A Comprehensive Guide for Business Owners
Emergency lighting is a critical component of a building’s safety infrastructure, providing illumination during power outages or emergencies to facilitate a safe means of egress. For business owners, compliance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code is not just a legal requirement but also a crucial aspect of ensuring the safety of occupants. In this blog post, we will explore the key provisions of safety standards that pertain to emergency lighting systems.
Illumination Standards
Emergency illumination should be provided for a minimum of 1.5 hours in the event of normal lighting failure. The initial illumination should be at least 1 ft-candle (10.8 lux) and not less than 0.1 ft-candle (1.1 lux) along the path of egress at floor level. Illumination levels are permitted to decline but not below an average of 0.6 ft-candle (6.5 lux) and 0.06 ft-candle (0.65 lux) at any point after 1.5 hours.
Power System Standards
New emergency power systems for emergency lighting must adhere to specific standards. The emergency lighting system should automatically provide illumination in case of interruptions, including utility failures, circuit breaks, or manual acts. Emergency generators and stored electrical energy systems must comply with NFPA 110 and NFPA 111, respectively. Unit equipment and battery systems for emergency luminaires should be listed to ANSI/UL 924, and existing battery-operated lights should use reliable rechargeable batteries.
Periodic Testing
The periodic testing of emergency lighting systems is essential to ensure their functionality when needed. Business owners have three options for testing, these options include functional testing, self-testing/self-diagnostic battery-operated equipment, or a computer-based systems. For all testing options the owner is required to keep written records of the tests and inspections.
Option 1 Functional Testing
- Monthly, the emergency lights are turned on for at least 30 seconds.
- With approval, the tests can be done less often than 30 days.
- Once a year, if the lights have batteries, they need to stay on for 1.5 hours.
Option 2 Self-Testing Battery-Operated
- Automatically test themselves every 30 days for at least 30 seconds with a diagnostic routine.
- A visual inspection happens every 30 days.
- Once a year, the lights need to stay on for 1.5 hours.
Option 3 Computer-Based Systems
- Every 30 days, the lights automatically test themselves for at least 30 seconds with a diagnostic routine.
- Once a year, the lights need to stay on for 1.5 hours and the computer system should maintain its capability to provide reports on test history and failures.
Business owners must ensure compliance with NFPA 101 emergency lighting standards to safeguard their occupants and property. Regular testing and adherence to these guidelines not only meet legal requirements but also contribute to a safer and more secure environment within your establishment. Prioritizing emergency lighting ensures that, in times of crisis, your business is well-prepared to protect lives and assets.
