Patent ID: 6628083
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: H02J

Abstract:
An emergency lighting system for operating a plurality of light fixtures during at least one of a normal operation and an emergency operation, said emergency lighting system comprising:branch circuit means for distributing power to the light fixtures; power supply means for supplying power to the light fixtures, said power supply means being placed in electronic communication with the light fixtures through said branch circuit means; auxiliary power supply means for supplying auxiliary power to the light fixtures, said auxiliary power supply means being placed in electronic communication with the light fixtures through said branch circuit means; detection means in electronic communication with said power supply means and said auxiliary power supply means for detecting an occurrence of a power interruption in said power supply means; wherein said detection means comprises a DC detector and ballast; switching means for selectively switching power from said power supply means to said auxiliary power supply means in response to a detection of a power interruption in said power supply means, wherein said switching means includes a bypass mechanism in electronic communication with said power supply means and said auxiliary power supply means for energizing the plurality of light fixtures to thereby permit transmission of power from said auxiliary power supply means to the plurality of light fixtures regardless of an on/off switch position of the plurality of light fixtures.