Emergency lighting for venues. When the auditorium is dark.
In a cinema, theatre or concert it is dark on purpose – and hundreds of people sit close together. When the power fails, safety lighting decides whether everyone gets out calmly. We design exit signs, step and anti-panic lighting for venues and make pre-event testing easy.
In Germany, places of assembly with rooms for more than 200 visitors are governed by the state places of assembly regulations. They require safety lighting in assembly rooms, escape routes and on stages, among others; exit signs are permanently lit during operation, and steps in darkened rooms must be visible. The duration is generally 3 hours, and systems are inspected by approved experts. Other countries have comparable rules.
What applies?
- Safety lighting in assembly rooms, escape routes, stairwells and stage areas
- Exit signs permanently lit during events – never covered or dimmed
- Step lighting or visible steps in darkened auditoriums
- Anti-panic lighting in large halls without defined escape routes
- Duration generally 3 hours
- Expert inspection and function checks before events
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
An exit sign is covered or dimmed for the show – a serious defect.
New seating or stage – escape routes and lighting no longer fit.
The system must work before events. Self-test shows the status in the app.
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.
3DRecessed downlight
Compact emergency recessed luminaire for discreet ceiling integration, 500 lm in emergency mode.
3DEscape route luminaire
Surface-mounted luminaire for escape routes, light output adjustable to 90° or 180°.
Frequently asked questions
When is a room a place of assembly?
In Germany, when assembly rooms individually or together are intended for more than 200 visitors – cinemas, theatres, concert and exhibition halls, event venues and many halls.
Must exit signs in a cinema always be lit?
Yes, they are permanently lit during operation. Covering or dimming them is a typical defect at fire inspections.
How long must safety lighting in venues operate?
Generally 3 hours. Series 19 luminaires are designed for up to 3 hours.
What about steps in the auditorium?
In darkened rooms steps must be visible – for example with step lighting. We plan this together with the seating layout.
Does the emergency lighting fit the design?
Yes. The recessed downlight almost disappears into the ceiling; the exit sign luminaire is slim and available for ceiling, wall or pendant mounting.
Related knowledge
Anti-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 articleEmergency lighting duration: 1 hour, 3 hours or 8 hours?
How long must emergency lighting stay on? Rated duration of 1 h, 3 h and 8 h, typical buildings, workplaces, the annual duration test and recharge time.
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.