A lighting system has a receptacle for a light source disposed on a light fixture. The receptacle couples to a first power source, such as standard alternating current available in a building. An electroluminescent (EL) panel is disposed adjacent the light fixture and couples either to the same first power source or to a second power source, such as a direct current emergency power source of a battery or a building. For the EL panel also coupled to the first power source, circuitry illuminates the electroluminescent panel with power from the first power source when the receptacle for the light source is disconnected from the first power source. For the EL panel connected to the second power source, the circuitry illuminates the EL panel with power from the second power source during a failure of the first power source.