Emergency lighting in hospitality. Fits the ambience.
Dimmed lights, full tables, guests who don't know the venue: in hospitality, the way out must be clear even when atmosphere comes first. We design emergency lighting that guides safely and fits into your concept.
Restaurants, cafés and bars generally follow workplace rules, the risk assessment and the building permit. In Germany, dining rooms for more than 200 guests may fall under the assembly building regulation – then safety lighting and exit signs that stay lit during operation are generally required, often with a 3-hour duration. With dimmed mood lighting in particular, clearly visible escape route signage is essential.
What applies?
- Exit signs to ISO 7010 that remain clearly visible in dimmed light
- Safety lighting in dining rooms, corridors and at exits per risk assessment and building permit
- From 200 guests: assembly building rules with maintained signs and often 3 hours duration
- Include kitchens, cold rooms and storage with their own hazards
- Consider exits to terraces and courtyards as part of the escape route
- Regular testing and documentation – even with long opening hours
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
Dimmed light, curtains and decoration make exit signs disappear.
Hot appliances and knives – sudden darkness is especially dangerous in kitchens.
Events and extra tables increase occupancy – the emergency lighting isn't designed for it.
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
3DRecessed downlight
Compact emergency recessed luminaire for discreet ceiling integration, 500 lm in emergency mode.
3DExit sign luminaire
Discreet LED exit sign luminaire for ceiling, wall, side or pendant mounting – up to 30 m viewing distance.
3DCompact emergency light
Compact emergency light for escape routes, recessed or surface-mounted, with interchangeable optics.
Frequently asked questions
Does a restaurant need emergency lighting?
It depends on size, layout and building permit. Smaller restaurants follow workplace rules and the risk assessment; escape routes and emergency exits must be marked. Larger dining rooms may fall under assembly building rules.
When is a venue a place of assembly?
In Germany, when assembly rooms hold more than 200 visitors individually or together. Other countries have similar thresholds; details vary.
Can emergency lighting fit a design concept?
Yes. Recessed downlights almost disappear into the ceiling, and slim exit sign luminaires are available for ceiling, wall and pendant mounting. We plan positions with you or your interior designer.
Can exit signs be dimmed in a bar or club?
No. Exit signs must stay visible; in places of assembly they are permanently lit during operation. Dimming or covering them is a typical defect at inspections.
How does testing work with long opening hours?
Self-test luminaires test themselves at times you define. Results appear in the app and we take care of defects.
Related knowledge
Emergency Lighting by Sector: From Offices to Car Parks
What emergency lighting do offices, retail, hotels, schools, healthcare, industry, car parks and assembly venues need? Requirements, specifics, common mistakes.
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 articleAnti-Panic Lighting to EN 1838: Requirements and Design Guide
Anti-panic (open area) lighting to EN 1838: 0.5 lx on the core area excluding a 0.5 m border, 40:1 uniformity, where it is needed, design tips and luminaires.
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.