Exit signs & Emergency light testing

Emergency Lights and Exit Signs:

Signs that are internally lighted operate in much the same way. Because they stay on all the time, many of them have two sets of bulbs. One set, that is normally on, operates on 110 volt building power. The second set, which comes on only when there is a power failure, are low voltage bulbs that operate on the battery only. Therefore, an exit sign that appears to be working normally may not work at all during a power failure. The low voltage bulbs may have burned out.

In some larger buildings, emergency power to exit signs and emergency light fixtures is provided by an emergency generator. Testing of emergency lighting in these facilities is normally done at the same time that the generator is tested and is usually done by either an electrical contractor, or by full time building maintenance staff.

What type of testing does the fire code require?

Fire code requires that emergency lights or lighted exit signs be inspected and tested at least once a month. A test must include thirty-seconds of continuous illumination of the lights.

An annual test is also required, with the lights being operated on emergency power for the full minimum of ninety (90) minutes. Written records documenting the testing must be maintained and available for review by the Fire Marshal or your insurance company.

How do I test them?

Exit signs or emergency lights have a small “push to test” button somewhere on the casing. You can push and hold this button for thirty seconds to test the bulbs and battery. This works ok if you have a small number of devices that can be easily reached. The lights should come on and remain at the same brightness level for the full thirty seconds. If the lights dim right away, or some of the bulbs don’t work, then you should contact us to replace the bulbs or batteries.

You should also check to see if the sign is properly lighted when in normal power mode. For a large number of devices, there is a second option that may work better. Locate the circuit breaker or fuse that supplies power to the emergency lights or exit signs. The circuit breaker should be turned off, and the lights observed to determine if they work for the 90-minute (annual) or thirty-second (monthly) testing period.

Why do I need to test the lights for thirty seconds?

Defective batteries will maintain just enough charge to fully light up the bulbs for a few seconds, but they will quickly lose power. If you don’t test for a full thirty seconds you may find that the lights work each month, only to find that they go out in just a few seconds when you really need them. By testing the lights for at least thirty seconds you can make sure the batteries don’t just have a “low charge”.