GB 17945-2010 is the primary Chinese national standard governing emergency lighting systems, officially titled "Fire Emergency Lighting and Evacuate Indicating System." It specifies the classification, technical requirements, test methods, and inspection rules for emergency lighting products sold an
Introduction
GB 17945-2010 is the primary Chinese national standard governing emergency lighting systems, officially titled "Fire Emergency Lighting and Evacuate Indicating System." It specifies the classification, technical requirements, test methods, and inspection rules for emergency lighting products sold and installed in China. Compliance with GB 17945 is mandatory for all emergency lighting equipment used in public buildings, commercial facilities, industrial plants, and underground spaces throughout China.
The standard is enforced by the China Certification Center for Fire Products (CCCF), which performs factory inspections and product testing. Unlike GB 7000.1 which covers general luminaire safety, GB 17945 focuses specifically on emergency operation — battery backup performance, charge/discharge logic, automatic testing circuitry, and evacuation signage luminance. A product must pass both GB 7000.1 (general safety) and GB 17945 (emergency-specific) tests to obtain CCCF certification for sale in China.
Scope and Classification
System Types
GB 17945 defines two main categories of emergency lighting systems:
| System Type | Description | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Self-contained (Central Battery Single-point) | Individual luminaires with integrated battery charger, battery pack, and control electronics. Each unit operates independently. | Stairwells, corridors, small to medium buildings, retrofit projects |
| Centralized (Central Battery System) | Remote battery bank (typically 24 V, 48 V, or 216 V DC) powers multiple luminaires via dedicated wiring. Central inverter handles AC-to-DC conversion. | Large commercial complexes, hospitals, shopping malls, high-rise buildings |
| Hybrid Concentrated | Centralized monitoring and power distribution with local battery buffering at each luminaire for fault tolerance. | Airports, railway stations, convention centers |
Operational Modes
All emergency luminaires under GB 17945 must support two operational modes:
- Normal Mode: The luminaire operates on mains AC power (220 V±10%, 50 Hz). The battery is in continuous float-charge at 27.2 V for 24 V nominal systems or 54.4 V for 48 V nominal systems. Charging current is regulated to C/10 (one-tenth of battery Ah capacity).
- Emergency Mode: Upon mains failure (detected when AC voltage drops below 187 V for more than 0.5 seconds), the luminaire switches to battery-powered operation within the switching time limit. The transfer switch must be a mechanical relay or semiconductor switch rated for at least 10 A at 250 V AC.
Key Technical Requirements
Emergency Duration and Battery Capacity
GB 17945 mandates minimum emergency discharge durations based on building type and application:
| Application | Minimum Emergency Duration | Minimum Battery Ah Capacity (for 24 V system at 10 W load) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General evacuation routes (buildings < 54 m) | ≥ 30 minutes | ≥ 1.2 Ah | Ni-Cd or LiFePO4 battery types permitted |
| High-rise buildings (≥ 54 m), hospitals, critical care | ≥ 60 minutes | ≥ 2.5 Ah | Battery must be non-volatile memory type (Ni-Cd or LiFePO4) |
| Underground spaces, subways, tunnels | ≥ 90 minutes | ≥ 3.8 Ah | Operating temperature range: -10°C to +55°C |
| Fire control rooms, pump rooms, generator rooms | ≥ 180 minutes | ≥ 7.5 Ah | Dual-redundant battery banks required |
Batteries must maintain at least 80% of their rated capacity after 500 charge/discharge cycles at 25°C±2°C. The standard requires a charging circuit that limits the charging voltage to 1.45±0.05 V per cell for Ni-Cd batteries and 3.60±0.05 V per cell for LiFePO4 batteries.
Luminous Intensity and Uniformity
Evacuation route lighting must meet specific illuminance levels on the floor surface:
| Parameter | Requirement | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum horizontal illuminance on floor | ≥ 0.5 lx (center of pathway) | Measured at floor level after 5 minutes of emergency operation |
| Minimum illuminance along pathway centerline | ≥ 1.0 lx | Measured at 1 m height, spaced at 2 m intervals |
| Uniformity ratio (max/min) | ≤ 40:1 | Across the entire pathway width (minimum 2 m wide path) |
| Exit sign surface luminance | ≥ 50 cd/m² (internal illuminated), ≥ 2 cd/m² (externally illuminated) | Measured after 60 minutes of operation at 25°C |
| Luminance uniformity of exit sign | Max/min ratio ≤ 10:1 across the sign face | Measured at 9 evenly distributed points on the sign surface |
Switching Time
The transition from normal to emergency mode must occur within strict time limits:
- Self-contained luminaires: switching completed within 0.5 seconds. The voltage on the LED array must not drop below 80% of nominal during transition.
- Centralized systems: switching completed within 5 seconds for the entire system. Each branch circuit must have its own transfer relay.
- High-risk task area lighting: switching completed within 0.15 seconds (for areas containing moving machinery, chemical processes, or medical procedures).
CCCF Certification Process
Obtaining CCCF certification under GB 17945 involves the following mandatory steps:
- Factory Quality Audit: Inspectors from a CCCF-accredited body (e.g., Tianjin Fire Research Institute, Shanghai Fire Research Institute) audit the manufacturing facility. They verify ISO 9001 quality management, production line testing equipment calibration, and traceability of battery cells to approved suppliers. Non-conformances must be corrected within 30 days.
- Type Testing: Samples (typically 3–5 units per model series) are sent to a CNAS-accredited laboratory. Tests include: full emergency duration discharge (30/60/90/180 min), charging voltage measurement, switching time verification, luminous intensity measurement, high-temperature endurance (+55°C for 16 hours), and low-temperature starting (-10°C for 4 hours).
- Test Report Review: The laboratory issues a formal type test report (valid for 5 years). The report must include raw data, pass/fail statements, and measurement uncertainty values. Test reports from non-CNAS labs are not accepted.
- Certificate Issuance: CCCF certificate valid for 5 years, subject to annual factory surveillance audits. Each certified model receives a unique CCCF certificate number (format: Z000001-xxxxxx).
Common Test Failures
| Failure Mode | Typical Cause | Remedial Action |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency duration below minimum | Insufficient battery capacity (e.g., using 1.0 Ah instead of 1.2 Ah for 30-min system) | Replace battery with correct Ah rating; recheck at 25°C and 0.5 C discharge rate |
| Switching time exceeds limit | Relay contact bounce or slow MOSFET gate drive (> 50 ms turn-on delay) | Replace electromechanical relay with SSR rated < 10 ms turn-on; add gate driver IC with 2 A peak output |
| Luminous intensity below 0.5 lx | LED efficacy under battery voltage (LED Vf mismatch with battery voltage) | Use boost converter to maintain constant LED current of 350 mA regardless of battery voltage (5.5–7.2 V range) |
| Battery capacity < 80% after 500 cycles | Overcharging (float voltage above 1.5 V/cell for Ni-Cd) | Precision charge controller with ±1% voltage regulation; temperature-compensated charging (-4 mV/°C per cell) |
Automatic Testing Requirements
GB 17945 requires that all emergency luminaires include automatic self-testing functionality:
- Monthly Test: The luminaire automatically initiates a 30-second emergency discharge once every 30 days. It verifies that the battery can deliver current and the LED load operates. If the test fails, an audible alarm (beeping at 0.5 Hz) and visual indicator (red LED flashing) must activate.
- Annual Test: A full rated duration test (30, 60, 90, or 180 minutes as applicable) must be performed once every 12 months. The test can be initiated by a remote control signal (infrared or wired) or automatically by the luminaire's internal calendar.
- Fault Indication: Any test failure must be stored in non-volatile memory. The indicator LED must show: solid green (normal), flashing green (test in progress), flashing red (monthly test failure), solid red (annual test failure or battery fault). The fault history must be readable via a handheld tester or centralized monitoring system.
GB 17945 vs. International Standards
| Parameter | GB 17945 (China) | IEC 60598-2-22 (EU) | UL 924 (USA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency duration (general) | ≥ 30 min | ≥ 60 min (recommended), 180 min for recharge | ≥ 90 min |
| Illuminance on floor | ≥ 0.5 lx | ≥ 1.0 lx (EU) | ≥ 1.0 fc (≈ 10.8 lx) |
| Switching time | ≤ 0.5 s (self-contained) | ≤ 0.5 s (self-contained) | ≤ 10 s |
| Testing requirement | Monthly (30 s) + Annual (full duration) | Monthly (short) + Annual (full duration) | Monthly (30 s) + Annual (90 min) |
| Certification body | CCCF (mandatory) | Notified body (for emergency), self-declaration (general) | UL (mandatory for US) |
Battery Selection Guidelines
GB 17945 permits the following battery chemistries, with specific requirements for each:
| Battery Type | Nominal Voltage per Cell | Max Charge Voltage per Cell | Cycle Life (to 80% capacity) | Operating Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ni-Cd (Nickel-Cadmium) | 1.2 V | 1.45 V ± 0.05 V | ≥ 500 cycles at 25°C | -20°C to +60°C |
| Ni-MH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) | 1.2 V | 1.45 V ± 0.05 V | ≥ 300 cycles at 25°C | -10°C to +55°C |
| LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) | 3.2 V | 3.60 V ± 0.05 V | ≥ 2000 cycles at 25°C | -20°C to +60°C |
LiFePO4 batteries are increasingly preferred for new designs due to their longer cycle life (2000+ cycles vs. 500 for Ni-Cd) and absence of cadmium (RoHS-compliant). However, they require a battery management system (BMS) that monitors cell voltage, current, and temperature, adding approximately CNY 8–15 per cell to the BOM cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is CCCF certification the same as GB 17945 compliance?
No. GB 17945 is the technical standard. CCCF is the certification system that verifies compliance. A product can technically meet GB 17945 requirements but cannot be sold in China without CCCF certification. The CCCF mark is a green label with "CCCF" text and a unique 12-digit product code. Products imported from overseas must also obtain CCCF certification through a Chinese agent or authorized representative.
Q: What is the minimum battery capacity for a 60-minute emergency luminaire?
For a self-contained luminaire with a 10 W LED load running at 24 V nominal, the minimum battery capacity is: (10 W × 1 hour) / (24 V × 0.85 efficiency) = 0.49 Ah. However, GB 17945 requires a safety margin of at least 20%, plus accounting for battery aging (80% capacity after 500 cycles). The practical minimum is therefore: 0.49 Ah / (0.80 × 0.80) = 0.77 Ah. Most manufacturers use 1.2 Ah (for 30-min) or 2.5 Ah (for 60-min) Ni-Cd battery packs to provide adequate margin.
Q: Can I use standard LED drivers with GB 17945 emergency luminaires?
Yes, but only if the driver supports the battery backup requirement. Standard LED drivers designed for mains-only operation will not function when mains power is lost. Emergency-rated LED drivers have a dual-input design: a primary AC input (220 V) for normal mode and a secondary DC input (24 V or 48 V battery) for emergency mode. The driver must maintain constant current output (e.g., 350 mA ± 5%) across both input modes. Mean Well ELG-240 series and Inventronics EBD series are examples of drivers with integrated emergency backup capability.
Q: How often must the emergency lighting system be tested?
GB 17945 specifies: a functional test (30 seconds) every month, and a full duration test (30, 60, 90, or 180 minutes depending on system rating) every 12 months. The test results must be logged and retained for at least 3 years for fire inspection purposes. Automatic self-testing luminaires can generate these logs electronically; manual testing systems require a paper log signed by the building maintenance supervisor.
Q: What is the difference between GB 17945-2010 and the draft GB 17945-2024 revision?
The 2024 revision (expected to be finalized by late 2025) introduces several changes: (1) mandatory LiFePO4 or Ni-Cd batteries only (Ni-MH removed due to poor cycle life in high-temperature environments), (2) WiFi-enabled remote monitoring requirement for all systems in buildings over 54 m, (3) increased minimum illuminance to 1.0 lx (from 0.5 lx), and (4) a new classification for centralized systems with emergency response time labels (Level A: < 0.15 s, Level B: < 0.5 s, Level C: < 5 s).
Q: Do emergency exit signs require different luminance in GB 17945 versus international standards?
Yes. GB 17945 requires internally illuminated exit signs to have a minimum surface luminance of 50 cd/m², while EU standard EN 1838 requires 2 cd/m² minimum (but recommends 50–300 cd/m²). The US standard NFPA 101 requires ≥ 5.4 cd/m². The Chinese standard is therefore at the upper end of international requirements. Additionally, GB 17945 mandates that exit signs use green pictograms (white symbol on green background), whereas EU standards use green running man on green background and US standards use green or red depending on application.
Q: How is the emergency duration test conducted in a CCCF-accredited lab?
The sample is fully charged for 24 hours at rated charging voltage, then mains power is removed to initiate emergency mode. The luminaire operates until the battery voltage drops below the minimum operating voltage (typically 1.0 V/cell for Ni-Cd, or 2.5 V/cell for LiFePO4). The laboratory records the elapsed time, the final battery voltage, and the LED output at 5-minute intervals. A product failure is recorded if the emergency duration is less than the rated time by more than 2 minutes, or if the LED output drops below 50% of the initial emergency output before the rated duration expires.
Specifications Summary
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Number | GB 17945-2010 |
| Full Title | Fire Emergency Lighting and Evacuate Indicating System |
| Effective Date | May 1, 2011 (current); 2024 revision pending |
| Certification | CCCF (mandatory for sale in China) |
| Minimum Duration | 30 min (general), 60 min (high-rise), 90 min (underground), 180 min (fire rooms) |
| Minimum Illuminance | 0.5 lx at floor level |
| Switching Time | ≤ 0.5 s (self-contained), ≤ 5 s (centralized) |
| Permitted Batteries | Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, LiFePO4 |
| Testing Frequency | Monthly (30 s) + Annual (full duration) |
Related Products & Suppliers
- CCCF-Certified LED Emergency Lights — GB 17945 compliant central battery and self-contained emergency luminaires
- GB 50034 Lighting Design Standard — Interior lighting design requirements for Chinese buildings
- CE Marking for Lighting (EU) — Compare CE vs. CCCF requirements
- Emergency-Compatible LED Drivers — Drivers with integrated battery backup for emergency luminaires
- LED Light Not Turning On — Troubleshooting guide for non-functioning luminaires
Sources: GB 17945-2010 "Fire Emergency Lighting and Evacuate Indicating System," GB 7000.2-2008 "Luminaires — Particular Requirements — Section 2: Emergency Luminaires," GB/T 19638.1-2014 "Lead-acid Batteries for Emergency Lighting," CCCF Certification Rules (CCCF/MHSB-01), EN 1838:2013 "Lighting Applications — Emergency Lighting," IEC 60598-2-22:2021 "Luminaires — Particular Requirements — Emergency Luminaires"
Disclaimer: This article is for reference only. Consult a qualified fire safety engineer and CCCF-accredited certification body for compliance planning.
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- GB 7000.1-2015 — China National Standard: Luminaires general requirements
- GB 50034-2013 — China National Standard: Standard for lighting design of buildings
- EU Regulation 2019/2020 — Ecodesign requirements for light sources
- AS/NZS 60598.1:2017 — Australian/New Zealand Standard for Luminaires
These standards and reports are cited as authoritative references. Specifications may vary by region and product version.