Emergency Lights

Status
Not open for further replies.
walkerj

walkerj

Senior Member
Location
Baton Rouge
I have seen battery backup for fluorescents.
Can a battery back up be installed on an incandescent fixture?
For instance, a recessed can light?
 
walkerj said:
Unpermitted home improvement of course:D
Click to expand...

Yes, you can easily put an incandescent light on battery backup.

But it's a lot harder to size a battery to run a 100W lamp for 90 min than it is to size one to run a 26 watt CF for 90 min. (And the 26 W CF probably gives out just as much light).

Of course, since its a Home project, you may not have any need for 90 min of runtime:smile: But it will still probably cost a lot more to get a 75W or 100W battery pack than a 30 W.

Steve
 
Another idea for you is to use some of the newer LED cans. Juno or CREE only use 12-14 watts so you could put more lights on one of those or have a longer run time.
 
I would agree that the units linked to would provide battery backup to incandescent lamps, but suspect that this would be very costly owing to the fact that a large battery and inverter would be required.

The use of LED or CFL sources would appear desirable, both on general energy saving grounds, and to reduce the cost of the battery backup.

Incandescent lamps also have a very short life which increases the risk of the lamp failing when most required.
 
If the light is at 120V then incandescent battery back-up gets more tricky and expensive. You'll essentially need a UPS like people have for powering their home computer during a power failure.

Lower voltage incandescent, like 12V, is easier because you can find battery system that provide 12V. Then you just have to size it provide enough light for the time you desire. A 100W lamp for 90 minutes needs a 12V battery with 12.5 Amp-hours. (100W/12V*1.5hr)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top