ABSTRACT
Building codes, including the International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 5000; fire codes, including the International Fire Code (IFC), NFPA 1, and the NFPA Life Safety Code, require that emergency lighting be provided for the means of egress in almost all types of occupancies. Emergency lighting can be provided with the use of battery pack units, emergency generators, combinations, and, in some cases, two separated dependable public power sources. Emergency lighting can be either in continuous operation or capable of repeated automatic operation without needing to be turned on manually. Where battery-powered exit lights or battery-operated emergency lighting units are used, they are required to be listed to the requirements of Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 924, Standard for Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment. Other standards that apply to emergency lighting, generators, battery-powered units, and fuel sources for generators are found in the following codes. NFPA 110 is the Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems and covers generators. NFPA 111 is the Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems and covers battery-operated emergency lighting packs. NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, is consulted when generators are used that are fueled with liquid petroleum fuels. NFPA 37, Standard for Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines, is also used when generators are provided for emergency power. When generators are fueled by natural gas, NFPA 54, the National Fuel Gas Code, applies. If the fuel is liquefied petroleum gas, then NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, is used. When emergency lighting systems are located in health care facilities, NFPA 99, the Standard for Health Care Facilities, requirements apply. The International Building Code (IBC) has requirements for emergency lighting for the means of egress. Because all of the emergency lighting systems involve the use of electricity in one way or another, NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, would apply to installations as well. Firefighters responding to alarms and other emergencies should take note of or ask about emergency lighting sources during visits to buildings and, if time permits, make sure that those systems in place are adequate or are being maintained. Spot checks can be conducted on battery-powered units using the test button to see if they are working. Getting occupants out of a building when an emergency occurs is vitally important, and the egress system should be illuminated by emergency lighting when the primary power fails.
