Light Level Requirements for Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting must provide adequate illumination to ensure safe evacuation during power outages or emergencies. The most common standard across the U.S. is that emergency lighting must provide an average of at least 1 foot-candle (10.8 lux) of illumination at the floor level along the path of egress. Additionally, the minimum light level at any point should not fall below 0.1 foot-candle (1.08 lux). This level of illumination must be maintained for at least 90 minutes during an emergency, as specified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101: Life Safety Code.

When and Where Emergency Sign Lighting is Required

Exit signs are required in all commercial buildings to clearly mark the routes to the nearest exits. According to NFPA 101, exit signs must be placed so that no point in the exit access is more than 100 feet (30 meters) from the nearest visible exit sign. In some cases, additional exit signs may be necessary to ensure that the path of egress is always illuminated and clearly marked.

Exit signs should be illuminated at all times and must be visible in both normal and emergency conditions. This is typically achieved through internal or external lighting that is connected to both the building’s main power supply and a backup power source, such as a battery or generator. For more details on compliant exit signs, explore our Exit Signs page.

Additional Egress Lighting Standards

In addition to emergency lighting and exit signs, there are other egress lighting requirements that commercial buildings must meet:

• Illumination of Egress Paths: The entire path of egress, including corridors, stairwells, and ramps, must be illuminated to ensure safe evacuation. This includes areas outside the building, such as exterior stairs or ramps leading to public ways.

• Automatic Activation: Emergency lighting systems must activate automatically in the event of a power failure. This ensures that there is no delay in illumination during an emergency.

• Regular Testing and Maintenance: Emergency lighting systems must be regularly tested and maintained to ensure functionality. This includes conducting a monthly 30-second test and an annual 90-minute test to verify the backup power source's reliability.

For a range of compliant emergency lighting products, visit our Emergency Lights section.

Compliance and Safety

Compliance with these lighting standards is essential for ensuring the safety of building occupants. Failure to meet these requirements can result in legal penalties and, more importantly, put lives at risk. To find suitable solutions that meet these life safety requirements, explore our comprehensive range of Exit and Emergency Lighting products.