Power outages are an unwelcome reality that can leave you frustrated and helpless, particularly if you are unprepared. However, proper emergency home lighting can eliminate the fear of being left in the dark. Many home lighting options exist, but which is right for you?
The best emergency home lighting in electrical outages is the Lithonia Lighting EU2C M6 Emergency Light. It is constructed from durable plastic and provides up to 90 minutes of power for the average yearly blackout. Its automatic functionality ensures seamless and uninterrupted illumination during power outages.
In this article, we will explore the four best emergency home lighting options that provide reliable illumination during electrical outages, enabling you to remain calm and secure even when the power goes out.
Best Overall: Lithonia Lighting EU2C M6 Emergency Light
This versatile and adaptable lighting system caters to residential and commercial needs with the Quantum® LED. Additionally, it holds the UL 924 certification and UL damp location listed after acing 29 rigorous tests conducted by OSHA, NEC, and NFPA. The two lights are rotatable up to 180 degrees for optimal lighting angles.
This unit is designed for commercial use but works well for residential.
Pros
- Long battery life: The Maintenance-free nickel-cadmium battery provides 90 minutes of emergency power in case of failure, providing ample time for people to get to safety.
- Two-year limited manufacturer’s warranty: Lithonia Lighting EU2C M6 Emergency Lights come with a 2-year limited warranty. Complete warranty terms are located at: www.acuitybrands.com/support/customer-support/terms-and-conditions, giving users peace of mind when buying and using these lights.
- Automatic: These emergency lights operate without any input from users. The emergency unit has a test switch, status indicator, and rechargeable battery. They come with Self Diagnostic Option (SD), a voltage sensor that completes the circuit when the power goes out and cuts it once it returns, ensuring the lights are always ready. All you need to do is wire the lights in and wait for the sensor to do its job.
- Durable: The Injection-molded, flame-retardant, high-impact, thermoplastic housing with snap-fit design components of the system is designed to last. LED lasts up to 10 years.
- Easy installation: Installing the Lithonia Lighting EU2C M6 Emergency Lights is straightforward and hassle-free. The system has a universal J-box pattern (j-box not included). Everything is set, and the lights are ready to use.
Cons
- Do not forget to plug in the battery cable: One downside to the Lithonia Lighting EU2C M6 Emergency Lights is a male and female connector in the unit connecting the battery pack. If wired incorrectly, the battery will not charge,
- Limited brightness: With LED lights that produce just 1W of power optional high-output battery for 3W, this lighting system might not be bright enough for larger areas. You may need to install multiple systems or look for brighter alternatives. Two 1W LED lamps for emergency light. Optional high-output battery to power both local and optional LED remote lamp heads simultaneously. The HO option provides an additional 3W of LED remote capacity (up to 2 LED remote heads).
- Good for smaller areas: Multiple EU2C luminaires can illuminate areas such as stairways, hallways, and other small spaces at lower mounting heights
- Long charging periods: The Lithonia Lighting EU2C M6 Emergency Lights can take up to 24 hours to fully charge. While this might seem like a long time, you are unlikely to notice as these lights are designed to stay mounted and on at all times, ready to provide emergency lighting when needed.
If you’re interested in learning more about what could happen if the American power grid goes down, check out our article, which explores this topic in-depth.
Most Versatile: AGPTEK Solar 5 Way Charging Emergency Lantern
This highly versatile lighting system boasts five distinct modes of operation and is engineered to provide reliable illumination, making it a reliable choice for emergencies. With solar power, AC power charging, car charging, and the inclusion of a crank dynamo, the AGPTEK lantern is a resilient and flexible device that can operate on three AAA batteries.
What we love about this light is you just leave it in your window seal and it charges without batteries or anything and is ready for emergencies, especially with its dual brightness mode as pictured below.
Pros
- Dual brightness mode: The dual brightness mode of the AGPTEK Solar Emergency Lantern is a significant advantage, providing users with the flexibility to choose between a super bright mode lasting up to 12 hours or a bright mode that can last up to 20 hours.
- Stylish design: The lantern’s stylish design is another benefit, with a lightweight and portable build with a sturdy handle for ease of movement.
- Affordability: The AGPTEK Solar Emergency Lantern is also affordable, making it an excellent value for money. This factor and its versatility enhance its appeal as a practical, cost-effective lighting solution.
Cons
- Not weatherproof: The lantern is not designed to be water-resistant, which limits its outdoor use in inclement weather conditions. As a result, users must exercise caution when using it in damp or wet environments.
- Delicate construction: The lantern’s matte finish and plastic casings may not be remarkably durable, and some consumers have reported that it can be slippery. As such, it may not be the best choice for those who require an exceptionally rugged or resilient lighting solution.
- Short battery life: While the lantern’s internal battery can provide up to two hours of illumination at most, this limitation is somewhat mitigated by the available multiple charge modes. However, users should know they may need to charge the lantern frequently to maintain good battery life.
Best Bang for the Buck For Under $15: 2-Vont LED Camping Lanterns
The Vont LED Camping Lantern is a compact, lightweight lighting solution that provides up to 90 hours of lighting for under $15 dollars on Amazon. Its unique collapsible design allows for easy brightness adjustment without needing a complicated setup or tools.
Pros
- Bright and long-lasting: Boasts 30 exceptionally bright LED bulbs, illuminating the entire tent or room and making it ideal for outdoor camping expeditions and unexpected emergencies.
- Compact and lightweight: The lantern’s collapsible design allows it to be effortlessly packed and transported, as it’s as small as a phone when collapsed, making it a lightweight and compact solution.
- Waterproof: Crafted with military-grade materials, ensuring durability even after a 10-foot (3.05 m) drop or temporary submersion under water.
- Lifetime warranty: This lantern has been meticulously crafted with rigorous quality control measures and is supported by a lifetime warranty. Additionally, it has been certified by CE/RoHS/EMC to safeguard against material and workmanship defects, theft, and loss for the duration of your ownership.
Cons
- Misleading brightness: Although the lantern is advertised as “crazy bright,” the brightness of the Vont LED Camping Lantern may not live up to the expectations set by the advertising.
- Inconsistent battery life claims: The company offers two different battery life claims, making it hard to know how long the lantern will last.
- Risk of accidentally turning on: If you hang the lantern by its handles, the weight of the batteries in the base may cause it to turn on accidentally, which could be inconvenient or even dangerous in some situations.
- Quality control issues: There have been reported issues with dead or damaged LED bulbs, which can be frustrating to deal with and require the hassle of returning or exchanging the product.
Most Powerful: Ideal Security Emergency Light
The Ideal Security Emergency Light is a remarkably potent device, sporting a durable battery capable of operating for up to 40 hours on a solitary charge. The device boasts two high-intensity lights and can seamlessly integrate into a power outlet with automatic activation.
Pros
- Extended battery life: The product includes two efficient LEDs and a robust battery that provide up to 48 hours of runtime in one-light mode and 24 hours in double-light mode. The embedded LED light emits up to 200 lumens of brightness.
- Rechargeable and replaceable battery pack: The system features a six-volt lead-acid battery that can be charged and replaced. It also includes a portable six-inch (15.24 cm) power adaptor for convenience.
- Maintenance-free operation: This free-standing light only requires simple charging and no additional upkeep.
- Limited one-year warranty: The product has a warranty that protects against defects for a specified period.
Cons
- Limited application to indoor use only: The light design makes it unsuitable for outdoor activities as it is neither water-resistant nor lightweight, which may make it cumbersome to carry around.
- Limited brightness: The light may not adequately illuminate specific areas, such as staircases and hallways. As a result, some users may carry the light with them instead of mounting it on the wall for better visibility.
Key Takeaways
Please see some of our other interesting articles on power outages such as “Should You Be Worried About Weather-Caused Power Grid Outages?” and “What To Do Before a G5 or Greater Geomagnetic Storm?”
Emergency lighting systems play a crucial role in mitigating the negative impact of power outages by providing a reliable illumination source. While many products are on the market, not all are created equal in quality and value for money.
Among the emergency lighting systems reviewed above, each offers unique features and benefits that make them a worthwhile consideration for those needing a dependable lighting solution.
Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific needs, preferences, budget, and desired level of functionality.