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Emergency Lighting Requirements You Must Know

Emergency lighting systems help building occupants exit safely during emergencies. The system has a number of different fixture types including exit signs, egress lighting, and anti-panic fixtures. In the United States, The National Fire Protection Agency [NFPA] creates standards that local building codes use to create requirements.

Performance

Design emergency lighting to illuminate an area for at least 90 minutes following main power disruption. The level during this initial 90 minutes must be at least 10.8 lux [1 ft-candle] on average. Measure the illumination at the floor level along the exit route. Source: NFPA 101 Section 7.9.2.1.

Auto Operation

Design to automatically illuminate exit routes in case of emergency. Emergencies are main power supply failures or the opening of a fuse on the electrical panel. This includes manual acts that directly or indirectly effect normal light levels. Emergency lighting systems must operate continuously or have the ability to operate automatically with no need for a manual reset. Source: NFPA 101, Section 7.9.2.2.

Backup Power

Place all emergency lighting on a generator or battery backup supply. Use only reliable and rechargeable batteries for backup supply. They must comply with the National Electrical Code. Batteries must meet NFPA Standard 110. See: NFPA 101 7.9.2.3-4.

Testing

Test all emergency lighting components according to one of three specified methods. Every 30 days perform a test lasting at least 30 seconds. Every year, perform the second method for at least 90 minutes on battery power. Test using
special diagnostic equipment every 30 days. Owners must maintain all testing and inspection records and make them available for review upon request of the local fire marshal. Source: NFPA 101 Section 7.9.3.1.

Exit Signs

All exit signs must have the word “Exit” displayed in 6-inch tall letters. Continuously illuminate the sign during building occupation. The exit sign must illuminate at least 5-foot candles of luminance. Use light from external or internal light sources. Place the signs at all egress doors and stairwells. Equip signs with arrows in case the exit path is not clear. Source: NFPA 101 Section 7.10

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