What is the difference between self-contained emergency lighting units (BAES) and self-contained emergency lighting for residential buildings (BAEH)?

Emergency lighting units (BAES) and emergency lighting units (BAEH) play an essential role in building safety. But which should you choose for your emergency lighting? What are the differences in terms of technical specifications? And is it possible to combine the two? All the answers in this article.

What’s the difference between a BAES and a BAEH?

BAES and BAEH are essential emergency lighting systems for certain buildings. To differentiate between them, you need to understand their respective applications and technical performance. This will enable you to choose the solution best suited to your project, and ensure that your installation complies with regulations.

What is a BAES?

The Bloc Autonome d’Éclairage de Sécurité (BAES) is a device designed to facilitate evacuation in the event of an emergency. It incorporates an LED light source, a back-up battery and an automatic communication system that activates lighting at the slightest alert (SSI) or power cut. Under normal circumstances, the BAES remains on standby, powered by the main electrical network.

The main function of the emergency lighting unit is to illuminate evacuation routes, indicate emergency exits and reveal obstacles to guide occupants to a safe area. Ambient lighting units are also available to maintain general lighting in premises.

What is a BAEH?

The BAEH (Bloc Autonome d’Éclairage pour Habitation – self-contained lighting unit for homes) is designed to meet the specific requirements of residential buildings and type O ERP. Its technical approach is therefore better suited to residential constraints. This device mainly illuminates common areas (stairways, corridors, halls) in the event of a power cut. It also features an integrated battery to guarantee safe, visible evacuation, even in the absence of a power supply.

Note that for type O ERP, such as hotels, BAEHs never replace BAESs: both functions must be available.

What are the main differences?

To better differentiate between these two types of self-contained units, we need to look at their technical characteristics. Luminous flux and autonomy:

They also differ in terms of regulations and standards. In fact, each type of block complies with specific standards:

This differentiation of standards ensures the technical consistency of emergency lighting installations on a national scale.

How do I know if my project requires BAEH?

Not sure if a building needs to be fitted with BAEH? Here’s a list of the different buildings that require them to ensure compliant emergency lighting.

Is it possible to combine BAES and BAEH in a single unit?

To meet the needs of type O ERP, you can opt for dual-function units (BAES/BAEH).. This technology makes it possible to optimize installations while complying with safety requirements specific to each building. The BAES function is triggered by an SSI, while the BAEH function is activated by a power failure.

Located in the Bordeaux region, the Hôtel Mondrian is a perfect example of this approach.. This prestigious 5-star establishment, in its quest for sophistication and refinement, wanted to equip its areas (lobby, spa, kitchen, parking lot, etc.) and corridors with top-of-the-range emergency lighting.

Aesthetically pleasing and discreet, our security blocks meet the needs of the Mondrian Hotel while respecting the architecture of the premises.

The choice between BAES and BAEH depends on the type of building and the regulations in force. Some places, such as type O ERP, need to combine these two units to guarantee compliant emergency lighting. This is why many of our products are available as bi-functional units, to comply with regulations and blend discreetly into any architectural space.