Emergency lighting is an indispensable part of modern safety concepts.

Whether in office buildings, hotels, hospitals, production halls or public facilities – in an emergency, the lighting must function reliably to enable safe evacuation.

Especially in the event of power outages, smoke development or other dangerous situations, well-planned emergency lighting makes a significant contribution to the safety of people and property.

But when it comes to choosing the right system, many are faced with the question:
Should you rely on maintained or non-maintained emergency lighting?

This article explains the differences, how it works, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and shows you which solution is best suited for different building types and areas of application in Germany.

Why choosing the right emergency lighting is important

In Germany, emergency lighting is not only a question of safety, but also clearly regulated by law.

DIN EN 1838, the Workplace Ordinance, the state building codes and DIN VDE 0108 define clear requirements for planning, installation and maintenance.

It is therefore essential to distinguish between different types of emergency lighting and to choose the system that best meets the technical requirements and safety needs.

Emergency luminaires that require maintenance and those that do not require maintenance fulfil different functions in everyday life and in emergencies.

Both systems have strengths – but also limitations that are particularly relevant in the German market, where efficiency, compliance with standards and operational reliability play a major role.

What is Maintained Emergency Lighting?

Emergency lighting that requires maintenance – also known as continuous light – is designed to be switched on at all times.

How it works

• The luminaire burns like a regular lamp in normal operation.
  
• In the event of a power failure, it automatically switches to battery or emergency power operation.
  
• The brightness remains the same or is minimally reduced, so that there is no dark phase.
  

Typical areas of application

• Public buildings and areas open to the public
  
• Cinemas, theatres and event halls
  
• Hotels and bars
  
• Hospitals and care facilities
  
• Shopping Malls
  
• Airlines Lounges, Museums
  
• Areas with low ambient lighting
  

Examples of luminaires requiring maintenance

• Exit signs (exit signs)
  
• Wall and ceiling lights with continuous operation
  
• Spot luminaires with permanent illumination
  
• Bulkhead luminaires in industrial environments
  

Their greatest strength is constant visibility – escape routes are always recognizable, even in dense crowds or in darkened rooms.

What is Non-Maintained Emergency Lighting?

Emergency lighting that does not require maintenance – also known as standby light – is designed the other way around:

It is switched off during normal operation and only turns on in the event of a power failure.

How it works

• The lamp remains dark in everyday life.
  
• In the event of a power failure or emergency, the system activates automatically.
  
• The energy supply is exclusively via batteries. Emergency power modules.
  

Typical areas of application

• Office building with good general lighting
  
• Storage rooms and ancillary rooms
  
• Industrial plants
  
• Parking garages
  
• Stairwells with regular lighting
  
• Rooms with infrequent use or no public access
  

Examples of luminaires that do not require maintenance

• Emergency spots in corridors
  
• Lights above doors or stairs
  
• Wall or ceiling panels that only light up in an emergency
  

Non-maintenance systems are particularly energy-efficient and cost-effective – ideal for areas where no additional light is needed during normal operation.

Technical differences between the two systems

To understand which system is suitable for which application, it is worth taking a closer look at the technology.

Maintained

• Dual function: normal lighting + emergency lighting
  
• Constant power consumption due to continuous operation
  
• Automatic switch to battery operation
  
• Higher battery load, as battery is regularly cyclically stressed
  
• Standard-compliant endurance test required
  

Non-Maintained

• Only emergency operation, no function in everyday life
  
• Low energy consumption, as light is off during normal operation
  
• Important: Battery must be reliably charged
  
• Less wear and tear because the luminaire is not permanently in operation
  
• Easier maintenance, but strict obligation to perform functional testing
  

Both systems use modern lithium or nickel-cadmium batteries, automatic test units and often LED technology for high efficiency and long service life.

Comparison: Advantages and disadvantages

Here is the direct comparison – helpful for planners, operators and building managers.

Advantages of serviceable emergency luminaires

1. Maximum visibility

Escape routes, stairs, doors and emergency exits are always clearly recognizable – even during normal operation. This increases general safety, especially in public spaces.

2. Seamless transition in the event of a power outage

Since the light is already on, there is no moment of darkness. This prevents panic in large crowds, such as in shopping malls or subway stations.

3. Ideal for dark rooms

In cinemas or bars where regular lighting is dimmed, escape routes always remain visible.

4. Meets high safety standards

In many buildings, fire protection explicitly prescribes continuous light.

Disadvantages of systems requiring maintenance

• Higher energy consumption, as the luminaire is permanently switched on
  
• Higher operating costs for large plants
  
• Batteries wear out faster because they are used more frequently
  
• Installation can be more expensive because stronger components are needed
  

For large building complexes, permanent electricity consumption can be a relevant cost factor.

Advantages of emergency luminaires that do not require maintenance

1. Highly efficient and cost-saving

Since the luminaire is only active in an emergency, energy consumption is drastically reduced.

2. Less wear and tear

Since the light does not burn permanently, components and batteries usually last longer.

3. Ideal for non-public areas

For example, technical rooms, warehouses, stairwells that already have sufficient general lighting.

4. Flexible and cheap to install

Minimalist installations are often sufficient, as there is no continuous operation.

Disadvantages of non-maintenance systems

• Less visible in normal operation – escape routes are not permanently illuminated
  
• Can be perceived as less safe because you can’t see the light in everyday life
  
• High dependence on battery condition: If maintenance is neglected, the system will not work in an emergency
  
• Not suitable for dark environments or for buildings with a lot of traffic
  

For areas where people are not familiar with the area, non-maintained can pose a safety risk.

Where Which System Makes Sense – Practical Examples for the German Market

Maintained: the right choice for…

Area	Reason
Escape & rescue routes	Permanent visibility mandatory
Cinemas, theatres, event halls	Dark rooms need constant orientation
Hotels & Gastronomy	Guests are unfamiliar with the area
Hospitals & Nursing Homes	Patient safety is a top priority
Shopping Malls & Train Stations	Crowds → highest security level

Non-Maintained: perfectly suited for…

Area	Reason
Offices with clear general lighting	Energy-efficient solution
Warehouses & Technical Rooms	No public access
Parking garages	Only emergency lighting required
Rarely used rooms	Minimal operating costs

Mixing solutions

Many modern buildings in Germany combine both systems:

• Important escape routes → maintained
  
• Secondary areas and ancillary rooms → non-maintained
  

This hybrid solution is particularly economical and yet fully compliant with standards.

Legal Requirements & Standards in Germany

For the German market, an understanding of the legal basis is essential. The following standards are particularly relevant:

• DIN EN 1838 – Emergency lighting and emergency lighting

Specifies requirements for brightness, illumination, battery life (minimum 1 hour), and positioning.

• DIN VDE 0108 – Emergency lighting in public buildings

Regulates installation, electrical design and test protocols.

• Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV)

Obliges employers to provide safe evacuation routes.

• State Building Regulations (LBO)

Rules special requirements for building types such as schools, meeting places or hospitals.

• DGUV regulations

Emphasise the obligation to carry out regular functional tests.

Maintenance obligation

In Germany, the following applies:
Monthly functional test
Annual full inspection with documentation

This strict maintenance obligation applies to both systems – maintained and non-maintained.

Decision factors: How to choose the right system

When choosing, you should consider the following criteria:

Building Type & Use

• High public traffic → maintained
  
• Technical areas → non-maintained
  

Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs

Non-maintained is much cheaper in everyday operation.

3. Level of security

The higher the risk, the more likely it is to be maintained.

4. Standards & Legal

Many escape routes must be permanently lit → maintained.

Maintenance & Responsibility

A reliable maintenance concept is mandatory, regardless of the system.

Aesthetics & Interior Design

Maintained can look more harmonious if it also provides light in everyday life.

Conclusion: Which emergency lighting is the best?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer – because the optimal solution depends on the building, the use and the safety requirements.

Maintained is particularly suitable if:

• permanent visibility is crucial
  
• there are many people in the building
  
• the environment is dark
  
• highest security levels apply (hospital, hotel, cinema, etc.)
  

Non-Maintained is ideal if:

• Energy efficiency is important
  
• the rooms are well lit
  
• there is no public traffic
  
• Costs are to be optimized
  

The best solution? A well thought-out combination!

Many buildings benefit from a hybrid concept that perfectly combines safety, efficiency and legal requirements.

Conclusion

Emergency lighting is a life-saving investment – and choosing the right system has a significant impact on safety, efficiency and operating costs.

For the German market, compliance with standards, strong technology, reliable batteries and regular maintenance are what count.

Whether maintenance-based, non-maintenance-based or combined solutions:

It is always crucial that the system functions reliably, is planned in accordance with standards and protects human lives in an emergency.