Emergency lighting is a backup system that activates when main power fails, guiding safe evacuation with illuminated exit paths. It includes:

• Backup Power to stay on during outages
• Bright Fixtures to light escape routes
• Exit Signs to clearly mark the way out

In Canada, systems must operate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the building and code requirements.

The National Building Code allows two options: generators or batteries.

Whichever is used, it must:

• Automatically activated when main power fails
• Sustain the emergency load for 30 minutes to 2 hours, as required
• Be a dedicated power source, used only for emergency lighting

Always consult national and local codes for specific runtime and compliance requirements.

Redundancy is critical -- emergency lighting must prevent total darkness if a single lamp fails.

Key requirements:

• Dual-head remotes are required where emergency lighting is mandated, ensuring coverage if one lamp fails
• Single-head remotes may be used only as supplemental lighting (e.g., in washrooms or offices)
• Path of egress must be continuously lit, averaging 10 lux at floor/tread level, with no point below 1 lux

This ensures safe, consistent lighting during emergencies.

Exit signs must be clearly visible and strategically placed to guide safe evacuation.

Code requirements include:

• Above or beside all exit doors to mark exit points
• Visible up to 100 feet — install signs at intervals no greater than 100 feet
• Compliant graphics and colors per CSA standards

For high ceilings (15–16 ft), mount signs accordingly. For greater heights, BeLuce offers oversized Ovvio Running Man signs to maintain visibility and compliance in large spaces.

The National Fire Code (NFC) requires regular inspections to ensure emergency lighting and exit signs function properly in an emergency.

Monthly Inspection:

• Check pilot light operation
• Inspect battery and terminal connections (clean, dry, corrosion-free)
• Verify lights and exit signs are operational

Annual (12-Month) Inspection:

• Test system under simulated power failure
• Confirm it runs for the full 30 or 120 minutes, as required

Simplify with BeLuce: Our self-testing units perform these checks automatically and alert users to faults, saving time and ensuring compliance.

In addition to standard egress routes, CSA Section 6.11 outlines additional mandatory locations for emergency lighting:

6.11.1 – Power Supply & Transfer Switch Rooms

• Emergency electrical power supply rooms and automatic transfer switch rooms (if separate) must have emergency lighting.
• Lighting must meet CSA C22.2 No. 141 standards.
• These areas require 50 lux for 2 hours at all serviceable equipment—5x brighter than the 10-lux required for exit paths.

6.11.3 – Emergency Unit Requirements

All emergency lighting units must include:

• Self-diagnostic circuitry for automatic testing and fault detection
• Transient voltage surge protection on the power supply line

These requirements ensure that critical electrical infrastructure remains safe and serviceable during outages.