Emergency lighting is lighting for an emergency situation when the main power supply is cut and any normal illumination fails.  The main causes of a loss of normal lighting could be down to a power cut or the result of a fire.  This may lead to sudden darkness and a possible danger to the occupants, either through physical danger or panic.

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Emergency lighting is normally required to operate fully automatically and give illumination of a sufficiently high level to enable all occupants to evacuate the premises safely. Most new buildings now have emergency lighting installed during construction; the design and type of equipment being specified by the architect in accordance with current Building Regulations and any local authority requirements.