In today’s commercial and residential buildings, emergency lighting is not just a regulatory requirement—it is a critical element for life safety. Whether illuminating exit paths during a power outage or ensuring egress in emergency situations, emergency LED drivers play a central role in maintaining visibility and safety.

What is an Emergency LED Driver?

An emergency LED driver is an integrated lighting control and battery backup system that powers LED fixtures during a loss of normal electrical supply. These drivers automatically switch to battery power, providing illumination when it matters most. Typical applications include:

Exit signs
Stairways and corridors
Critical egress pathways
Emergency task lighting

Key Benefits

Reliable Emergency Illumination – Provides at least 90 minutes of operation, ensuring occupants can safely evacuate a building during power failures.
Energy Efficiency – Modern emergency LED drivers are designed to minimize energy consumption while in standby mode.
Long Battery Life – Efficient charging and battery management extend the service life of the emergency system. Amperor offers 5 years warranty on its LED Emergency battery pack products.
Compact and Flexible Design – Fits in a variety of LED luminaires without affecting aesthetic design or ceiling space.

CEC Title 20 Compliance

In California, emergency LED drivers must meet the California Energy Commission (CEC) Title 20 regulations. These rules are focused on energy efficiency and product performance, ensuring that:

The battery pack or driver draws minimal power - in charge / maintenance / no battery operation mode.
All charging and control electronics meet Small Battery Charger System (SBCS) standards.
Products are tested, certified, and listed in the MAEDbS database, guaranteeing legal compliance for sale and installation in California.

It is important to note that CEC Title 20 regulates product efficiency, not installation or illumination levels. Compliance ensures that the emergency LED driver is environmentally responsible and energy efficient.

Installation and Life Safety Standards

Beyond energy efficiency, emergency LED drivers must meet life safety and building codes, including:

90-minute emergency operation (CBC Chapter 10, NFPA 101)
Minimum illumination along egress paths (typically 1 foot-candle average, 0.1 foot-candle minimum)
Automatic activation upon loss of normal power
Compliance with NEC wiring standards (NFPA 70)

Maintenance and Best Practices

Proper installation is only part of the equation. Routine inspection and maintenance are critical:

Monthly functional tests of emergency lighting
Annual full discharge testing to verify 90-minute operation
Checking battery health and replacing batteries at end-of-life

Following these practices ensures continued compliance with both energy efficiency standards (CEC Title 20) and life-safety codes (CBC/NFPA).

Amperor’s Emergency LED Driver Products

Amperor offers two Emergency LED Drivers – APP-5WL and APP-10.7WL. Both use NiCad batteries and provide up to 90 minutes of operational time. Each unit comes with a self-testing kit, allowing facility managers to easily monitor remaining battery life. In addition, the included efficient charging circuitry ensures a full recharge in less than 24 hours, maximizing readiness for any emergency. These drivers combine energy efficiency, long-lasting performance, and reliable emergency illumination to protect building occupants. By choosing Amperor’s Emergency LED Drivers, facility managers and electricians can ensure both regulatory compliance and optimal life safety.