Maintenance covers the luminaires, batteries and the monitoring of central systems, so that escape routes remain visible during a power cut. The work is based on the maintenance instructions from the manufacturers of the luminaires and control equipment and on the site’s maintenance programme.
What does the law require of emergency lighting?
The marking and lighting of escape routes is regulated by Decree 977/2024 of the Ministry of the Interior, which entered into force on 1 January 2025. The Decree applies to new buildings, extensions and changes of use, as well as to repair and alteration work that affects the building’s escape arrangements. It also specifies the requirement in section 12 of the Rescue Act to keep signs and lighting in working order.
The key requirements of the Decree:
- exit signs must always be illuminated
- the other lighting of the escape route must switch on when there is a disturbance in the power supply or the normal lighting fails
- the lighting must work for the time needed for safe exit and evacuation, but in any case for at least one hour
- at doors, the lighting must be sufficient for the door to be seen and its opening mechanism to be used
- photoluminescent signs may only supplement the markings, not replace them
Escape routes must be marked with signs in, for example, accommodation, care, assembly and retail premises, workplaces and production facilities, and storage areas where people work.
Upkeep: monitoring, repair and records
The upkeep section of Decree 977/2024 is short but binding. Markings and lighting must be kept in working order, their working order must be monitored, any faults and deficiencies found must be repaired, and the maintenance and upkeep measures carried out must be recorded.
The Decree does not set a maintenance interval. Maintenance tasks and their timing are compiled into a maintenance programme on the basis of the equipment instructions and how the site is used. Records show that working order has been looked after, and they make the next maintenance visit easier.
The Decree does not refer to standards. The emergency lighting standards SFS-EN 1838 and SFS-EN 50172 were revised in 2024.
Exit signs and emergency luminaires: different tasks
An exit sign shows the direction and the way out. It must be lit at all times. An emergency luminaire lights the route only when normal lighting fails. The concepts are explained in the article What is the difference between emergency lighting and exit signs?
What does maintenance cover?
Luminaires and signs
Under the Decree, signs must indicate the escape route clearly. After a change to the premises, a sign may point to a route that no longer exists, so it is worth checking the positions of signs whenever routes change.
Batteries and rated duration
The rated duration indicates how long a luminaire operates on battery power. Common options are 1 and 3 hours. The required duration depends on the site and its plans.
Control equipment and monitoring
In a central battery system, the luminaires receive their standby power from a shared battery bank that is monitored centrally. Maintenance also covers the monitoring of central systems.
Records
Maintenance information is recorded so that it can be found at the next maintenance visit. TIETO Tallelokero also brings escape lighting information together with the property’s other safety documentation.
A central battery system or self-contained luminaires?
The type of system affects maintenance. A self-contained emergency luminaire has its own battery, so each luminaire is an item in its own right. In a central battery system, monitoring and testing are carried out centrally, which makes maintenance easier, particularly at large sites. When a system is being replaced, it is worth choosing the type with maintenance in mind as well.
How emergency lighting maintenance proceeds
- Initial information. Tell us about the site and the system. Floor plans, luminaire and control equipment details and previous maintenance records speed up preparation.
- Survey and quotation. We establish the scope of the system and any missing information. The quotation shows what is included in the service.
- Maintenance programme. Maintenance tasks and their timing are compiled on the basis of the equipment instructions.
- Maintenance visit. The date and arrangements are agreed with the property’s contact person.
- Records and repair proposals. You receive information on the work done and any deficiencies found. Repairs and equipment replacements are agreed separately.
Checklist for the property
- exit signs are lit and visible from all necessary directions
- signs match the current escape routes, also after changes to the premises
- emergency lighting covers the routes and doors used for exit
- fault warnings from batteries and control equipment are dealt with without delay
- any faults and deficiencies found are repaired
- maintenance and upkeep measures are recorded
- the system documents can be found even when the responsible person changes
Spare parts and replacement equipment
When a luminaire or battery needs to be replaced, the compatibility of the replacement with the existing system is checked. Our range includes control equipment, power supplies, MX luminaires and spare parts. The full range is in the emergency lighting and exit signs section.
How often is emergency lighting maintained?
Decree 977/2024 does not set a maintenance interval. It requires lighting and markings to be monitored, faults to be repaired and measures to be recorded. The timing of maintenance is determined by the maintenance instructions for the luminaires and control equipment. These are compiled into the site’s maintenance programme.
How long must emergency lighting work during a power cut?
For the time needed for safe exit and evacuation, but in any case for at least one hour (Decree 977/2024 of the Ministry of the Interior). The site’s plans may require a longer time. Common rated durations for luminaires are 1 and 3 hours.
Do exit signs have to be lit all the time?
Yes. Under the Decree, exit signs must always be illuminated. Emergency lighting, by contrast, switches on only when there is a disturbance in the power supply or the normal lighting does not work.
Who is responsible for the condition of emergency lighting?
Under section 12 of the Rescue Act, the owner and occupier of the building and the operator are responsible for keeping the equipment in working order. Maintenance can be bought as a service, but responsibility for working order remains with the property.
Request a quote for emergency lighting maintenance
Tell us about the property and the existing system, and we will survey what needs to be maintained. Maintenance can be combined with fire alarm and voice alarm system upkeep in the same maintenance and servicing service.