Frequently Asked Questions for Emergency Light Bulbs

 

How long will the bulb stay on during a power failure?

A fully charged Emergency LED bulb provides 3.5 hours of continuous use, or intermittent use controlled by the wall switch (3.5 hours total).

How do I install the Emergency LED bulb?

Simply replace your existing light bulbs in E26 sockets with an Emergency Lightbulb. No tools or rewiring required.

Do I need to change my switch to operate the bulb?

No change required. Just replace your existing bulb with an Emergency bulb.

Will the bulb work in light fixtures which have one switch controlling many bulbs?

Yes. The Emergency Light Bulbs work with multi bulb fixtures controlled by a single switch.

Is it OK if I replace only one of the many bulbs with an Emergency Lightbulb in a multi-bulb fixture?

Yes. As long as the other bulbs in that fixture are LED or other energy efficient bulbs you can replace 1, 2 or as many you like with Emergency LED bulbs.

Will the bulb work in a fixture that contains a dimmer switch or ones that are set up for 3 way light bulbs?

No the Emergency Light Bulb will not work in light fixtures that contain dimmer switches or are set up for 3 way light bulbs.

Can the bulb be used in closed fixtures?

No, it cannot be used in closed fixtures. UL testing and standards have very strict requirements around safety of the products. The heat generated if not dissipated may result in a hazardous situation. Enclosed fixtures do not allow proper ventilation for the heat sink. That is why, for safety reasons (overheating), this bulb is not recommended to be used in enclosed fixtures.

What is the diameter of the bulb at its largest point? What is the length of the bulb?

It is 3 inches wide at the widest point and 4.5 inches long excluding the portion that is inside the socket when installed.

What is the life of the Bulb?

This is a LED bulb with a rated life of more than 20 years. Battery is Li-Ion rechargeable battery – approximately 300 – 400 cycles of charging so about 3 years of life before need to be replaced.

How often do I have to replace the built-in battery?

Inside the bulb is a Li Ion rechargeable battery with about 300 charging cycles. This battery may need to be replaced every 3-4 years, depending on use.

When I turn the bulb ON why does it blink? Is there something wrong with the bulb?

The bulb is programmed to blink 3 times when the battery is low. This is to remind the user to charge the bulb either by using it for 4-6 hours or by using the charge only mode (See next question for details). So the answer is No, there is nothing wrong with the bulb. It is good and doing what it should.

How long will the battery inside the bulb hold a charge before it is completely depleted?

If the bulb is not turned on the battery will hold a charge for 17 days before the charge is completely depleted. For best results one should use the bulb often, even daily, to keep the battery charged.

What is a charge only mode? How to use it?

Charge only mode is one in which you can charge the bulbs battery without the bulb glowing. To enter into Charge only mode simply flip the switch twice – ON – OFF – ON. You will observe that the switch is ON but the bulb isn’t glowing. This is when it is charging.

Why do we need charge only mode?

The bulb is designed to charge even during normal operation when it is turned ON. However, if a user wishes to charge the bulb without lighting it, then charge only mode is useful.

How often do I charge the battery?

After using the bulb during power outage it is recommended to charge it for up to 4-6 hours depending on how long the bulb was used during outage. The bulb charges on AC power during normal operation when turned ON. So using the bulb a minimum of 2 hours every week is recommended. Alternatively, you can use charge only mode for charging the battery.

What to do if the bulb does not turn ON at all?

Try reconnecting the battery and the bulb will work as it should. This may happen when the bulb with the connected battery is kept unused for a long time. To avoid this, disconnect the battery when you do not plan to use the bulb for more than 2-3 weeks.

Why does my bulb not work during power outages?

Probably, you have not connected the battery. The bulb has a battery in it but we ship the bulb with the wires disconnected. The user is expected to connect the battery. Refer to the user manual to know how to connect the battery. If the battery is already connected let the bulb charge for 4-6 hours before simulating power outage.

I have charged the bulb for 6 hours but it still blinks when turned ON.

First check if the battery is connected. The bulb requires that the battery is connected for use in backup mode. If a bulb with battery connected is not used for a long time the battery completely discharges and might take a little longer to charge fully. In which case it is preferable to charge the battery for 10-12 hours. To avoid this condition we suggest that you disconnect the battery or put the bulb in charge only mode when you may not be using for more than 3 weeks.

Is just unplugging the lamp the same as simulating a power outage?

No, it is not. The reason is Emergency bulbs need a load (complete circuit) behind the switch to operate. In a general home situation, there are a lot of loads behind the switch when the power is turned off. Example your appliances are plugged in and on therefore they complete the circuit for the Emergency Lightbulb bulb when it is plugged in. If the circuit is not completed the Emergency Lightbulb bulb could not distinguish between a power outage and the switch being turned off so the bulb would not stay on.

Simulating a Power Outage Instructions

Note: Make sure the Smart Charge Bulb is sufficiently charged before simulating the power outage. Follow these steps:

1. Screw one Emergency bulb in a table lamp that has its own switch.

2. Screw an incandescent bulb into another table lamp.

3. Plug both lamps into a power strip.

4. Plug in the power strip in a wall outlet.

5. Turn ON the switch to see both the bulbs glow.

6. Keep the bulbs ON as in step 5, and remove the plug of power strip from the wall outlet. (This simulates power outage).

7. The normal light bulb will turn off (Since there is no power) but the Emergency Lightbulb bulb remains ON.

8. You can control the Emergency Lightbulb bulb from the table lamp switch (not from power strip switch).

Note: If you turn the regular lamp OFF, you cannot control the Emergency Lightbulb bulb in this set up. Emergency Lightbulb bulbs need a load (complete circuit) behind the switch to operate. In a general home situation, there are a lot of loads behind the switch.

What certifications do these bulbs have?

CE, UL, FCC, RoHS Certifications.

I live in a different country. How do I buy one?

Emergency Light Bulbs will be shipped worldwide as long as USPS/FedEx supports delivery to that location. Shipping charges as applicable.