NFPA 101 emergency lighting requirements
The Life Safety Code is the backbone of US emergency lighting rules. Here is what it requires, in plain language.
What NFPA 101 is
NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code, is published by the National Fire Protection Association and adopted (sometimes with amendments) by many states, cities and federal agencies. Two parts matter most for emergency lighting: the emergency lighting section (Section 7.9) and the marking of means of egress, which covers exit signs (Section 7.10).
Emergency lighting performance
- Duration: at least 1.5 hours (90 minutes) after normal lighting fails.
- Levels: initially an average of at least 1 foot-candle and a minimum of 0.1 foot-candle at any point along the path of egress at floor level, allowed to decline to 0.6 average and 0.06 minimum at the end of the 90 minutes.
- Uniformity: a maximum-to-minimum illumination ratio not exceeding 40 to 1.
- Automatic transfer: emergency lighting must come on automatically on loss of normal lighting.
Periodic testing
- Functional test at 30-day intervals for not less than 30 seconds.
- Annual test for not less than 1.5 hours on battery-powered equipment.
- Equipment must be fully operational for the duration of the test.
- Written records of visual inspections and tests must be kept by the owner for the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
- Self-testing, self-diagnostic battery-operated equipment that automatically performs the 30-second and 90-minute tests is permitted, with visual inspections and records.
Exit signs
Exits must be marked by approved, readily visible signs; signs must be placed so no point in an exit access corridor is more than 100 feet (or the listed viewing distance) from the nearest sign; internally illuminated signs must be listed; and illuminated signs must be lit for the emergency duration. See exit sign requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What section of NFPA 101 covers emergency lighting?
Section 7.9 covers emergency lighting. Section 7.10 covers marking of means of egress, including exit signs. Occupancy chapters add specific requirements.
Does NFPA 101 allow self-testing emergency lights?
Yes. Self-testing, self-diagnostic battery equipment that automatically runs the 30-day and annual tests is permitted, with visual inspections and written records.