Your emergency lighting system includes emergency lights and exit signs that guide people to
safety in the event of a fire or power outage. The National Fire Code (NFC) is the standard that sets guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems. In this article, we will discuss emergency lighting, the requirements of the NFC, how emergency lighting is designed, and the importance of regular maintenance.
Emergency lighting plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of occupants during emergencies.
When a power outage occurs, emergency lights provide illumination, allowing people to navigate and evacuate safely. They are especially important in large buildings, such as offices, schools, hospitals, and shopping centers, where a sudden loss of power can create panic and confusion.
In emergency situations, visibility is often limited due to smoke, darkness, or unfamiliar surroundings. Emergency lighting helps to minimize these challenges by providing a reliable source of light. It ensures that emergency exits, stairwells, hallways, and other escape routes are well-lit, enabling people to find their way out quickly and efficiently.
Moreover, emergency lighting also assists emergency responders, such as firefighters and rescue teams, in carrying out their duties effectively by helping them navigate through the building.
By understanding the importance of emergency lighting, building owners and managers can prioritize the design and installation of an effective system that meets national fire code requirements.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets the standards for emergency lighting systems through its NFPA 101: Life Safety Code. This code provides guidelines for various aspects of emergency lighting, including signage, illumination levels, testing requirements, and duration of operation.
According to the NFC, emergency lighting systems must be designed to provide a minimum of
90 minutes of light in the event of a power outage. This means that the emergency lights and exit signs must be able to function independently of the main power supply for at least 90 minutes.
To comply with national fire code requirements, building owners and managers should consult
a professional to make a thorough assessment of their facility's emergency lighting needs.
This assessment involves identifying the areas that require emergency lighting, determining the
appropriate illumination levels for each area, and selecting the suitable emergency lighting fixtures.
The proper placement of emergency lights is crucial to maximize their effectiveness during emergencies and to comply with fire codes. The placement should be carefully planned to ensure adequate coverage and visibility in the building so that people can easily find their way to safety.
Emergency lights should be placed near exits, stairwells, elevators, and other critical escape routes. They should also be installed in areas where people gather, such as assembly halls, conference rooms, and common areas.
Emergency lights are typically placed on the ceiling or wall. Exit signs must be placed near the exits, and they must be illuminated so that they can be easily seen from any vantage point. Exit signs with built-in emergency lights are commonly used to simultaneously indicate the location of emergency exits and provide illumination during power outages.
Emergency lights and exit signs are powered by a backup system designed to provide power to
the lights and signs in the event of a power outage. The backup system must provide a minimum of
90 minutes of power to the lights and signs. There are various ways that emergency lighting units can get power, including through batteries within the lights themselves, or being hooked up to a generator, or being connected to a central battery bank. The choice of power source will depend on factors such
as the size of the building, the expected occupancy, and the duration of backup power required.
It is important to choose fixtures that are compatible with the building's electrical system and meet
the necessary safety standards. These fixtures should be properly installed by qualified professionals to ensure their functionality and compliance with fire code requirements.
Emergency lighting systems should be regularly inspected, tested, and maintained to ensure their proper operation. This includes checking and repairing the condition of batteries, bulbs, and other components, as well as conducting periodic functional tests.
Testing should be carried out according to the guidelines outlined in the NFPA 101: Life Safety Code. This typically involves monthly tests to ensure that the emergency lights activate correctly. Additionally, an annual full-duration test should be performed by a qualified professional, which
verifies the system's ability to provide illumination for the required duration.
It is important to keep detailed records of all testing and maintenance activities for compliance and documentation purposes.
At Lighting Services Inc., we're serving all your emergency lighting needs. Contact us to learn more and get started.