Cortem EXit-P Ex LED Emergency Exit Luminaire

Ex emergency exit luminaire with LED strip and battery module

The Cortem EXit-P is an emergency LED lighting device in fibreglass-reinforced polyester with a transparent polycarbonate diffuser, for escape routes and classified areas with explosive gas or dust. Two versions exist: EXit-PE for Zones 1, 2, 21 and 22 (Ex db eb mb IIC) and EXit-PN for Zone 2 and Zones 21 and 22 (Ex nR IIC). Power consumption is 8 W (3 W in emergency-only mode).

Three operating modes are available. In normal mode the LED strip is powered only by the LED driver. In emergency mode it is fed only by the emergency module from a battery pack when the supply fails. In combined mode it is driven normally by the driver and by the emergency module on power failure. An external LED indicator can show battery charge. On EXit-PE the driver, emergency module and LED strip are protected by Ex mb; EXit-PN relies on Ex nR housing protection. All versions are Ex tb for dust with IP66.

Technical specifications of the EXit-P series

Selection table and order code

The code reads EXIT-P, then E (Zones 1, 2, 21, 22) or N (Zones 2, 21, 22), the power 0308, the operation (none for normal, N for normal plus emergency, E for emergency only) and the pictogram suffix: none for EXIT, /S exit left, /D exit right, /G straight ahead, /T transparent. A -RI suffix selects the version with a transparent polycarbonate LED strip diffuser.

What to confirm before ordering

Choose the zone (PE or PN), the operating mode, the autonomy, the pictogram direction and whether labels with lettering are required. Pictograms and an additional cable gland for in-out connection are available on request. FastEx connectors are also offered. Cortem notes that technical and electrical data may change with LED technology, so confirm the current datasheet at order. Battery versions are limited to -20 °C ambient.

Planning exit signage in a hazardous area

An exit luminaire is part of the escape route design, so its position and type should follow the site emergency lighting layout and the hazardous area classification drawing. For each location, confirm the zone, the gas group and the dust group, and the temperature class required by the substances handled there. Then decide whether the sign must stay lit continuously or only on supply failure, which sets the operating mode, and which arrow or pictogram suits the direction of travel at that point. Mounting height and viewing distance matter for legibility, so check the luminaire’s position against the route layout rather than simply placing it above the nearest door.

Installation and cable entry

Installation in a classified area should be carried out by competent personnel working to the IEC 60079 installation standards adopted on site and to the Cortem instructions. Use certified cable glands and stopping plugs appropriate to the protection concept and cable type, keep any unused entry closed with a suitable certified plug, and make sure every gland is tightened and sealed as the instructions require. Fix the body to a solid structure so it does not vibrate, keep the diffuser clear of obstructions, and record the luminaire on the Ex equipment register with its marking and certificate number.

Commissioning and periodic testing

After connection, confirm normal operation and then simulate a supply failure to prove the emergency function on versions that include it. Note that a battery version needs a charging period before its full autonomy is available, so the duration test should be scheduled after the charge described in the documentation. In service, emergency lighting is normally tested at regular intervals with brief function checks and a periodic full-duration test, following the site procedure and local regulations. Combine these tests with Ex inspections of enclosure condition, diffuser cleanliness, glands and earthing, and replace consumable items according to Cortem guidance.

Heat, dust and humidity at GCC plants

Refineries, gas stations, tank farms and process plants in Oman and the wider GCC expose luminaires to strong sun, high ambient temperatures, wind-blown dust and coastal humidity. Check the selection table for the temperature class at the actual maximum ambient, and confirm with the current datasheet the permitted ambient range for battery versions, since battery behaviour is often the limiting factor in hot locations. Where possible, avoid mounting positions in direct afternoon sun or close to hot process equipment. Dust on the diffuser reduces sign visibility, so clean it during routine inspections, and check gland seals and the enclosure gasket area for signs of moisture ingress at coastal sites.

Documents and quotation

The attached document is the Cortem EXit-P emergency lighting fixture datasheet (catalogue pages B.2-B.7, edition 2026).

For a quotation, send the model code, voltage, zone and gas or dust group, cable entry details and quantity. See Automation Accessories for related hazardous-area equipment. Related hazardous-area equipment: Cortem SLED-ME LED floodlight.