Large Aircraft Normal and Emergency Lighting, including Emergency Escape Path Markings (EEPM) Considerations
Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers EASA regulatory requirements related to Aircraft Emergency Lighting Systems.
Introduction - CS 25.812 Emergency Lighting
(a) An emergency lighting system, independent of the main lighting system, must be installed.
>> Sources of general cabin illumination may be common
>> Independent Power Supply for E/Light System
>> Shall include
o Illuminated emergency exit marking
o locating signs
o General cabin illumination
o Interior lighting in emergency exit areas, and
o floor proximity escape path marking
o Exterior emergency lighting
o Emergency exit signs
Aircraft with 10 Pax Seats or more
>> Exit locator sign required by CS 25.811
>> Pax exit marking sign required by CS 25.811(d)(2)
o Red letters on an illuminated white background or a universal symbol, of adequate size.
o Contrast between the brightest and darkest elements of at least 10:1.
26.120 Interior emergency lighting and emergency light operation Regulation (EU) 2015/640
Operators of large A/C to ensure that
>> Illuminated exit signage,
>> General cabin and exit area illumination, and
>> Low-level exit path illumination in case of an emergency evacuation.
CS 26.120 Interior emergency lighting and emergency light operation - Independent of the main lighting system (May be part of Cabin Illumination requires emergency power supply)
Over 19 Pax - Floor proximity emergency escape path marking provides
>> Guidance for passengers when all sources of illumination more than 1.22 m (4 feet) above the cabin aisle floor are totally obscured.
>> In the dark of the night, the floor proximity emergency escape path marking enables each passenger to visually identify the emergency escape path.
>> Readily identify each exit from the emergency escape path by reference only to markings and visual features not more than 1.22 m (4 feet) above the cabin floor.
>> Except for lights forming part of the emergency lighting subsystems provided in compliance with Part CAT.IDE.A.275 (b)(4) and (5).
CAT.IDE.A.275 Emergency lighting and marking - Regulation (EU) 2019/1384
>> TC before 1 May 1972, when operated by night, exterior emergency lighting at all over wing exits and at exits where descent assist means are required;
>> TC after 30 April 1972, when operated by night, exterior emergency lighting at all passenger emergency exits.
Each light required for interior and exterior emergency lighting:
>> Is operable manually both from the flight crew station and from a point in the passenger compartment that is readily accessible from a normal cabin crew seat;
>> Has a means to prevent inadvertent operation of the manual controls;
>> When armed or turned on at either station, remains lighted or becomes lighted upon interruption of the aeroplane’s normal electric power;
>> Provides the required level of illumination for at least 10 minutes at the critical ambient conditions after emergency landing;
>> Has a cockpit control device that has an ‘on’, ‘off’, and ‘armed’ position.
A/C with initial Certificate of Airworthiness issued prior to 1 December 2006
Type certificate was filed prior to 1 May 1972:
Each passenger emergency exit marking and each locating sign has white letters at least 25 mm (1 inch) high on a red background at least 5 cm (2 inches) high.
These signs may be internally electrically illuminated, or self-illuminated by other than electrical means.
The floor of the passageway leading to each floor-level passenger emergency exit, between the main aisles and the exit openings is provided with illumination.
Next Steps
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