Independent emergency lighting system with self-diagnosis

An emergency lighting system of an advanced type which, through the use of an appropriate microprocessor, can be used to check the recharging current and voltage of the batteries and detect faults in the circuit and the fluorescent or incandescent lamps, with the programming and performance of a functional test over a programmable period, with a visual display and the programming and performance of an independence test at programmable intervals. The results of the periodical fault tests and the independence test are communicated to a centralized control and monitoring unit which can be activated remotely and is also capable of receiving and transmitting operating orders to the individual emergency units. A microprocessor circuit for performing the periodical functional test on the connected lamps, and for programming and performance of the independence test at programmable intervals, providing an indication of defective lamps and deactivating one or more lamps, is included in the battery unit.