Exit and Emergency Lights: Ensuring Compliance and Safety with Battery Backup Systems

Exit and Emergency Lights: Ensuring Compliance and Safety with Battery Backup Systems

In the event of a power failure, emergency backup lights and exit signs play a critical role in guiding occupants to safety. Commercial and public buildings are required by law to have illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting with battery backup systems to ensure safe evacuation. Proper installation and maintenance of these systems can mean the difference between order and chaos during an emergency.

In this blog, we will explore different types of exit and emergency lights, battery backup options, legal requirements, and best practices for installation and upkeep.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Emergency Backup Lights and Exit Signs
2. Types of Emergency Exit Lights With Battery Backup
3. Regulations and Compliance Standards
4. Battery Backup Options for Emergency Lights
5. Installation Best Practices
6. Ensuring Safety with Reliable Emergency Lighting

Understanding Emergency Backup Lights and Exit Signs

Emergency backup lights and exit signs are designed to illuminate pathways and exits in the event of a power outage. These lights are crucial in preventing panic and ensuring an orderly evacuation. Many jurisdictions have strict requirements for the placement and functionality of these lights, making compliance essential for building owners.

Types of Emergency Exit Lights With Battery Backup

There are several types of emergency exit lights equipped with battery backup, including:

• Standard Lighted Exit Signs: These signs remain lit under normal power and switch to battery power when electricity fails.
• Combination Exit and Emergency Lights: These units provide both an illuminated exit sign and emergency lighting to brighten pathways.
• Self-Luminous Exit Signs: Using photoluminescent or tritium technology, these signs don’t require electrical power but are still compliant with safety standards.
• LED Exit Signs: Energy-efficient and long-lasting, LED exit signs consume minimal power and are a preferred option for many businesses.

Regulations and Compliance Standards

Emergency lighting and exit signs must comply with various regulations, including:

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for workplace safety.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 – Life Safety Code, which mandates emergency lighting requirements in different types of buildings.
• International Building Code (IBC), which governs exit sign placements and visibility.
• Local fire codes, which often include additional specifications for emergency lighting compliance.

Battery Backup Options for Emergency Lights

Battery backup ensures that emergency lights function even when the primary power supply fails. The most common types of battery backup include:

• Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) Batteries: Reliable and cost-effective, but require regular maintenance.
• Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries: Longer lifespan and low maintenance but slightly more expensive.
• Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries: Lightweight, energy-efficient, and have a high energy density, making them a preferred choice for modern emergency lighting.

Installation Best Practices

To ensure compliance and effectiveness, emergency lighting should be installed following these best practices:

• Strategic Placement: Install lighted exit lights with battery backup above doorways and along exit routes to ensure visibility.
• Unobstructed View: Avoid placing objects that could block visibility.
• Proper Wiring: Use dedicated circuits and follow manufacturer guidelines for installation.
• Backup Power Testing: Ensure that battery backups engage instantly when power is lost.

Ensuring Safety with Reliable Emergency Lighting

Properly installed and well-maintained emergency exit lights with battery backup are crucial for safety and regulatory compliance. Whether you are upgrading existing emergency lighting or installing new systems, selecting the right products and adhering to maintenance protocols will keep your building prepared for power outages.

Also, AHA Lighting provides a wide range of high-quality plug-in emergency lights with battery backup to meet your safety needs. Contact us today to explore our solutions and ensure your building remains compliant and protected.