Buy non-maintained emergency lights for escape routes, stairways, open areas and plant rooms. A non-maintained emergency light stays off while the mains supply is healthy and switches on from its battery only when the normal lighting supply fails. This range also includes switchable maintained/non-maintained (M/NM) fittings, which are listed in both this collection and our maintained emergency lighting range.
Non-maintained emergency lights we stock
- Emergency downlights: Advanced LED-Lite downlighters with open area, corridor and high-level lenses, the BLE Richmond 70mm downlight, CQR surface and recessed downlights, and Lumi-Plugin fire-rated downlights with emergency light. See emergency downlights.
- Emergency bulkheads: the Advanced Mor-LED IP65 bulkhead, the CQR Bulkhead Max high output and switchable bulkheads from BLE, CQR and Hispec. See emergency bulkhead lights.
- Twin spots: Advanced Twin-LED, CQR IP65 twin spots, Hispec Congo and ESP Duceri. See emergency twin spots.
- Exit signs: Advanced Cine-LED non-maintained signs and switchable exit boxes such as the BLE Thorncliffe.
Brands: Advanced, BLE Lighting & Power, CQR, Hispec, Lumi-Plugin and ESP.
How to choose a non-maintained emergency light
- Mode codes. NM3 means non-maintained with a 3-hour duration. M/NM or "switchable" fittings can run either way, depending on how they are wired.
- Duration. Luminaires are made for durations of 1 to 3 hours, and 3 hours is the most popular choice.
- Light distribution. Corridor lenses spread light along escape routes. Open area lenses and twin spots cover larger spaces, and high-level lenses highlight specific points.
- Environment and testing. Choose IP65 for wet or dusty areas. Choose self-test, addressable or manual fittings, and test manual fittings with an emergency light test key switch.
Why buy from JEM Systems UK
JEM Systems UK is an authorised distributor of Advanced and Lumi-Plugin. Every product we sell is genuine, brand new and factory sealed. Listings show manufacturer part codes, so you can order exactly what was specified. Buy online with fast, tracked UK delivery, or contact our team.
Non-maintained emergency lighting FAQs
What does non-maintained emergency lighting mean?
The emergency lamp is off during normal use and comes on only when the normal lighting supply fails. It then runs for its rated duration, usually 3 hours.
When should I use maintained instead of non-maintained?
HM Government guidance recommends maintained lighting where people may be unfamiliar with the premises, such as function rooms, bars and hotel corridors. Your fire risk assessment and a competent designer working to BS 5266-1 decide the right mix.
How are non-maintained emergency lights tested?
Guidance recommends a monthly function test using the test facility, often a fishtail key switch, and an annual full-duration discharge test. Keep a record of every test.




