What is Emergency Lighting?
Emergency lighting is used in commercial and industrial spaces to provide sufficient additional lighting during power outages and direct individuals out of buildings during emergencies. LED emergency lights are recommended because they have up to 25 times the lifespan of halogen or incandescent lights. Our emergency lights feature durable construction; in the event the fixture is exposed to flames or heat, our lights, constructed with a flame-retardant thermoplastic material, can prevent or delay ignition.
Emergency Fixture Types
Emergency Lights
Emergency lights provide illumination during a power outage so individuals can navigate safely out of the building. These fixtures typically emit a cool white light and feature two light heads.
Exit Signs
Exit signs indicate nearby exits. These signs are available with both red and green letters. Selectable red or green options let you customize the faceplates to the color you need. Double-sided faceplates are available if you plan to install the signs in areas where people can approach from either side.
Combo Lights
Combo lights act as both emergency lights and exit signs. These lights emit sufficient lighting throughout the area, while also directing individuals out of a building during an emergency.
NYC Compliant
New York City has its own legislative requirements for exit signs. Our NYC-compliant lights meet the specifications of the code, including:
- Must feature the word “EXIT” with internal red lighting
- Lettering should be 8 inches tall and at least 1 inch thick
- Have an average initial brightness of at least 250 foot-lamberts (~ 80 lumens per square foot).
- Internally lighted signs should have a stenciled metal background in white or light gray, or translucent materials with white separators.
Chicago is another city that has strict requirements for their exit signs.
- Lights should be UL 924 Listed
- Feature the words “EXIT,” be red with a white background
- Letters should be higher than 3 ⅜” tall and greater than 9/16” wide
- Arrows should be as long as the lettering and ½ inch wide
- Signs should be constructed with 20-gauge sheet metal
Refer to all of Chicago's exit sign and emergency lighting code here.
What is the Required Battery Backup?
Exit signs and emergency lights must have at least 90 minutes of backup emergency lighting. This ensures the lighting works during a power outage and is available for individuals to find emergency exits.
How Often Should I Have My Emergency Lights Tested and Inspected?
In the United States, emergency lights should be tested every 30 days for at least 30 seconds, and at least once a year for 90 minutes, in accordance with the NFPA. Ensure all testing is documented.
When Should the Battery Be Replaced?
While the exact replacement period will depend on the battery type, most batteries should be replaced between 3 and 5 years to guarantee the best performance and reduce the risk of battery failure. Batteries should also be replaced if they don’t perform as intended during monthly or annual testing. If you install the lights in areas with very low or high temperatures, the battery may need to be replaced sooner.
Lighting Regulations and Requirements
Emergency lighting requirements are set by both the National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories. The NFPA Life Safety Code, or NFPA 101, has set requirements pertaining to emergency illumination. UL 924 is a standard used for products used in emergency situations.
NFPA 101 is an elaborate code, broken into various sections. Certain sections related to emergency lighting are mentioned below.
NFPA 7.8 relates to Egress Lighting. Egress illumination refers to the lighting installed in a building to increase safety and ensure individuals can quickly and easily evacuate.
- There are recommended foot-candle or lux lighting level requirements for these lights:
- Stairs should have at least 10 foot-candles or 108 lux, measured at walking surfaces.
- Floors and walking surfaces should have at least 1 foot-candle or 10.8 lux, measured at the floor.
- Assembly occupancy exit access should have at least 0.2 foot-candles or 2.2 lux.
- *The failure of a fixture should not cause the overall illumination level to fall below 0.2 foot-candles or 2.2 lux.
- Egress illumination should be uninterrupted at all times mandated by stated occupancy conditions and meet the minimum illumination requirements. Using timers, controllers, switches, or sensors should not affect the necessary egress illumination.
NFPA 7.9 relates to Emergency Lighting.
- It should not take more than 10 seconds for an energy change between the main power line and a battery backup.
- Emergency battery backup and drivers should be UL 924 listed.
- There are requirements pertaining to the testing of the lights. To comply with NFPA 7.9, emergency lighting must be tested by one of the following options:
- Functional Monthly Testing: For at least 30 seconds every three to five weeks and annually for at least 5.5 hours, if using a battery-powered emergency light system. Keep written inspection records.
- Self-Testing: Test battery-operated emergency lights for at least 30 seconds every 30 days with a visual inspection. Complete functional annual testing at a minimum of 90 minutes. Keep written inspection records.
- Computer-Based Self-Testing: Test battery-operated emergency lights for a minimum of 30 seconds every 30 days, and annually for a minimum of 5.5 hours.
NFPA 7.10 is the Marking of Means of Egress. A few of the requirements include:
- Directional indicators should be at least ⅜ inches outside the “Exit” wording, be a chevron shape, be able to be identified from up to 40 feet away, and be located at the end of the sign, indicating the direction when the direction is not apparent.
- All exits should have an approved exit sign that can be seen from all directions.
- If externally illuminated, the signs need to be at least 5 foot-candles at the surface, or if internally illuminated, follow the ANSI/UL 924 requirements.
UL 924 indicates which products have been tested and meet strict requirements for emergency lighting. Certain requirements for these include being visible from at least a 100-foot distance, providing a minimum of 90 minutes of emergency lighting at a full charge, and lettering on exit signs should be at least six inches tall and have a thickness of at least .75 inches. All of the ICL emergency exit signs and lights are UL 924 listed.
For more of the lighting regulations and requirements, read our blog, Emergency Lighting Requirements: NFPA 101, UL 924, and More.
How Many Emergency Lights Should I Use?
The number of emergency lights that should be used will depend on the size of the building and the number of exits. Exit signs should be installed above all exit doors. Also consider the layout of your space. You will need fewer emergency lights in a space with a more open layout, compared to a space with various hallways, corridors, rooms, and exits, which will require significantly more emergency lights.
Should I Use Green or Red Letters?
Red and Green are both accepted by the NFPA and OSHA; however, different cities and states have legislation on the colors that can be used on exit signs. For example, New York City requires red letters, Chicago requires red letters, and Los Angeles requires green letters. Check local code before purchasing either. It is recommended that buildings are consistent throughout, either using all red or all green lights, and not mixing.
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What Do I Need to Know for Emergency Light and Exit Sign Installation?
Our lights come with the necessary mounting brackets and installation hardware. Emergency lights and exit signs should be installed by a certified electrician and in accordance with all local, state, and national electrical and building codes. Ensure lights are installed in all areas required by the NFPA.
