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Get the ResourceProtecting People and Property When the Power goes out.
Emergency and exit lighting systems provide critical illumination during power outages or emergencies, helping guide occupants to safety. These systems, consisting of illuminated exit signs and emergency lights are required by NFPA 101: Life Safety Code and local building codes in nearly all commercial and public structures.
NFPA 101: What the Life Safety Code Requires
The National Fire Protection Association created standards that ensure exit lights are reliable and effective. Emergency lighting must turn on automatically during a power failure and stay on for at least 90 minutes. The lights should be bright enough to show clear exit paths without dark spots.
System Components
Exit Signs
Clearly mark designated exit routes. These signs are typically illuminated and powered by batter or generator.
Emergency Lights
Provide lighting in hallways, stairwells, and other egress areas to ensure visibility during power loss.
Battery Backup Units
Deliver power to signage and lighting systems when the normal electrical supply fails.
Test Switches
Allow for regular testing of the lighting and battery system to confirm proper function.
NFPA Testing Requirements
A common mistake building managers make is assuming emergency and exit lights are fully operational simply because the bulbs are on. In truth, it’s the battery backup system—not the bulb—that ensures these lights function during a power outage. And that component requires regular, code-mandated testing to stay compliant and reliable.
Monthly – 30-Second Functional Test: Each month, a quick “push-to-test” inspection is required. Press and hold the test switch for at least 30 seconds to confirm the lights illuminate using battery power. This brief check ensures the system can respond in the event of an outage.
Annually – 90-Minute Full Duration Test: Once per year, a more comprehensive test must be performed. The lights must operate for a full 90 minutes on battery power—verifying the backup system can sustain illumination for the entire duration of an emergency evacuation. This test is crucial and often overlooked, but it’s the best way to ensure compliance and, more importantly, the safety of everyone in your building.
A: Not always. Emergency lights are required along designated egress routes, stairwells, and any space necessary for occupant evacuation in accordance with NFPA and local code.
A: Per NFPA 101, emergency lighting must remain illuminated for at least 90 minutes.
A: Yes. Even if the LEDs themselves are intact, battery or circuit board failures can prevent proper operation.
A: Replacing an existing fixture in the same location may not require a licensed electrician, especially for plug-in or battery-operated models. However, new installations or electrical wiring work must be performed by a licensened electrician to ensure compliance and safety.
A: Many buildings fail safety inspections due to a few common issues:
- Weak batteries
Backup batteries can lose charge over time and may not last 90 minutes. - Dim or uneven lighting
Lights that flicker or cast shadows can make exit paths unsafe. - Blocked signs
Exit routes covered by storage or decorations can be hard to find. - Missed testing
Skipping required monthly or yearly tests increases the risk of failure.
Protecting What Matters Most
Your fire alarm and sprinkler systems are designed to detect and control a fire. But your emergency and exit lighting systems serve another vital purpose — guiding people to safety when every second counts.
These aren’t just fixtures on a wall. They’re critical life safety systems that play a key role in protecting lives and fulfilling our shared mission: providing peace of mind through the safety and security of every building occupant.
If you need to verify compliance, schedule testing, or upgrade aging fixtures, our team is here to help.
Schedule your next emergency lighting inspection, test, or service with State Systems.
We’ll make sure your exit signs, emergency lights, and the people who rely on them, are ready when it matters most.
