Maintained and non-maintained lighting refer to two different types of emergency lighting systems.
Maintained lighting is an emergency lighting system that operates continuously, providing both normal and emergency lighting. In the event of a power failure, the emergency lighting will take over, providing illumination for the building's occupants to evacuate safely. Maintained lighting is typically used in public buildings, such as schools and office buildings, where the lights are always required to be on for normal use.
Non-maintained lighting, on the other hand, is an emergency lighting system that only operates during an emergency. These lights are normally turned off and are only activated in the event of a power failure. Non-maintained lighting is typically used in areas where there is limited use, such as stairwells, escape routes, and storage rooms.
In some jurisdictions, the type of emergency lighting required will be specified by building codes and safety regulations. In these cases, building owners and managers must ensure that their emergency lighting systems meet the required standards for their specific location.
Both maintained and non-maintained lighting serve important roles in ensuring the safety of building occupants in the event of a power failure or other emergency. The type of emergency lighting required will depend on the specific needs of the building and the requirements specified by building codes and safety regulations.