay will not operate at full brightness during an outage. The EMB supplies a lower emergency output designed to provide essential visibility along designated aisles, walkways, and exit routes. This reduced output helps conserve battery capacity so emergency lighting can remain available for the required operating period.

Integral and External EMB Options

Some linear high bays are available with an emergency driver installed within or alongside the fixture. UFO high bays typically have limited internal space, so a compatible external emergency battery backup can be mounted near the fixture. Our external UFO EMB options include select 25-watt and 40-watt emergency drivers. Compatibility depends on the high bay’s wattage, driver, input voltage, dimming method, and wiring configuration. Select external units require a compatible 0-10V or 1-10V dimmable UFO high bay, so the fixture and EMB should be matched before ordering. The emergency driver’s wattage describes the power available during an outage. It does not indicate the normal wattage of the high bay. For example, a 40-watt EMB may be compatible with a much higher-wattage fixture but will operate that fixture at reduced emergency output when normal power is lost.

What to Confirm Before Ordering

• Emergency output: Review the EMB’s emergency wattage and documented lumen output.
• Runtime: Confirm the required emergency operating period and the selected unit’s rated duration.
• Fixture compatibility: Match the EMB to the high bay’s driver type, normal wattage, voltage, and dimming method.
• Mounting: Confirm whether the emergency driver is integral or requires an accessible external mounting location.
• Environmental rating: Verify temperature, wet-location, and ingress-protection ratings for the installation area.
• Testing: Determine whether manual, self-test, or diagnostic functions are required and establish a testing and maintenance schedule.

Emergency backup is normally installed on selected fixtures positioned to illuminate required egress paths rather than on every high bay in the building. Fixture location, mounting height, emergency output, spacing, obstructions, and the path occupants must follow all affect the resulting light levels. An EMB should not be assumed to provide adequate emergency illumination based only on its wattage or runtime. For warehouses, factories, gymnasiums, hangars, and other high-ceiling facilities, an emergency photometric plan can help determine which fixtures need backup and whether the reduced output provides the required coverage.

Certifications, Installation, and Warranty

Confirm that the selected emergency driver carries the required safety listing, such as UL 924, and verify that the complete fixture and EMB combination is permitted for the application. Product voltage, emergency output, recharge time, environmental rating, testing features, and warranty vary by model. Emergency lighting is a life-safety system. Final placement and performance requirements depend on the building occupancy, egress layout, applicable codes, and local authority having jurisdiction. EMB wiring and installation should be completed by a licensed electrical professional according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most products include a 5-year warranty unless otherwise specified. Need help selecting an EMB? Provide the high bay model, normal fixture wattage, input voltage, mounting height, ceiling layout, and required emergency coverage. LED Lighting Supply’s Product Specialists can help identify compatible integral or external emergency backup options.

LED High Bay Lights with Battery Backup FAQs

How Long Do LED High Bay Lights With Battery Backup Stay On During A Power Outage?

LED high bay lights with battery backup can remain lit for up to 90 minutes when power to the fixtures is off. They operate at reduced output during backup operation while providing light for exit and egress lighting.

Can A UFO LED High Bay Be Converted To Battery Backup Operation?

Yes, external battery backups are available for UFO fixtures, allowing a UFO high bay to be converted into an emergency backup-enabled high bay.

Do Battery Backup High Bays Operate At Full Brightness During Emergency Operation?

No, battery-backed high bays are dimmed from their normal output during a power interruption. The reduced output is intended to provide lighting for exit and egress.

What Is High Bay Emergency Lighting?

High bay emergency lighting is an LED high bay fixture with battery backup. The battery allows the fixture to stay illuminated when its normal power supply is turned off.