Why Emergency Lighting Testing Matters
Emergency lighting is a critical part of your building's life safety system. A failed battery or lamp can go unnoticed until the power goes out.
NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code, requires two kinds of tests to catch these problems: a monthly functional test and an annual duration test.
Monthly Functional Test (30 Seconds)
What the Code Requires
NFPA 101 Section 7.9.3 requires a functional test every month for at least 30 seconds. The 2012 edition sets the interval at 3 to 5 weeks between tests. The equipment must stay fully operational for the whole test.
Exit signs with battery backup follow the same testing rules.
Typical Manual Procedure
- Press the test button on each unit, or cut normal power to the circuit
- Confirm each light comes on (the code expects emergency lighting within 10 seconds of a power loss)
- Keep the test running for at least 30 seconds
- Restore power and check that charging indicators come back on
- Record results and note any failed units
- Schedule repairs for failed units
Annual Duration Test (90 Minutes)
What the Code Requires
Battery-powered emergency lighting must be tested once a year for at least 90 minutes. This matches the code's 90-minute illumination requirement. The equipment must stay fully operational for the full test.
At the end of 90 minutes, NFPA 101 allows light levels to drop to no less than 0.6 foot-candle average and 0.06 foot-candle at any point.
Typical Manual Procedure
- Schedule the test during off-hours
- Cut normal power to the emergency lighting circuits
- Confirm every unit comes on
- Check for units that dim or go out before 90 minutes
- Restore power and confirm charging indicators
- Replace batteries or units that failed
- Record the results
Why Annual Tests Fail
Battery wear is a common cause. Heat and charging problems can shorten battery life. Corroded terminals, failed chargers and wiring faults can also show up only under a long test.
Documentation Requirements
NFPA 101 requires the owner to keep written records of inspections and tests for the AHJ. Missing records can lead to a deficiency even when the lights work.
Good records usually include:
- Date of each test
- Who ran the test
- Location of each unit tested
- Pass or fail result for each unit
- Problems found and the repair made
Self-Testing and Computer-Based Systems
NFPA 101 recognizes two automated options:
- Self-testing/self-diagnostic units run a 30-second test and a diagnostic routine at least every 30 days and show failures on a status light. A monthly visual inspection and the annual 90-minute test are still required.
- Computer-based self-testing systems also run the annual 90-minute test automatically. They must be able to provide a history of tests and failures at all times.
The ABB Emergi-Lite Nexus Pro system is a computer-based option. It schedules the monthly 30-second and annual 90-minute tests, sends push notifications for defective units, and stores reports in the ABB cloud. Reports cover test results, defective units with location and part number, maintenance history and offline devices.
Ask your AHJ how they want records presented and whether they expect any visual checks.
What Automation Saved at UT Tower
At UT Tower on the UT Austin campus, Nexus Pro covers 235 fixtures across 27 floors. Automated testing eliminated 470 annual labor hours, worth $30,550 a year in staff costs.
Key Takeaways
- Monthly 30-second tests check that each unit works
- Annual 90-minute tests confirm battery capacity
- Written test records are required
- NFPA 101 permits computer-based systems to run and record both tests