Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to many common question about Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs. If you're still stuck, Call or Live Chat with our Customer Service Experts.

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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. (2030 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?

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?

One common feature of all exit signs and emergency lights is that they require some method of illumination. These illumination types include low energy consumption LED, Incandescent, Halogen and more. When browsing our emergency light fixtures, look for the "Info Icon" which will display what method of Illumination that unit uses. To learn more about the different types of Illumination, visit our "Types of Illumination Resource Guide".

What are the Different Types of Emergency Lighting? — LRG ELECTRICAL

Maintained and Non-Maintained Lights

Emergency lighting comes under two categories, either maintained or non-maintained. These categories determine when an emergency light will be turned on.

It is important to consider the benefits of both options when deciding which to choose for a building.

A maintained emergency light gives you more flexibility. They can be programmed to come on before and during a power cut. Maintained emergency lights are used to avoid total darkness and are typically used in the like of cinemas or theatres.

Unmaintained emergency lights are not as flexible. They only become active when a power cut is detected. The only power source of an unmaintained light is its battery which is charged by the mains.

However, unmaintained emergency lights are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly so tend to be the most popular option.

They do, however, require a constant flow of electricity to keep charged. This function must be weighed against the safety of the building occupants. Unmaintained lights will only show the emergency exits in an emergency and come on to show occupants of the building where the exits are.

LED and Standard Bulkheads

The other major difference amongst emergency lights is how they operate. Traditional standard bulkheads operate like a normal lightbulb, while LED lights use more modern technology.

Many emergency lights are still standard bulkheads. Although the technology is outdated, they still play an effective role in making buildings safe.

The age of their technology makes standard bulkheads very cheap. Moreover, they are easy to maintain. Regular testing and cleaning will suffice to keep these lights running at their best.

Standard bulkheads are far from perfect though. They are inefficient and therefore can be expensive to run. They can also contain harmful chemicals and are hard to dispose of environmentally.

They also have bulbs that must be replaced periodically. To avoid emergency light failure as soon as a bulb appears to be weakening it should be replaced immediately.

LEDs are a more environmentally conscious solution for emergency lighting needs. They are highly efficient and do not contain toxic chemicals such as mercury.

You don’t have to worry about charging the bulbs in LED emergency lights either. Most LED lights will last between 10,000 and 50,000 hours.

The benefits of LED lighting saves building managers thousands of pounds a year in electricity bills. They also have much longer lifespans and need to be replaced less often.

LEDs also provide instantaneous light. A normal bulb will take a while to warm up, but an LED light will instantly reach its maximum brightness. This characteristic is important in an emergency as people in danger will not have to wait for emergency lighting to take effect.

LED technology is becoming increasingly common. They are much easier to source than standard bulkheads. They have also stopped being drastically more expensive. A typical emergency exit light costs around £30-50 depending on the quality and brightness of the emergency light.

What emergency lighting should my building get?

There is no single solution to choosing emergency lighting that is 100% correct. Many factors must be weighed up.

Of course, from a safety and environmental perspective, a maintained LED emergency light is the best option for most buildings. They are slightly more expensive at startup and are on at all times so use is using power.

Replacing standard bulkheads with LEDs is not possible for all buildings. Therefore, the solution that provides the most safety for the building’s occupants should be your priority when deciding which emergency lighting to install.

Emergency & Exit Lighting Services in South Florida

Emergency & Exit Lighting Services in South Florida

Emergency and exit lighting is a critical component of a building’s life safety protection system. During an emergency, a properly maintained and operating lighting system helps illuminate the paths to nearby exits, including corridors, stairwells, ramps, and escalators so that occupants can exit the building safely. To achieve this, the lighting must be well-positioned to guide people out of harm’s way. Exit lighting aids occupants by indicating the way to a safe exit.

LSM works with you to design and maintain emergency and exit lighting systems that will safely guide occupants to an exit when needed. Our priority as always is life safety; when you work with LSM, you can Relax — we’ve got you covered.

To schedule emergency oand exit lighting installation or inspection in South Florida, call us at (800) 330-1158 or contact us online today.

Types of Emergency & Exit Lighting

There are different types of emergency lights that vary by activation style and power source. Which style best suits your situation will depend on how the facility’s exit paths have been designed.

Maintained emergency lights operate under normal power conditions and can double as everyday general lighting.

emergency lights operate under normal power conditions and can double as everyday general lighting. Non-maintained lights are activated only when the a/c power goes out. These type of lights have batteries that serve as the backup power source.

lights are activated only when the a/c power goes out. These type of lights have batteries that serve as the backup power source. Sustained emergency lights use one set of normal lights and one set of battery-operated lights that only activate in an emergency.

Emergency and exit lighting also has two different styles of battery systems:

Self-contained battery systems have an individual battery for every lamp fixture. This allows for easy installation and expansion, but also mean that every lamp fixture must be tested on a regular basis, at least every 12 months.

have an individual battery for every lamp fixture. This allows for easy installation and expansion, but also mean that every lamp fixture must be tested on a regular basis, at least every 12 months. Centralize battery systems use a central battery to power every light. These systems are more expensive to install and require space to house the charging equipment for the battery, but are easy to maintain.

LSM has been installing and inspecting emergency lighting throughout South Florida for more than three decades. You can count on the LSM’s specialists to perform the required code-compliant annual inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of your emergency lighting systems.

Emergency & Exit Lighting Installation in South Florida

If you need emergency lighting installation or replacement, LSM can design and install a professional-grade system that will keep you and your occupants safe for years to come. LSM is your single-source provider for a full range of life safety and security services that are necessary to keep you and your business safe. Whether you need assistance with managing a property, a new construction project, or buildout of an existing premise, LSM’s product and service options allow you the flexibility to choose what is right for your company’s needs. Relax — we’ve got you covered.

LifeSafety Management’s team boasts a combined 125 years of experience in the fire protection business. We take every step necessary to ensure your work environment is safe, secure, and code-compliant so you can concentrate on what matters most to you: growing your business.

To learn more about our emergency and exit lighting & fire protection services from Port St. Lucie to Key West, contact us online or call us at (800) 330-1158 today!

We provide services in: West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Belle Glade, The Acreage, Greenacres, Wellington, Jupiter, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Plantation, Weston, Coconut Creek, Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Davie, Coral Springs, Hallandale, Hollywood, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Miami, Hialeah, Homestead and others.