140. Emergency Lighting Requirements: What You Need to Know to Stay Compliant and Safe

When the power goes out in a commercial or industrial building, the stakes are high. Visibility drops, panic can set in, and without the right emergency lighting system in place, people may struggle to find safe exits. That’s where proper emergency lighting requirements come in—not just to meet regulations, but to save lives.

Whether you're managing a warehouse, overseeing a manufacturing plant, or retrofitting a retail space, understanding emergency lighting standards isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Let’s break it all down so you can stay compliant and keep your team safe.

What Is Emergency Lighting?

Emergency lighting kicks in when normal lighting fails due to a power outage, fire, or other emergency. These lights are designed to provide enough illumination for occupants to exit safely or continue critical operations until backup systems are in place.

Difference Between Emergency and Exit Lighting

This is a common point of confusion. Emergency lighting refers to the broader category of lights that activate during a power failure—think flood lights, egress lighting, and stairwell fixtures.

Exit lighting, on the other hand, includes illuminated signs (like those glowing red “EXIT” signs) that guide people to the nearest exit. Both are vital, but they serve different purposes under fire safety regulations.

Why Emergency Lighting Is Required

Life Safety and Building Code Compliance

Emergency lighting is more than a best practice—it’s mandated by several safety codes and standards. From the NFPA Life Safety Code to the International Fire Code, emergency illumination is a non-negotiable aspect of fire protection and building design.

Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) often enforce compliance, and skipping out on proper systems could land you in legal hot water—or worse, risk lives during an actual emergency.

Protecting Workers During Power Outages

In industrial spaces, a power failure can be more than an inconvenience—it can be dangerous. Workers may be handling machinery, chemicals, or navigating high-clearance areas. Emergency lighting ensures continued visibility so operations can shut down safely or people can evacuate calmly.

Types of Emergency Lighting Systems

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but knowing your options help.

Maintained vs. Non-Maintained Lights

• Maintained lights stay on during normal operation and in emergencies—great for spaces in constant use.
• Non-maintained lights only activate during a power failure, helping conserve energy.

Central Battery vs. Self-Contained Units

• Central battery systems use a single power source to supply all emergency luminaires. These systems are easier to test and maintain but come with higher upfront costs.
• Self-contained units include both the light and battery in one unit—perfect for retrofitting or smaller facilities.

LED Emergency Lighting

LED technology has revolutionized emergency lighting equipment. LEDs offer:

• Lower energy consumption
• Longer lifespan
• Better brightness control
• Instant illumination during outages

LED emergency exit lights and emergency luminaires are now standard in many commercial lighting systems.

Where Emergency Lighting Is Required

It’s not just about exits—emergency illumination must cover a variety of locations.

Common Areas and Exit Routes

Every path leading to an exit—also called the means of egress—must be lit. This includes lobbies, hallways, and open office spaces.

Stairwells, Corridors, and High-Occupancy Spaces

Don’t forget vertical escape routes. Stairwells and corridors need special attention, as do areas like assembly rooms or warehouses where lots of people gather.

Industry-Specific Applications (Hospitals, Warehouses, etc.)

Some industries have their own nuances:

• Hospitals: Must support emergency lighting for life-saving equipment and evacuation paths.
• Warehouses: Require flood light coverage across long aisles and high shelving.
• Factories: Need reliable lighting around hazardous machinery and chemical storage.

Each of these environments has specific emergency lighting requirements that go beyond the standard checklist.

Installation and Maintenance Best Practices

Now that you know what and where, let’s talk about how.

Location and Mounting Height

Install emergency lighting units at a height where light can cover the egress path effectively. Pay special attention to blind spots—corners, stair landings, or uneven flooring.

Mount emergency exit signs so they’re visible from every direction. Many codes recommend placement at no more than 6 feet above the floor.

Testing and Inspection Protocols

Regular inspections are key to staying code-compliant. Most emergency lighting systems must be:

• Visually inspected monthly
• Functionally tested every 30 days
• Performance-tested annually (lights must stay on for 90 minutes)

Document everything—emergency lighting inspections are often reviewed during fire safety audits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Blocking emergency exit signs with furniture or displays
• Using the wrong lighting control system (e.g., one that disables emergency lights)
• Forgetting to test battery-operated lights
• Overlooking areas like storage rooms or mechanical spaces

How to Stay Compliant and Ready

Let’s face it—staying on top of emergency lighting regulations isn’t exactly thrilling. But it is crucial. Here’s how to make it manageable:

• Know the codes. Get familiar with NFPA 101, IBC, and your local fire safety requirements.
• Work with experts. Partner with a commercial lighting provider that understands the ins and outs of industrial emergency lighting.
• Audit your system. Regularly evaluate your emergency lighting unit placement, coverage, and battery backup.
• Stay proactive. Don’t wait for a fire inspection or a power outage to discover your emergency lighting system isn’t up to snuff.

Types of Emergency Lighting Offered at OEO

At OEO Energy Solutions, we offer a wide range of emergency lighting fixtures designed specifically for industrial and commercial environments. Each lighting solution is engineered for reliability, durability, and code compliance—so you can feel confident your facility is prepared for anything.

Here are some of the emergency lighting options available through OEO:

Area Light Fixtures

Ideal for large exterior zones, loading docks, or open parking areas, our area lights provide wide, uniform illumination during outages. They’re perfect for keeping operations visible and secure during emergencies—especially when mounted on poles or building perimeters.

Wall Packs

Wall-mounted emergency wall packs are a go-to choice for perimeter lighting and walkways. These rugged fixtures ensure that entryways and exit routes remain visible and accessible, even in the darkest conditions. Many models include integrated battery backups for seamless operation.

Flood Lights

Our high-output LED flood lights are designed for maximum brightness and coverage. In expansive spaces like warehouses, manufacturing plants, or outdoor yards, they ensure that evacuation paths remain well-lit and workers can move safely. Great for both emergency and security purposes.

Canopy Lights

For covered outdoor spaces like fuel stations, drive-thrus, or entryways, OEO’s emergency-efficient canopy lights offer focused illumination without glare. They're designed to function in challenging conditions and provide instant-on reliability when the power goes out.

Final Thoughts

Emergency lighting isn’t just about ticking off a requirement box—it’s about ensuring safe, clear illumination when it matters most. From exit lighting to emergency luminaires, every detail plays a role in protecting lives and property.

At OEO Energy Solutions, we help businesses like yours navigate emergency lighting standards with confidence. Whether you're upgrading your emergency exit lights or outfitting a brand-new warehouse, we’ve got the lighting expertise to guide the way.

Ready to ensure your facility stays safe and compliant during the next power failure? Explore our range of high-performance emergency lighting systems and talk to our experts today.