Panasonic SQT555W601 Automatic Power-Failure Light

by Panasonic

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Turns on automatically during power outages. Automatically shuts off when power is restored. Rechargeable battery for portable use. Bright fluorescent light. Up to 7-hour operating time.

From the Manufacturer

Make your home or business a safer place during blackouts with the Panasonic Automatic Power-Failure Light. Just plug it into an AC outlet and it automatically turns on when the power goes out. Once electricity is restored, the unit shuts off by itself. The light can also be used as a portable lighting source, indoors or outdoors, thanks to a rechargeable battery system and built in carry handle. This bright fluorescent light, offers up to 7 hours of operating time.

Product Details

Data Sheet [122kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 2.4 x 10.4 inches ; 2.9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00008BKY9
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: SQT555W601
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #186,598 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good idea though an odd design, August 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Panasonic SQT555W601 Automatic Power-Failure Light (Tools & Home Improvement)

Each time the lights go out due to a momentary surge in the
line, I smile to see this Panasonic spring into action.

The included wall-mount bracket proved to be an extremely
awkward configuration, so I chose to place the unit on a bookshelf opposite my bed. This location serves to camouflage
the side-mount power source/switch/pilot light, and also assures me that my bedroom won't be in darkness during an outage. And the front-facing fluorescent bulb isn't an eyesore on the shelf.

The unit can then be used as a portable, stand-alone source in
any area of need.

I have set it to come on automatically whenever there's an
interruption of power. And it has not ever failed in these
past 4 months.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If only FEMA could work this well, September 18, 2005

By 

Sharon Stillson "Sharon Stillson" (SEATTLE, WA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic SQT555W601 Automatic Power-Failure Light (Tools & Home Improvement)

I bought this one year after a power failure. It was an impulse buy. Once it arrived I put it on the bookshelf and forgot it untill a year later when the power went out and the light came on. It lit up a large living room for several hours. I could unplug it and carry it around easily. And when the power came back on - it simply went off and started recharging. Ah - If only FEMA could work this well.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fantasic power outage light, January 7, 2006

By 

dissimulo - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic SQT555W601 Automatic Power-Failure Light (Tools & Home Improvement)

Comparable in size to an encylopedia volume, the Panasonic power failure light can be placed on a shelf, plugged in, and forgotten until the lights go out. The light is provided by a six inch fluorescent tube, which is sufficient to light up a small room well enough to read by. You can set the light to low or high power, but the difference in output seems pretty small. On the low setting, the light lasts between four and five hours. I have three placed in the main areas of my house and they all kick in when the power goes out, making it easy for me to locate lanterns and flashlights in the event that the outage lasts more than an hour or two. I like this light so well that I plan to buy three more in the future.

The only reason the light does not get five stars is ergonomics. The included mount is strange and I would be surprised if anyone uses it. In addition, the power supply connection is on the side of the unit, which can be awkward if you are placing the unit between other items on a shelf. Ideally, the power supply should connect to the back instead.

I took one unit apart and was pleased to see that it uses a standard form factor battery, which should be easy to replace if the original wears out. The fluorescent tube is also a standard size that is widely available. As a result, with a little maintenance, this handy light should last for many years.