Emergency Light Batteries

Emergency lights work great-but not if you don't have the right batteries!

Emergency lights need batteries to work; there is no other way around it. No matter if you are using a simple flashlight or a high-powered lighting system, you'll want to be sure that you keep an adequate supply of batteries around. Here are a few common types:

Alkaline batteries are commonly used in flashlights. They are low in cost, have a 10 year shelf life, and are long lasting.

Lithium batteries are also commonly used in flashlights. Many are rechargeable, giving them an advantage over alkaline batteries. They are inexpensive, have a 5-10 year shelf life, and are long lasting.

Lead Acid batteries were once mainly used in cars, but that's no longer the case. Smaller 6 volt batteries work well in the event of an emergency. Lead acid batteries have a long life.

Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries are one of the most common batteries used in emergency lighting fixtures. They are high powered and are rechargeable.

Nickel -Metal Hydride (Ni-HD) are a step up from Ni-Cad batteries. They offer 40% more capacity per cell and are also rechargeable.

Bright companies

Many emergency light manufacturers make their own batteries to fit their products. You can, however, buy any brand of batteries, just as long as they contain the same voltage as the originals (6 volt and 12 volt are the most common). Look for high quality manufacturers such as Sanyo, Uniross, Alcad, Kendoo, Panasonic, Unipower, and GE Lighting.

Make your lights work for you

Batteries should be checked every month to ensure they are ready to go in the case of an unexpected event. Here are a few terms you should be aware of when checking you batteries.

Depth of discharge (DOD) refers to the amount of energy that has been removed from the battery. The percentage given is the amount that the battery has discharged, rather than possesses.

Memory Effect refers to the phenomenon that occurs when a battery discharges part way, and is then recharged only to the amount at which it was previously discharged. The battery, usually a Ni-Cad, seems to only "remember" a previous capacity, rather then its full capacity.

Parallel Connection refers to the arrangement of cells in a battery made by connecting all positive terminals together and all negative terminals together. The higher the number of cells, the higher the capacity. Make sure your battery is hooked up properly!

A word to the wise

Most emergency light batteries are only equipped to run for 90 minutes, so plan accordingly!

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