LED Remote Heads for Emergency Lighting
A remote-head emergency light is a lamp head installed away from the emergency unit that supplies its backup power. Remote heads extend emergency illumination to a doorway, corridor, stair, exterior exit or other point where the main battery unit cannot provide suitable coverage.
Remote heads normally do not contain their own battery or charger. They must be connected to a compatible remote-capable emergency light, exit sign or combination unit with enough rated output for the connected load.
Compatibility Comes First
Do not select a remote head by appearance alone. Match the head to the supplying unit’s remote-output specifications, including output voltage, available wattage, current type, polarity where applicable and maximum permitted load. The total connected load cannot exceed the capacity stated by the manufacturer.
- Confirm the remote-output voltage and electrical format
- Add the wattage of every connected remote head
- Verify conductor size, wiring distance and voltage-drop limits
- Use only combinations permitted by the supplying equipment manufacturer
- Confirm the listing and environmental rating for the installation
Choose the Correct Location Rating
Indoor Remote Heads
Indoor thermoplastic, steel and compact remote heads suit controlled commercial interiors. Compare housing material, lumen output, beam pattern, mounting position and the appearance required for the space.
Outdoor and Wet-Location Remote Heads
Exterior exits, wash-down areas and exposed locations require a head specifically rated for the conditions. Wet-location and NEMA 4X models can provide added protection, but the exact temperature, ingress and enclosure ratings must be verified on the product specifications.
Hazardous-Location Remote Heads
Hazardous areas require equipment marked for the applicable classification. A standard outdoor remote head is not a substitute. Compare hazardous-location emergency lighting and verify the complete system with the project engineer or authority having jurisdiction.
Light Output, Beam and Placement
Higher lumen output does not automatically produce better egress lighting. Beam spread, mounting height, aiming angle, spacing, obstructions and surface reflectance all affect delivered illumination. Use the product photometric information and the approved emergency-lighting plan to determine quantity and placement.
Adjustable heads can be aimed after installation, while fixed or compact heads may provide a cleaner appearance. High-power MR16 and outdoor heads can serve longer throws or demanding areas when supported by a compatible power source.
Remote Head or Complete Emergency Light?
Choose a remote head when a compatible battery unit already has spare remote capacity and the light is needed elsewhere. Choose a complete emergency light with battery backup when the location needs its own charger, battery and test controls. For combined exit marking and illumination, compare exit sign and emergency light combo units.
Remote-Head Ordering Checklist
- Supplying emergency unit make, model and remote-output rating
- Remote-head voltage, wattage and total connected load
- Required lumens, beam pattern and aiming range
- Indoor, damp, wet, NEMA 4X or hazardous-location rating
- Mounting surface, height, wiring route and distance
- Required product listing and operating-temperature range
Installation and Testing
Remote heads are part of a life-safety lighting system and should be installed by qualified personnel. After wiring and charging, simulate a power failure and verify that every connected head illuminates, remains stable and is aimed correctly. A brief functional test does not replace any required full-duration test.
Remote Head Emergency Light FAQs
Does a remote head have its own battery?
Usually no. A remote head is commonly powered by the battery and charger in a compatible remote-capable emergency unit, exit sign or combo unit.
Can any remote head connect to any emergency light?
No. Voltage, wattage, current type, polarity, load capacity and manufacturer requirements must match.
Can an indoor remote head be installed outdoors?
Only when the exact product is rated for that environment. Exterior and wet locations require an appropriately listed and protected model.
