When the power goes out, people don’t think about the routers or the printers—they look for the lights. Emergency lighting isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safety, confidence, and control. And at the center of that system? The emergency lighting inverter.
If you’re responsible for keeping a facility compliant and safe, it’s time to shine a light (pun intended) on these critical devices.
What is an Emergency Lighting Inverter?
An emergency lighting inverter is a backup power system that ensures your emergency lights stay on during a power outage. Unlike battery packs that might support only a single fixture, inverters supply backup power to a centralized group of lights—whether they’re fluorescent, LED, or HID.
They’re a smarter, scalable, and more maintainable solution—especially for larger buildings like hospitals, data centers, campuses, and commercial spaces.
Why Emergency Lighting Inverters Matter
It’s not just about visibility—it’s about life safety. During an outage, people rely on lighting to safely exit a building, avoid hazards, and reach safety. Without a functioning inverter, your emergency lighting may fail when it matters most.
Here’s why inverters are the preferred solution:
- Centralized backup: Power more lights, more efficiently.
- Longer runtimes: Supports lighting far beyond the 90-minute minimum.
- Simplified testing and maintenance: Easier than inspecting dozens of individual battery packs.
- Better reliability: Fewer points of failure, smarter diagnostics.
Code Compliance Isn’t Optional
Emergency lighting inverters help you meet strict life-safety codes and standards, including:
- NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) – Requires emergency illumination for at least 90 minutes.
- NEC Article 700 – Mandates performance and wiring requirements for emergency systems.
- UL 924 – The standard for emergency lighting and power equipment.
- IBC and IFC – Require egress lighting that automatically activates during outages.
Failing to meet these standards doesn’t just open the door to liability—it could result in fines, shutdowns, or worse, injury during a real emergency.
Installation, Service & Support — All in One Place
Lighting inverters are robust, but they’re not “set it and forget it.” These systems require:
- Regular testing to ensure transfer switches and batteries are operational.
- Battery replacement every 5–7 years depending on type and usage.
- Annual or semi-annual inspections as required by code or AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction).
The good news? You don’t need to manage it all alone.
Predictive Technology can spec, install, test, service, and maintain your inverter systems across any facility—new or existing. Whether you need help choosing the right unit, replacing a failed system, or setting up a preventative maintenance plan, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s Keep the Lights On (Even When the Power’s Off)
Your emergency lighting strategy should never be an afterthought. Whether you’re running a hospital, data center, or office tower, a lighting inverter is your best defense against darkness—and your best tool for keeping people safe.
Need help navigating options, compliance, or service? Let’s talk.
Our team can help make sure your emergency lighting stays up when everything else goes down.
Contact Us Today
