The Neals system consists of the standard Navy lighting fixture modified with an emergency battery system. The system includes a charging circuit and ni-cad battery pack housed in a metal enclosure. Also included is an LED charging indicator and a test switch to verify the system is operating properly.

During normal operation the fixture operates from its normal power supply and the Neals ballast trickle charges the battery pack. Upon loss of normal power, the ni-cad battery supplies power to illuminate one lamp at 20% – 25% illumination for 5 hours. Upon the restoration of normal power, the light fixture operates with all lamps at 100% and the Neals system automatically returns to its trickle charge mode.

The system was designed to replace the standard battle lantern. If properly located the Neals system will provide emergency lighting greatly exceeding the traditional battle lanterns. In most situations the Neals light fixtures can be mounted in the same location as a standard light fixture. The footprint is the same. The Neals ballast is mounted to the back of the M16377/8, 11, and 12 style fixtures in a watertight enclosure (3”x15”x 2 ½”). The Neals ballast is mounted internal; to the M16377/57 style fixtures. The Neals ballast has a service life of up to 10 years. The ni-cad batteries are the latest technology and have no memory. Disposal of the ni-cad cells is accomplished by forwarding the ballast to an approved recycling center.

The Neals ballast incorporates sophisticated circuitry which protects lamp life during the final stages of battery discharge by cutting off power to the lamp “cleanly” and not restoring it until AC power is sensed. The system is designed to fully recharge a depleted battery in less than 24 hours, although the system will respond to additional power outages during this recharge period.

The only maintenance required of the Neals system is to periodically verify proper operation. During normal operation the red charging indicator light will be illuminated. The test switch is periodically activated, simulating a power failure, extinguishing all lamps and the red charging indicator light. One lamp operates at reduced lumen output. The Neals unit is accessible under the watertight cover or internal to the light fixture. The unit incorporates a quick disconnect to facilitate easy replacement.