Best Emergency Lighting Control Units for Safe Exits
When building or upgrading a facility, choosing reliable emergency lighting control units is essential for safety and compliance. This guide covers top-rated options that ensure lights stay on during power loss, coordinate emergency and normal loads, and provide easy maintenance. Each product below is selected for American installations, with clear specifications and practical features to help you compare quickly.
Summary of Selected Products
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit | Voltage / Load |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elcu-200 Emergency Lighting Control Unit Power Pack | Watt Stopper | Watchdog coordination and push-to-test | 120/277 VAC |
| Elcu-100 Emergency Lighting Control Unit | Watt Stopper | Prevents energy waste; reliable shut-on on power loss | 120/277 VAC |
| Emergency Lighting Basics with Dual Adjustable LED Heads | Lithonia Lighting | 90-minute backup; flexible light distribution | 120/277 VAC |
| Controlkeeper Lighting Remote Relay Unit | LVS Controls | Remote control compatibility with control panels | 277 VAC |
| Emergency Remote Head Lighting | TANLUX | Double-head, multi-voltage compatibility | 6V-24V |
Wattstopper Elcu-200 Emergency Lighting Cnotrol Unit Power Pack
The Wattstopper Elcu-200 offers a robust solution for maintaining emergency lighting when normal power is interrupted. The unit’s Watchdog feature allows emergency loads to be controlled in tandem with regular loads, ensuring coordinated operation during outages. A built-in push-to-test button provides quick verification of the emergency circuit, streamlining maintenance and compliance checks. This model is suitable for facilities needing reliable, integrated control without separate testing devices.
Wattstopper Elcu-100 Emergency Lighting Control Unit
The Wattstopper Elcu-100 focuses on eliminating wasted energy by ensuring emergency lighting remains ON only when necessary. It supports 120/277 VAC at 50/60 Hz and guarantees that emergency lighting activates when power to the control device is lost. This unit is ideal for buildings seeking energy efficiency alongside dependable emergency readiness, with straightforward installation and clear performance expectations.
Lithonia Basics LED Emergency Light with Dual Adjustable Heads
This Lithonia Lighting Basics unit provides essential emergency lighting for stairways, hallways, and egress paths with a 90-minute backup. Dual adjustable LED lamp heads offer flexible illumination, with 5000K-9000K CCT for bright, clear visibility. The fixture includes a test switch and status indicator, a rechargeable battery, and a durable housing designed for reliable long-term use in commercial or residential settings.
LVS RRU-277V Controlkeeper Emergency Remote Relay Unit
The LVS RRU-277V is designed as an emergency remote relay unit compatible with ControlKeeper M and MB lighting panels. This module enables remote operation of emergency functions and can be installed adjacent to the main lighting control panel enclosure for convenient wiring and integration. It supports 277V systems and is suitable for facilities leveraging LVS’s broader control ecosystem for centralized emergency management.
TANLUX Emergency Remote Head Lighting
This TANLUX remote head features a double, fully adjustable lamp head for enhanced exit illumination. It is UL listed and supports multi-voltage operation from 6V to 24V, making it compatible with a range of emergency lighting configurations. With 3 watts per head delivering up to 180 lumens, these heads provide dependable, targeted lighting for exits or corridors and can be paired with compatible remote-capable emergency systems.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Voltage and compatibility: Confirm the control unit supports your building’s electrical system (commonly 120/277 VAC) and is compatible with your existing emergency lighting fixtures and panels.
- Test and monitoring features: Look for built-in test switches, status indicators, and watchdog or automatic testing capabilities to simplify maintenance and ensure compliance.
- Load management: Evaluate whether the unit coordinates emergency and normal loads, and if it can isolate or prioritize critical circuits during outages.
- Remote capabilities: If your system uses centralized control panels, consider remote relay options that integrate with existing control ecosystems for streamlined operation.
- Durability and housing: For industrial or high-traffic areas, choose units with sturdy enclosures and reliable LED or lamp head designs designed for long-term use.
- Ease of installation: Look for assemblies that offer straightforward wiring, mounting options, and compatibility with standard emergency lighting footprints.
- Maintenance and serviceability: Components like replaceable batteries, accessible test points, and clear documentation reduce downtime during inspections.
- Compliance and standards: Ensure products meet local and national codes (e.g., NFPA 101, life-safety requirements) and UL or equivalent listings.
When selecting an emergency lighting control unit, consider the facility’s size, exit routes, and occupancy to choose configurations that maximize reliability while minimizing energy waste. The options above cover a mix of centralized control, remote relay compatibility, and dedicated exit lighting heads, offering versatile approaches for typical commercial and residential applications.