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Professional Guide

Best Emergency Lighting for Home Safety: 2025 Expert Review

OE

OR Electrics

Fully Qualified 18th Edition Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

Most homeowners don't think about emergency lighting until the power goes out. In a modern home, we rely heavily on the grid, but winter storms or a tripping RCD can plunge us into darkness instantly. In many of the properties I work on—particularly the older back-to-back terraces—steep stairs and cellars become genuine hazards without illumination.

While commercial buildings and HMOs have strict legal requirements for emergency lighting, installing a basic system in a family home is a sensible safety upgrade. It's not just about compliance; it's about being able to safely navigate your home or reach the consumer unit to reset a trip without fumbling for a mobile phone.

In this review, I'll compare three distinct options: a simple battery-operated solution for immediate access, a professional maintained exit sign for larger properties or HMOs, and a rugged bulkhead light perfect for cellars and outdoor areas.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Battery Life Claims"

The Theory

"Manufacturers often claim emergency lights will stay bright for hours on end solely on battery power."

The Reality

Rechargeable batteries degrade over time. A '3-hour' rating is the standard for new units, but after 3-4 years, this capacity drops. Regular testing (functional checks) is vital to ensure they work when you actually need them.

The Spec: "Easy Installation"

The Theory

"Many listings claim 'easy installation' for mains-powered units."

The Reality

If it connects to mains voltage (230V), it must be installed by a competent person in accordance with BS 7671. You cannot simply plug a permanent emergency bulkhead into a socket; it requires a permanent live feed.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Yosoo Health Gear Emergency Torches Wall Mounted LED Flashlight

Budget Pick
Yosoo Health Gear Emergency Torches Wall Mounted LED Flashlight

Yosoo Health Gear

This is a simple, no-nonsense solution for homeowners who don't want intrusive wiring work. It's essentially a dedicated torch in a wall-mounted cradle. While it won't meet commercial compliance standards, it's perfect for a bedside or hallway in a standard residential home.

Price£10.42 (at the time of writing)
Power Source4 x AAA Batteries (Not Included)
MountingWall bracket included
The Good
  • No wiring required - safe for DIY installation
  • Removable from the wall to use as a handheld torch
  • Very affordable option for multiple rooms
The Bad
  • Requires battery replacement management
  • Not automatic - you have to physically turn it on
  • Not suitable for HMO compliance

Installer Tip:

Mount this directly next to your consumer unit (fuse box). If the power trips, you can grab this torch immediately to see what you're doing when resetting the breakers.

Priced at £10.42 at the time of writing

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PRO ELEC PEL00781 LED Emergency Exit Sign, Maintained, Green/White

Quality Pick
PRO ELEC PEL00781 LED Emergency Exit Sign, Maintained, Green/White

PRO ELEC

For landlords seeking compliance in HMOs or homeowners wanting a professional-grade system, this PRO ELEC unit is the standard. It is a 'maintained' fitting, meaning it can stay on constantly or kick in during a failure, offering a solid 3-hour backup time.

Price£42.95 (at the time of writing)
Battery TypeNi-Cad (3-hour operational time)
TypeMaintained (Always on or emergency only)
The Good
  • Professional standard for HMOs and commercial spaces
  • Long 3-hour backup duration
  • Can be ceiling or wall mounted
The Bad
  • Industrial aesthetic might not suit a living room
  • Requires professional hard-wiring

Installer Tip:

When installing this in student lets or HMOs, ensure you have a 'key switch' installed on the circuit. This allows you to test the emergency battery function without actually turning off the mains power to the whole house.

Priced at £42.95 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Sight ECO Outdoor Emergency LED Bulkhead Lights - IP65 Weatherproof

Problem-solving Pick
Sight ECO Outdoor Emergency LED Bulkhead Lights - IP65 Weatherproof

National Lighting

This is the unit I recommend for cellars, garages, or outdoor paths. The IP65 rating means it handles moisture and dust easily, which is crucial for those damp Victorian cellars where the gas and electric meters often live. It's tough, bright, and versatile.

Price£15.45 (at the time of writing)
IP RatingIP65 (Dust and Water Resistant)
Lumen Output220 Lumens
The Good
  • Excellent moisture resistance for cellars/outdoors
  • High impact rating (IK08) makes it very durable
  • Can be set to maintained or non-maintained
The Bad
  • Functional, industrial appearance
  • Slightly bulkier than standard indoor fittings

Installer Tip:

In a cellar renovation, I often wire these to be 'switched maintained'. This means they act as your normal light switch controlled light, but if the power cuts, the battery keeps them lit. It saves installing two separate fittings.

Priced at £15.45 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting?
A 'maintained' light acts like a normal light fixture—it's on when you flip the switch, but stays on (via battery) if power fails. A 'non-maintained' light stays off and only illuminates when the power cuts out. Maintained fits are common in public spaces like cinemas; non-maintained are standard for escape routes.
Do I need emergency lighting in my private home?
Legally, strictly private residential dwellings don't usually require it under building regs, unlike HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation). However, I always recommend at least a basic torch or bulkhead near the consumer unit and one on the stairs for safety.
Can I install emergency lighting myself?
If you are purchasing a battery-only unit (like the Yosoo torch reviewed here), absolutely. However, any mains-powered emergency lighting (like the PRO ELEC or Sight ECO) requires modification of the fixed wiring. This creates a potential fire risk if done incorrectly and should be carried out by a competent electrician.
How often should I test emergency lights?
For battery torches, check them monthly. For wired systems in HMOs or businesses, there are strict rules: a short functional test monthly and a full duration test (e.g., leaving it on for 3 hours) once a year. This ensures the batteries still hold a charge.
Why do my emergency lights have a green LED on them?
That green LED is a charging indicator. It tells you the battery is connected and receiving power from the mains. If the green light is out, there's a fault with the supply or the battery, and it needs investigating.

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