What they are: Emergency and exit lights are designed to guide people safely out of a building during blackouts, fires, or emergencies.
How they work:
- Normally powered by your building’s AC electrical system.
- Equipped with a backup battery that automatically kicks in during an outage.
- Required to illuminate exits and paths of egress for at least 90 minutes during a power failure.
Testing & maintenance:
- NFPA and Florida fire codes require regular testing to make sure units work.
- Each light has a test button — when pressed, the fixture should switch to battery mode.
- Batteries typically last 3–5 years and should be replaced proactively.
Placement:
- Must clearly mark all exits and illuminate pathways.
- Should be positioned so that no point in the exit path is more than 100 feet from an illuminated sign.
Who needs them:
- Required in almost all commercial buildings, including offices, restaurants, retail, churches, schools, and apartments.
- Even small businesses must comply to stay up to code.