Emergency lighting in car parks. Out, even in the dark.
Underground car parks have no daylight and the routes to the stairwell are long and confusing. When the power fails, it is pitch dark at once. We design safety lighting and exit signs so everyone finds the nearest exit – robust against moisture and vehicle impact.
In Germany, car parks are governed by the state garage regulations based on the model garage ordinance. Garages with more than 1,000 m² floor area count as large garages; enclosed large garages generally need safety lighting for the escape routes. ISO 7010 exit signs lead to the exits, and large garages are usually inspected periodically by approved experts. Other countries have comparable rules; the building permit and fire safety concept are decisive.
What applies?
- Escape route safety lighting in enclosed large garages under the applicable garage regulations
- ISO 7010 exit signs to stairwells and exits – clearly visible between parked vehicles
- Lighting of driving and walking routes to the exits with at least 1 lx to EN 1838
- Luminaires with a suitable protection rating against moisture, dust and cleaning, mounted out of reach of vehicles
- Observe the temperature range of luminaires and batteries – unheated garages get cold in winter
- Periodic expert inspection in large garages, documented in the logbook
This describes typical requirements, using Germany as the reference. What applies to your building depends on the building permit, fire safety concept, risk assessment and national or regional rules – exactly what we check during the free on-site survey.
Common mistakes
Vans and SUVs damage low-hanging luminaires and exit signs.
Exit signs at eye level are covered by parked cars.
In unheated garages battery capacity drops – the required duration is no longer reached.
How we make it easy
We survey the building, escape routes and existing system and create a standard-compliant emergency lighting design – free and non-binding.
Exit sign, escape route and recessed luminaires plus emergency drivers – with self-test and LiFePO4 battery.
Every test documented digitally, deadlines monitored automatically – ready to show at any inspection.
Annual on-site inspection, all batteries replaced in year 5–6 and repairs – predictable costs instead of surprises.
Matching products
3DEscape route luminaire
Surface-mounted luminaire for escape routes, light output adjustable to 90° or 180°.
3DExit sign luminaire
Discreet LED exit sign luminaire for ceiling, wall, side or pendant mounting – up to 30 m viewing distance.
Emergency drivers
Self-contained emergency drivers with battery and self-test – for existing LED luminaires and LED high-bays up to 300 W.
Frequently asked questions
Does an underground car park need emergency lighting?
In Germany, enclosed large garages over 1,000 m² generally need safety lighting under the state garage regulations. For smaller garages it can follow from the building permit or fire safety concept.
What is an enclosed large garage?
A garage with more than 1,000 m² floor area that does not qualify as an open garage – open garages have large, permanently open sides. Underground car parks are almost always enclosed.
Who inspects safety lighting in a car park?
Monthly and annual tests are carried out by the operator or a specialist such as NOTLUX. Large garages also require periodic inspections by approved experts.
Which protection rating do car park luminaires need?
Because of moisture, road salt and cleaning, IP65 is often sensible. Existing damp-proof luminaires can often be made emergency-capable with IP65 emergency drivers.
Can existing car park luminaires become emergency lighting?
Often, yes. Emergency drivers turn existing LED damp-proof luminaires into safety lighting – without a central battery or new cabling. We check on site whether the calculation works.
Related knowledge
When Is Emergency Lighting Required? Workplaces and Buildings
When is emergency lighting a legal requirement? EU workplace rules, building regulations and high-risk buildings explained, with Germany as a worked example.
Read articleEscape Route Signage: Safety Signs, Evacuation Plans, Guidance
How should escape routes be marked? ISO 7010 safety signs, illuminated vs photoluminescent signs, arrow rules, evacuation plans and floor-level guidance.
Read articleEmergency Lighting Inspections by Authorities and Experts
What do fire authority inspections and certified experts check on emergency lighting? Inspection cycles, a preparation checklist and consequences of defects.
Read articleOther building types
Your contacts
Emergency lighting without worries.
Luminaires, installation and maintenance from a single source – every inspection documented digitally in our app. We start with a free on-site survey and standard-compliant design.