Emergency Lighting & Exit Signs Decoded
Understanding the lights & life safety systems that guide you when everything else goes dark.
When the power goes out and panic starts to rise, emergency and exit lighting systems silently go to work illuminating paths of egress and guiding occupants to safety. While they may not grab attention like sprinklers or alarms, these systems are critical to safe evacuation.
The emergency lighting requirements for commercial and multi-family buildings throughout Colorado are not just suggestions; they’re mandatory.
In this edition of Fire & Life Safety Decoded, we’re shining a light on the life safety systems that help light your way to safety.
What Are Emergency & Exit Lighting Systems?
Exit Signs – Mark designated escape routes. Typically illuminated and battery-backed to remain lit during outages.
Emergency Lights – Illuminate stairwells, corridors, and other egress paths when the main power fails.
Battery Backup Units – Keep the lights on when everything else goes dark.
Test Switches – Allow for easy, code-compliant function checks.
Together, they help ensure that no one is left in the dark when it matters most.
Why They Matter -
🗓️ Your Compliance Calendar: NFPA 101 Testing Requirements
A common misstep for building managers is assuming these lights work just because the bulb is on. In reality, the battery backup is the component that requires regular, mandated emergency lighting testing.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code, which governs exit sign requirements and egress lighting, outlines two primary testing frequencies:
Monthly – 30-Second Functional Test: This is a simple “push-to-test” check. You must (or have your provider) depress the test switch for at least 30 seconds to verify that the lights activate and run on their battery backup. This quick check confirms the system is functional.
Annually – 90-Minute Full Duration Test: This is the big one and the one most often missed. Once per year, the system must be tested for its full-rated duration…which is at least 90 minutes. This comprehensive test is the only way to ensure the batteries have enough capacity to last for the entire duration of a potential evacuation.
*** This information is provided as a general resource to assist property managers, building engineers, and facility management professionals in understanding fire and life safety best practices. It is not intended to serve as a comprehensive or exhaustive list of fire protection requirements.
FAQs from the Field: What Colorado Managers Ask Most
As a partner to property and facility managers across Colorado, we hear the same questions often. Here are the answers.
A: Not necessarily. They are required in designated egress routes, stairwells, and any space necessary for occupant evacuation, per NFPA 101 and local code.
A: This is a common issue. Even if the LED diodes are intact, the fixture can fail. It's almost always a problem with the internal circuit board or, most commonly, the battery backup itself.
A: For at least 90 minutes. This is the NFPA 101 emergency lighting standard, which is why the annual test must be a full 90-minute duration test.
A: Yes. Circuit board issues or battery failure can cause LEDs to stop functioning properly even if the diodes are intact.
A: It depends. If a fixture is being replaced in the exact same location with existing wiring (especially a simple plug-in or battery model), it may not require a licensed electrician. However, any new installation or work that involves running new wiring or modifying electrical circuits must be performed by a licensed electrician to meet code and ensure safety.
Bottom Line: Protect What Matters & Stay Compliant
Your fire alarm and sprinkler systems are designed to detect and control a fire. Your emergency and exit lighting systems are designed to protect what matters most: the lives of your occupants.
Treating this as a critical life safety system, and not just another fixture on the wall, is key to fulfilling our shared mission: providing peace of mind by ensuring the safety and security of both occupants and assets.
Need help verifying your emergency lighting compliance? Want a quick inspection or help upgrading your fixtures? We’re here to make it simple.
We’ll help ensure your emergency lights & exit signage — and your team — are ready. Because it matters.
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