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    Bodine - Emergency Lighting

    Technical FAQs


    Bodine has compiled a list of often-asked questions regarding Bodine products as well as emergency lighting in general. The FAQ (frequently asked questions) section might provide the answer to your question.
    What is Emergency Lighting?

    Many national, state and local building codes, including the National Electrical Code® (NEC®), the National Fire Protection Association's Life Safety Code® (LSC®) and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), require reliable and sufficient emergency illumination for commercial, industrial and institutional buildings in the United States.

     

    In the event of a situation in which normal power is lost, stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, escalators and passageways leading to safety must be illuminated continuously for a minimum of 90 minutes. Emergency lighting guides occupants to the nearest path of egress.

    Why Use Bodine LED or Fluorescent Emergency Lighting?

    Complements original lighting designs. Commonly referred to as LED or fluorescent battery packs, Bodine emergency drivers/ballasts provide instant backup lighting when normal power fails. Each emergency driver/ballast works in conjunction with a normal driver/ballast to convert new or existing LED or fluorescent lighting fixtures into emergency lighting equipment.

     

    Looks like normal lighting. Bodine LED and fluorescent emergency drivers/ballasts use the same light source for normal and emergency operation, complement original lighting plans and do not detract from interior design. Emergency lighting appears similar to that under normal conditions. No drastic changes in lighting or unwanted glare results.
     

    Reduces the risk of unauthorized tampering. Bodine LED and fluorescent emergency ballasts may be installed inside, on top of or remote from the fixture. This inconspicuous positioning helps to reduce unauthorized tampering and reduces the risk of vandalism.

    How Does the Emergency Driver/Ballast Work?
    When the normal supply of AC power fails, the emergency driver/ballast senses the power failure and immediately switches to the emergency mode to illuminate the designated lighting load at a reduced lumen output for a minimum of 90 minutes. If multi lamp or module operation is selected, light output is evenly divided among the lamps/modules for better distribution of emergency illumination. When AC power is restored, the emergency driver/ballast returns to the charging mode until the next power failure or emergency situation. The battery fully recharges within 24 hours.
    Are LED tube lamps with integral battery back-up considered emergency lighting?

    When installed in a luminaire, LED tube lamps (TLEDs) with integral battery backup do not create an emergency lighting luminaire. TLEDs with an integral battery backup are a user-replaceable item that is not permanently installed or fixed in place. Accordingly, they are not considered as part of the building infrastructure to be relied upon to provide illumination in an emergency situation. This type of lamp could subsequently be replaced by a standard fluorescent tube during normal facility maintenance and outside of any fire marshal regulatory oversight. This construction would be non-compliant with ANSI/UL 924 and NFPA 70 (NEC), the Standard for Safety for Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment.

     

    For more information, click here.

    Can I Install a Bodine Driver/Ballast with a Switched or Unswitched Fixture?

    Bodine emergency drivers/ballasts may be used with either a switched or unswitched fixture. If a switched fixture is used, an unswitched hot lead must be connected to the emergency ballast.

     

    The emergency driver/ballast must be fed from the same branch circuit as the normal driver/ballast. 

    Are Bodine Emergency Drivers/Ballasts Suitable in My Application?

    Bodine emergency drivers/ballasts may be installed in a variety of fixture types. They are compatible with most multi-lamp fluorescent luminaires and LED luminaires with one or more modules.

     

    Products are available for use in indoor-dry, damp or hazardous location fixtures and, depending on emergency driver/ballast can size and application, they can be installed inside, on top of or remote from the fixture.

    Why Does Bodine Use a Variety of Battery Technologies?
    Because high temperatures exist in LED and fluorescent luminaires, Bodine emergency drivers/ballasts use a variety of specially constructed, high-temperature batteries. These batteries require no maintenance and have long life expectancies. Bodine emergency drivers use various battery technologies like nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, sealed lead acid and lithium ion. The choice depends on certain requirements of the driver/ballast, including ambient temperature, output power and physical size, among others.
    What is Self-Testing?
    Self-testing is Bodine emergency technology that performs automatic code-compliance testing. Products equipped with this feature automatically test themselves according to the schedule established by the NFPA® Life Safety Code®: 30 seconds every 30 days; 90 minutes once a year.  Self-testing products help ensure readiness of emergency lighting.
    Why Test Emergency Lighting?
    Because power failures and emergency situations are unpredictable, fire marshals, electrical inspectors, building owners and others want to know that emergency lighting equipment will function properly when needed. Codes and regulations require periodic testing, visual inspections and written records of test results for all emergency lighting equipment.
    What is a Damp Location?
    Because the path of egress often continues outside a building to a public way, codes may require emergency lighting outside the building itself. Partially protected locations (canopies, stairwells, etc.) and interior locations (outdoor parking structures, cold storage facilities, etc.) indirectly exposed to moisture or humidity are considered damp locations. These special areas require emergency lighting specifically rated for damp locations.
    What is a Hazardous (Classified) Location?
    Locations such as oil refineries, paint booths and textile mills contain potential fire or explosion hazards due to the presence of flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust or ignitable fibers. These areas must use emergency lighting equipment classified for use in that specific environment. For more information about applicable classifications, please refer to the National Electrical Code, Article 500.

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    Call us: (888) 263-4368