How long should emergency lights stay on?

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Top Asked Questions

How often should I test my Emergency Lights and Exit Signs?

You are required by law to test your exit and emergency lighting regularly. According to NFPA 101 Life Safety Codes, Emergency Lighting Units should be tested monthly for 30 seconds, and annually for 90 minutes. In addition to ensuring that the units function correctly, these also contribute to the maintenance of the battery. Please visit our "Maintenance Resource Guide" for more information on how to test and maintain your Emergency and Exit Signs.

Are there 'Battery-Powered' Exit Signs?

There is no such thing as a 'Battery-Powered' Exit Sign that meets the codes set out in NFPA 101. Battery Backup Exit Signs contain an internal battery that provides power to the Exit Sign when the electricity goes out. These Battery Backup Exit Signs have to be hard-wired to your building's electricity in order for the battery to work on Emergency Mode. We have a variety of Battery Backup Exit Signs which will illuminate the Exit Sign for around 90 minutes in the event of power failure.

Do batteries recharge after power returns to an Exit/Emergency light?

Yes. Once the electricity has returned to the building, the depleted battery will automatically begin recharging. Unfortunately, these batteries don't last forever. Rechargeable batteries will lose their ability to fully recharge after some time. It may be necessary to purchase a new replacement battery to keep your Exit Sign or Emergency Light in compliance with Code Requirements for 90 minute battery operation.

How do I install Exit Signs and Emergency Lights?

DISCLAIMER: The Exit Light Company recommends a Licensed Electrician install Egress Lighting. Do not attempt unless you are qualified. Neglecting this disclaimer may void the product warranty and cause serious injury or death. The Exit Light Company will not be held responsible for injury or death due to faulty installation.

"Exit Sign Installation Guide"

How do I test Emergency Lights and Exit Signs?

For non self-testing units, look for a small "Push to Test" button that cuts power to the unit, sending it into emergency mode. For your required monthly test, push and hold this button for thirty seconds to test the bulbs and battery. If the light or sign illuminates when holding the test button and maintains a consistent brightness for the full thirty seconds, your unit has passed the test. If the lights dim or don't turn on, you will need to contact an electrician to troubleshoot.

Questions about Emergency Lighting

Do I need Emergency Lighting?

The law requires adequate and reliable illumination for all exits and paths of egress. A number of established codes from OSHA, NFPA and others govern the installation, inspection and testing of exit egress lights. Additionally, some individual jurisdictions have their own unique codes. Consult with your cities' Fire Marshall or Inspector to confirm the correct configuration and requirements of Exit Lighting.

How long does an Emergency Light stay on for?

When the electricity goes out and the Emergency Mode begins, an emergency light must operate for a minimum of 90 minutes according to NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.

What is the difference between damp and wet location emergency lighting?

A damp location is an exterior or interior location that is normally or periodically exposed to condensation of moisture or humidity near electrical equipment. A wet location is defined as an area in which water or other liquids can drip, splash or otherwise come into direct contact with electrical equipment.

Can I wire an emergency light/exit sign to a cord and plug so that it can be plugged into a wall outlet?

Modification of any exit or emergency lights sold by The Exit Light Co., Inc. done by anyone other than The Exit Light Co., Inc. voids the warranty provided for said product. Code allows for a cord to be added but limits it's length to less than 36". We can add a cord to many products, just ask. View our selection of Corded Exit Signs and Corded Emergency Lights and select the 3' Cord option.

Questions about Exit Signs

What color Exit Sign do I need?

In the United States, Exit Signs can have either red or green lettering, but in most cases red is the safer bet. Many states and cities have enacted their own building codes specifying the color sign required. For example, in New York & Chicago, Exit Signs must have red letters. Many states allow either Red or Green lettering Exit Signs, but have a recommended color. Consult your cities' Fire Marshall or inspector to help determine the right exit sign for you.

Do exit signs have to be lit?

NFPA specifies the requirements for illumination of exit signs. This set of codes requires that all exit signs should be suitably illuminated via a reliable source of light. They must also put out at least an average of 1 foot-candle and never less than .1 foot-candle. In case of power outage, they must remain lit for a minimum of 90 minutes.

What is the letter height requirement for exit signs?

NFPA 7.10.6.1.1 states that Exit Sign lettering should be no less than 6" tall, although certain jurisdictions like New York City require the lettering height to be 8" tall.

How high can an exit sign be mounted?

According to NFPA 101 Life Safety Code: The bottom of new egress markings shall be located at a vertical distance of not more than 6ft 8 in. ( mm) above the top edge of the egress opening intended for designation by that marking. - 7.10.1.9

What are the requirements for an Emergency Exit?

Code is pretty specific in requirements which can be viewed at our NFPA 101 Life Safety Code Page.

How do Power Free Exit Signs work?

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Power-free or 'wireless' Exit Signs do not need to be hard-wired to a building's electricity. Instead they receive their illumination from other energy sources. Photoluminescent Exit Signs, for example, are illuminated via the action of photoluminescence. Energy in the form of light is absorbed by the special coating and stored in much the same way as a 'glow-in-the-dark' toy. This stored energy is then re-emitted as light, making the light "glow". Visit our "Photoluminescent Exit Signs Resource Guide" for more information.

Tritium Exit Signs use tubes filled with tritium gas that stay illuminated for either 10 or 20 years, depending on the model chosen. These require no maintenance, power, or charging but still emit enough light to meet code. Tritium is used in many applications such as watch dials and optical sights. Visit our "Tritium Exit Sign Resource Guide" for more information.

Why is so much information required to purchase a Tritium Exit Sign?

Self-luminous Tritium Exit Signs are required by law to be registered with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC). Before an order can be processed for shipment, there is necessary information that needs to be collected on the End User (where the tritium exit signs will actually be installed). Learn more about Tritium Signs and their requirements at our "Tritium Exit Sign Resource Guide".

Can buying a new Exit Sign or Emergency Light save money on my energy bill?

Possibly. If you have an older unit, newer technologies (LED vs incandescent) usually require less watt consumption, helping to keep your energy bill lower. You may want to consider Power-Free Exit Signs like Tritium or Photoluminescent, or replacing the old lamps in your Emergency Light Fixture with LED lamps. For more Energy Saving Tips, visit our "Energy Saving Tips Resource Guide".

How do I know your products will work in the case of an emergency?

By law, all our Exit Signs and Emergency Lighting have been tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). This certifies the product has been tested to meet or exceed all necessary standards set out by code. Learn more about these Certifications in our "NRTL Certifications Resource Guide"

What are the different types of Emergency lighting?

As a business owner or site manager, you'll no doubt be familiar with the importance of emergency lighting. But what's unclear for some is just how long emergency lights should stay on.

In this post, we'll provide the all-important answers when it comes to emergency situations and testing.

Why is emergency lighting important?

While most people understand that emergency lighting is essential in emergencies, many don't know the specifics. Emergency lighting is designed to provide effective illumination in situations where the primary lighting fails. This helps to evacuate safely, prevents panic and enables emergency services to navigate the building.

The lighting can be subdivided into emergency escape lighting and standby lighting. Emergency escape lighting specifically guides people towards exits and is essential for protecting lives, while standby lighting can allow work or other activities to continue safely.

In the UK, emergency lighting is mandated by several regulations, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order , which makes it a legal requirement for most businesses and public buildings. The guidance in BS helps ensure compliance with these regulations, providing detailed standards to keep everyone safe.

How long should emergency lights stay on in an emergency?

If you're asking: 'how long should emergency lights stay on?', the first thing to consider is why your emergency lights need to stay on ' namely, an emergency.

There might be a local power cut where mains lighting is out of use. A leak could automatically trigger a shutdown in your electrical system. Or a fire could burn through your cables. In these scenarios, emergency lights need to illuminate an exit route for anyone in the building, as well as signposting that route with visible, well-lit signals.

After the initial evacuation, emergency services may need to enter your building ' in the case of a fire, for example. As a result, emergency lighting is typically required for longer than the evacuation time alone. Considering all of the above, emergency lighting should stay on for at least three hours without any mains power.

Different types of emergency lighting systems

There are different types of emergency lighting systems designed to fulfil various needs during an emergency. Each type plays a specific role and contributes to a comprehensive safety solution.

Escape route lighting

This guides occupants towards exits. Installed in corridors, staircases and near exit doors, it helps people navigate the building even in low visibility.

Standby lighting

Unlike emergency escape lighting, standby lighting enables normal activities to continue if there's a power outage. It's typically required in areas where work needs to be completed safely, even in a blackout.

Open area lighting (or anti-panic lighting)

This reduces panic in large open spaces, such as a warehouse or factory floor, and provides sufficient illumination for occupants to locate escape routes.

High-risk task area lighting

Found in places like laboratories or workshops, this lighting ensures visibility for safely shutting down processes or handling hazardous materials in an emergency.

Each type of lighting has its own duration requirements and maintenance needs, all of which contribute to a safer environment in an emergency.

What about for a test?

The other situation where emergency lights need to stay on is for a test. Emergency lighting should be thoroughly inspected in line with BS at least once every year. That includes a full duration test to check that emergency lights can stay on as long as they would be required for an emergency.

As above, that means your emergency lights will need to stay on and be fully functional for three hours. During that time, a qualified and competent electrician will be able to inspect every component of your emergency lighting system, identify any issues, and provide or recommend the necessary repairs to keep it in full working order.

Emergency light testing requirements for compliance

Beyond the annual full-duration test, there are other checks that should be performed periodically to maintain compliance. According to BS , you should carry out monthly functional tests, which involve briefly switching on the emergency lights to check each unit works correctly. These tests should be kept brief to avoid draining batteries and causing potential system failures.

It's also recommended to conduct a six-monthly partial duration test to further validate system readiness. This entails a test for a shorter duration than the full three-hour standard but still long enough to detect potential issues. Keeping a logbook with detailed records of all tests, issues found and repairs completed is also essential for meeting safety regulations.

Making sure your emergency lights stay on long enough

By their very nature, emergency lights are only triggered when there is a problem with your mains power supply. In other words, they only come on when they're needed. So how can you make sure your emergency lights are ready and prepared to stay on long enough when called upon?

The answer is with regular testing. As outlined above, an annual test is recommended as the best way to keep emergency lighting in full working order for complete peace of mind. In environments prone to power outages, leaks or fires, more frequent testing may also be required to keep everyone on the premises protected.

Updating and upgrading your emergency lighting

Emergency lighting technology continues to develop, with newer and more energy-efficient systems now available on the market. Modern LED emergency lights, for example, offer longer lifespans and lower maintenance requirements compared to traditional options. In recent years, wireless and self-testing emergency lighting systems have also become popular, allowing businesses to monitor lighting performance and battery health remotely.

Businesses should regularly assess their emergency lighting needs and consult with professionals like Volta Compliance to explore the latest solutions. Upgrading to a more efficient system can improve energy savings, reduce maintenance costs and enhance overall safety, providing a significant return on investment in the long run.

Professional emergency light testing

The proud, accredited workforce at Volta Compliance is committed to providing a safe environment for businesses throughout Leeds and the surrounding areas. That includes professional emergency lighting testing to ensure your emergency routes and exit points are clearly illuminated when needed.

Choose Volta Compliance for emergency light testing to keep your business safe. We are trained to conduct all tests in compliance with BS , meaning you can rest assured we're following legal safety standards. We'll identify any hidden issues that might not be obvious, such as battery depletion, to guarantee your emergency lights stay on should the worst ever happen.