How Should Emergency Lights Be Installed?

Proper installation of emergency lighting ensures safety during power outages or emergencies. You should follow guidelines from authoritative sources like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is key to achieving effective emergency lighting.

General Installation Principles

  • Visibility and Accessibility: Install emergency lights where they are easily visible and accessible to occupants. This ensures they can be quickly located during an emergency.
  • Unobstructed Placement: Position lights in areas where they won’t be blocked by objects. This allows them to provide clear illumination.
  • Stability: Securely mount emergency lights to prevent movement or dislodging. It ensures they function properly when needed.

Compliance with Standards

NFPA Requirements

NFPA 101® requires emergency lighting in designated areas such as stairs, aisles, corridors, and passageways leading to exits in buildings like assembly, educational, hotels, mercantile, and business. Emergency lighting must operate for at least 90 minutes during power loss or other disruptions to ensure safe egress.

There are two main methods for emergency lighting: using an emergency generator with an automatic transfer switch, or separate emergency lighting units with battery backup. Regular inspections, testing, and maintenance (ITM) are necessary for both methods to ensure batteries hold a charge and lights function correctly for the required duration.

Three testing methods include:

  1. Manual Testing: Monthly 30-second tests and an annual 90-minute test.
  2. Self-Test: Units test themselves, but a 30-day inspection is still needed.
  3. Computer-Based: Issues are automatically logged, eliminating monthly inspections.

NFPA 101 also mandates illuminated exit signage for exits not obvious to occupants. These signs must be tested for emergency power functionality during emergency lighting tests.

Facility managers should ensure that all emergency lighting and exit signs are up to date and have undergone the necessary inspections, testing, and documentation before reopening.

The image illustrates the proper installation of emergency lighting along a commercial building's escape route, showcasing compliance with safety standards and strategic light placement above exits and along corridors to guide occupants in emergencies.

OSHA Regulations

While OSHA doesn’t specify emergency lighting, exit signs must be illuminated by a reliable light source to a surface value of at least five-foot candles (54 lux).

Compliance with Standards

Strategic placement of emergency lights ensures the effective operation of your emergency lighting system. Here are some ideal locations to consider, which will help you feel reassured and prepared for any emergency situation:

  • Above Exits: Install emergency lights above all exits to ensure visibility from any vantage point along the exit route.
  • Exit Routes: Place emergency lights along corridors, stairwells, and ramps to guide occupants toward exits.
  • Direction Changes: Install lights where exit routes change direction, such as corners or intersections.
  • Near Emergency Equipment: Place lights near fire extinguishers and first aid kits for quick access.
  • Public Areas: Install lighting in hallways, lobbies, and large spaces like auditoriums to ensure adequate illumination.
  • Critical Facilities: To maintain operations during emergencies and ensure emergency lighting in fire control, pump, and electrical rooms.
  • Outdoor Pathways: Light outdoor pathways leading to exits to guide occupants safely.
  • Elevators & Stair Landings: Install lighting near elevators and stair landings in multi-story buildings.
  • Kitchens & Cafeterias: Ensure lighting in kitchens and cafeterias for safe evacuation.
  • Storage Areas & Server Rooms: Lightning should be provided in storage rooms and server/data centers to ensure safe evacuation.

Contact Ewing Electric.Co for Professional Lighting Installation

Our Charlotte, NC, team is fully qualified to handle comprehensive lighting installation services. We ensure your emergency light installation complies with all relevant codes, including NFPA and local building codes. Our electricians will safely manage electrical connections and wiring while ensuring proper light placement along escape routes and in critical areas for adequate illumination, providing you with a secure and reliable emergency lighting system.

Call (704) 804-3320 to book an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on the type and usage, you should replace emergency light batteries every 3 to 5 years. 

Emergency lights can be used in outdoor environments. Choose purpose-rated, weatherproof fixtures, such as wall packs, floodlights, and pathway lights, to ensure they withstand harsh conditions and provide adequate illumination.

There are specific color requirements for emergency lights. Forward-facing red lights are commonly found on emergency vehicles such as fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars, signaling their presence and urgency. However, law enforcement primarily uses blue lights to distinguish their cars from others, ensuring clear identification and priority during emergencies.

As required by NFPA 72, emergency lights, specifically strobes, must be synchronized within the same notification zone to avoid disorienting effects and potential triggers for photosensitive epilepsy. However, they do not need to be synchronized with fire alarm audible signals across different zones.

LED lights can be used as a substitute for traditional emergency lights. They are energy-efficient, last longer, provide high brightness, and are more durable, making them a reliable and safe option for emergency lighting.