What is the primary purpose of emergency lighting in commercial buildings?

The primary purpose of emergency lighting in commercial buildings is to provide illumination during power outages for safe evacuation. In the event of an emergency, when power supply may be compromised, emergency lighting ensures that occupants can safely navigate their way to exits, minimizing the risk of injury or panic. This system is critical for complying with safety regulations and codes that require clear visibility for evacuating individuals during emergencies such as fires, blackouts, or other hazardous situations.

Emergency lighting is specifically designed to function independently of the main power supply, ensuring it operates automatically when needed. This capability not only aids in the immediate safety of building occupants but also plays a vital role in guiding first responders to find and assist individuals in distress within the environment.

While reducing energy consumption, enhancing security after hours, and improving visibility for maintenance tasks are beneficial features of certain lighting systems, they do not align with the fundamental function of emergency lighting, which is primarily focused on ensuring safety and facilitating an orderly evacuation during crises.