Emergency lighting in multi-storey car parks. Every level, every stairwell.
Multi-storey car parks are large, confusing and often deserted in the evening. When the power fails, drivers and pedestrians still have to find the nearest stairwell – across several levels, between parked cars, often in cold and wet conditions. We clarify what your car park requires and design the emergency lighting accordingly.
In Germany, whether a car park needs safety lighting is set by the state garage regulations. Garages over 1,000 m² floor area are large garages; enclosed large garages generally need safety lighting. Open car parks – with large, permanently open sides – are often regulated less strictly, but stairwells, escape routes and exit signs must still be recognisable in an emergency. The building permit and fire safety concept set the details; other countries have their own rules.
What applies?
- Check whether the car park counts as an open or enclosed large garage – this decides whether safety lighting is mandatory
- ISO 7010 exit signs to stairwells and exits, visible above vehicle roofs
- Lit stairwells, escape routes and exits with at least 1 lx to EN 1838
- Include pay stations, cashier and plant rooms in the design
- Luminaires and batteries suited to the temperature range – open car parks get frosty in winter
- Periodic expert inspection of large garages where required, 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
In open car parks temperatures drop below 0 °C – batteries lose capacity and the duration is no longer reached.
Exit signs at eye level disappear behind vans and SUVs.
The levels are covered, but the stairwell goes dark in a power cut.
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
3DExit sign luminaire
Discreet LED exit sign luminaire for ceiling, wall, side or pendant mounting – up to 30 m viewing distance.
Emergency driver LED luminaires
Self-contained emergency driver with battery and self-test – turns existing LED luminaires into safety luminaires.
3DEscape route luminaire
Surface-mounted luminaire for escape routes, light output adjustable to 90° or 180°.
Frequently asked questions
Does a multi-storey car park need emergency lighting?
In Germany, enclosed large garages over 1,000 m² generally need safety lighting under the state garage regulations. For open car parks and smaller garages it can follow from the building permit or fire safety concept – stairwells and escape routes are almost always part of it.
What is the difference between an open and an enclosed car park?
An open car park has large, permanently open sides – under German garage regulations usually at least a third of the wall area – so smoke can escape. Without these openings it counts as an enclosed garage with stricter requirements, including safety lighting.
Do emergency lights work in frost?
Not all of them. Batteries lose capacity in the cold, so the temperature range of luminaire and battery must suit the location. NOTLUX Series 19 luminaires are designed for 0 °C to 55 °C – areas that get colder need luminaires approved for sub-zero temperatures. Talk to us and we will plan this with you.
How bright must emergency lighting be in a car park?
The EN 1838 values apply: at least 1 lx on the centre line of escape routes and at least 0.5 lx as anti-panic lighting on larger open areas. General lighting is a separate topic; in Germany DIN 67528 gives recommendations for car parks.
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 where state law says so – with a digital logbook the proof is ready immediately.
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.