Abstract: An electronic circuit is provided for converting an existing mains-operated luminaire into an emergency luminaire. The mains-operated luminaire includes an LED array and a mains converter for supplying the same with power. An emergency lighting element having an electronic circuit supplies the LED array with power from a storage battery during emergency operation. During the transition to the emergency operation, the circuit disconnects the power supply from the mains converter and subsequently controls the power output of the storage battery and the input power of the LED array by way of a closed loop.