The emergency lighting unit uses high power LEDs rated at 6 Watts for each lamp for illumination. These are 4 times more efficient than halogen lamps enabling the use of much smaller batteries while providing saving in operational and maintenance costs. The LEDs are also rated at more than 50,000 hours of operational lifetime. The emergency lighting unit will operate automatically both during electrical outages and under normal conditions. An automatic battery charging function also helps to extend the life of the internal batteries. The chassis is made with ABS flame retardant plastic. It is able to withstand extremely high temperatures as well as force impact and corrosion.