CQR LED Emergency Exit Sign, Slimline Exit Box, Arrow Up Legend, Black SE/4/M/BK/865

What this exit box does

An exit box is a thin illuminated sign that shows people the way out. It has its own battery, so the route stays readable when the mains supply fails.

This CQR box also carries a small light, aimed downwards, and you can change the angle. The black frame is about appearance only.

How it works

• Two running modes: maintained luminaires remain permanently on. Non-maintained ones only operate during a power outage. This box offers both.
• Two outputs: in emergency mode the legend gives 10lm and the downward light gives 80lm. The first is there to be read, and the second lights the area below.
• Changing the legend: only the arrow up legend comes with the box. The others are bought separately to suit the direction of travel.

Where to use it

Maintained fittings are commonly found in places of public assembly such as cinemas and leisure centres. The IP20 rating limits this box to dry indoor positions, so it is not for outdoor walls or wet areas.

Signs usually go at each exit and wherever the way out is not obvious. Take the positions from the building's fire risk assessment, and check the full range of fire exit signs if another style suits.

What the figures mean in practice

• Viewing distance: treat 30 metres as the upper limit along a clear line of sight. Corners and obstructions shorten what a person can actually see.
• 6500K: a cool white light, the kind that looks slightly blue next to a warm lamp.
• L80 50,000hrs: a rated life figure for the light output, not a promise about the battery.

Installing it

Mains work needs a competent person, and a non-maintained supply is normally taken from the local lighting circuit. Decide on the running mode before connecting it.

If the route turns, order the matching legend before fitting day. Set the angle of the downlight once the box is in place.

Planning your system

Signs work alongside other emergency lighting on the route, and the emergency lighting regulations explain who is responsible for the system.

This code is not the self-test version, so plan on manual testing. That means removing power, waiting 3 hours and visually checking, and the emergency light testing schedule sets out how often.