08/28/2026
A dead emergency light looks exactly like a working one until the power drops.
Unlike a fire alarm panel that reports trouble, or a sprinkler gauge that shows pressure loss, a failed emergency light gives zero warning. Facilities usually find out during an inspection, or worse, during an actual evacuation. And it's the most commonly cited violation in commercial inspections.
Here's what NFPA 101 actually requires:
✅ Monthly — 30-second functional test on every unit, verifying lamps illuminate and exit signs stay visible on battery power
✅ Annually — Full 90-minute discharge test, confirming the battery sustains illumination the entire time
✅ Documentation — Written records required for both. Undocumented testing counts as no testing.
The scary part: a unit can pass a 30-second test and still fail at minute 40. Only the annual 90-minute test catches battery degradation before it matters. Facilities over 8 years old typically find that 10-20% of units need a battery or full replacement once they actually check.
Coordinating egress lighting testing with your fire alarm and extinguisher inspections means one consolidated compliance visit instead of three separate headaches.
