Requirements for Emergency Lighting

Requirements for Emergency Lighting

Requirements for Emergency Lighting

emergency lighting refers to lighting that is meant for the main purpose of helping people exit a building in the occurrence of an emergency. They may vary form back up light that come on automatically when the main power supply to the building is cut off, to emergency exit signs and anti panic signs just to mention a few. There are set regulations for emergency lights and these have to be observed according to the law. In the United States for example, emergency lighting regulations are set and enforced by local building codes. Local building codes are often set according to regulations and standards recommended by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).

One of the regulations set by the NFPA is in regard to performance and location of the lights. All emergency lighting in a building must illuminate the interior and exterior of the building for at least 90 minutes after the failure of the main power supply. These lights should also be bright enough to clearly illuminate the escape route and emergency exits. They should also be placed at 1 ft from ground level to ensure that they illuminate effectively. They should be placed at regular intervals along the escape route, as well as clearly mark both the direction and position of the emergency exit(s).

Another requirement is that all emergency lighting should automatically go on to illuminate the building in the event of an emergency. This means that they should not have to be manually switched on, and should light continuously for the set 90 minute period. They should also be able to work even when the main power supply is still working to provide for testing. This is also important because the power supply may not be completely disrupted, and the ordinary lights are too dim to effectively illuminate the building.

emergency lighting requirements also include back up power. The requirements dictate that all emergency lighting must draw their power from a generator or a battery pack. There are specific guidelines that deal with what kind of generators should be used, and the minimum period of time that they must operate during power failure. There are also guidelines that look into effective battery packs, with minimum regulations and standards placed on quality of the battery packs.

The NFPA also looks into testing of all emergency lighting in a building. The NFPA has set three kind of testing, one of which is mandatory for all emergency lighting. First is a 30 second performance test that must be performed every 30 days without fail. The second concerns battery powered systems, and must be performed for 90 minutes and should take place annually. The third involves specialized equipment that must be used to test the system and has to be performed every 30 days. The owner of the building is also required to keep a record of testing which he must produce to the NFPA or any other relevant authority upon request.

These are just some of the requirements, and more are made available at your local NFPA office or fire department office. You should go through all the requirements of emergency lighting to ensure that you do not get into trouble with the law and at the same time ensure the safety of the people in your building.

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