What emergency lighting is for
When normal power fails, people need to see well enough to leave the building safely. Emergency lighting lights the path: corridors, stairs, exits and open floor areas. Exit signs show which way to go. Both have to work without normal power, for long enough to get everyone out.
In Edmonton, power interruptions can happen in a summer storm or in the middle of a -30 C night. Either way, emergency lighting is only useful if it actually comes on, which is why testing and maintenance matter as much as the original installation.
Who sets the rules
Requirements come from two places. The building code adopted in Alberta sets what a new building or renovation must have: where emergency lighting and exit signs go, the light level along the path, and how long the system must run. The run time depends on the building type and size.
The Alberta Fire Code covers ongoing inspection, testing and maintenance for existing buildings. Your local fire department or a safety codes officer is the authority having jurisdiction. Unit equipment is certified to CSA standards, and the installation follows the Canadian Electrical Code.
Newer buildings use the green running man pictogram exit sign. Older buildings may still have red EXIT signs, and whether those must be changed during a renovation depends on the scope of work. Check with your designer or the authority having jurisdiction.
Types of systems
- Unit equipment (battery packs with heads) is the most common in small and mid-sized buildings. Each unit has its own battery and charger.
- Central battery or inverter systems feed many heads from one location, which simplifies battery maintenance in larger buildings.
- Generators with a transfer switch supply emergency lighting in larger buildings, often together with other life safety loads. See our standby generator service.
Testing and record keeping
The Alberta Fire Code sets the inspection and testing schedule. In practice, most owners follow a short monthly function test and a longer annual test that runs the system for its full rated duration. Confirm the exact intervals in your fire safety plan or with the authority having jurisdiction.
- Use the test button on each unit, or a building-wide test switch where installed.
- Walk the whole building during a test. Look for heads that do not come on or aim at the wrong spot.
- Keep a log with date, results, who tested and what was repaired. Inspectors will ask for it.
- Self-diagnostic units test themselves and show a fault light, but someone still has to check and record.
Sealed batteries in unit equipment lose capacity with age and heat. A unit that passes a short test can still fail the full duration test. Plan for battery replacement before it becomes a deficiency.
Common deficiencies
| What inspectors find | Why it matters | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Unit fails the duration test | Lights die before people get out | Replace battery or unit |
| Heads aimed at walls or ceilings | Path is left dark | Re-aim heads along the path |
| Exit sign not lit or missing | People cannot find the exit | Repair or replace sign |
| New walls block coverage | Rooms added without lighting | Add heads or units in new rooms |
| No test records | No proof of maintenance | Start a log and test now |
Battery packs and exit signs are wired to line voltage. Battery replacement, new units and circuit changes should be done by a licensed electrician.
Renovations and tenant changes
Every time walls move, a new room appears or a storage area becomes an office, emergency lighting coverage changes. Tenant improvements are the most common reason a building falls out of compliance.
Include emergency and exit lighting in the drawings for any tenant improvement, and coordinate with the fire alarm system where needed. For high-bay spaces, see warehouse high-bay lighting.
Our emergency and exit lighting service covers installation, annual testing, battery replacement and records, with online reporting you can share with inspectors.
Common questions
How often do emergency lights need to be tested?
The Alberta Fire Code sets the schedule. Most buildings follow a short monthly test and a full duration test once a year. Check your fire safety plan or ask your local fire department to confirm.
Do I have to replace red exit signs with green ones?
Not always. Existing red signs may be allowed to remain in older buildings, but a renovation or change of use can trigger new requirements. Your designer or the authority having jurisdiction will confirm.
How long must emergency lights stay on?
The required run time depends on the building type and size and is set by the building code. Your design professional or fire safety plan will state the duration for your building.
Can LED emergency units replace old ones?
Yes. LED heads draw less power, so batteries last longer per charge. The replacements must be certified and installed to cover the same or better path.
Codes and permit rules change and every building is different. For work on your system, talk to a licensed electrician and your local permit authority.