In an era where safety and energy efficiency are paramount, emergency lighting has undergone a significant revolution in recent years, with brand new technology being implemented in the form of LiFe PO4 batteries; the latest game changer to the emergency lighting market. Improving upon predecessors in most relevant comparisons, this new tech has taken the industry by storm and quickly began to take over as top dog within a growing number of emergency lighting products.
What’s the Advantage?
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFe PO4 for short) batteries are becoming the common choice for a variety of electrical products and its easy to see why. From EV Vehicles to emergency lighting, LiFe PO4 batteries act as direct replacements for traditional Lead-Acid and Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd), batteries which have been eclipsed by the new technology offered by the LiFe PO4 options.
Possessing a much improved battery life and overall efficiency, having a very low self-discharge rate that will typically only degrade small amounts each month, ensuring the batteries retain their charge well when not in use, consequently make them amazing choices for emergency lighting that with any luck won’t be operational very regularly. Compared to traditional battery alternatives, the LiFe PO4 will retain its battery for a prolonged period of time, often exceeding 2000 charge-discharge cycles to offer years of reliable performance.
Although not the outright leader in energy density among lithium batteries, the energy density of LiFe PO4 is substantial, offering a solid all round solution, balancing sizeable energy storage without increasing weight. This ensures the battery will be well suited to the requirements of emergency lighting, providing an effective ‘jack of all trades’ solution for emergency lighting, no matter where it is installed. Available to be charged at a higher current for speedy charging as well as a broad temperature spectrum of -20oC to 60 oC in which they can operate, nothing beats LiFe PO4s shear versatility of applications.
Another area of significant improvement over previous technology is in the safety of the battery, with LiFe PO4 setting a new benchmark for emergency lighting safety. Well known for their stellar thermal and chemical stability, the batteries are far less prone to overheating compared to older lithium-ion alternatives, limiting risk of combustion that can damage the fixture and even cause fires to the surrounding environment. A similar area the batteries excel is the removal of heavy metals such as cobalt, reducing the reliance on toxic components altogether. Making sure the light is safer for both users and the environment, the battery poses less of a safety risk during the entire length of its lifespan, protecting users and the environment from previously relied upon toxic materials.
What does this mean for the future?
Improving efficiency, battery life and safety across the board, LiFe PO4 is already changing the game with it quickly becoming the leading battery for emergency lighting across the industry. Leading the charge on the next generation of emergency lighting, LiFe PO4 batteries have been further promoted into the spotlight by the increased focus on environmental protection across the last few decades. As a highly efficient alternative that don’t use the same harmful materials of their predecessors, the batteries offer the best of both worlds, managing to offer a practical power solution while limiting environmental impact. As public awareness continues to Improve and advocacy grows, environmental protection is a mainstream concern that is unlikely to go anywhere, further strengthening LiFe PO4s position as the battery of choice going forth.
Any Recommendations?
Incorporating LiFe PO4 tech into many emergency lighting options, Channel has fully committed to the LiFe PO4 revolution, utilising the batteries in many of the core bulkhead, twin spot and exit sign ranges from across the brand. With all products coming with a 3-year guarantee, all emergency lighting products are built with style and substance in mind, combining robust build quality and 3 hour emergency durations with sleek and stylish products that provide effect lighting in case of emergency without sacrificing their aesthetic appearance. Take a look at the full Channel range here.