The existential requirements for emergency lighting appear independently in the IBC and in NFPA 101. Emergency egress lighting, and other emergency lighting Designers should verify the codes and editions in force, and consult authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) regarding their interpretations of ambiguous or conflicting requirements, before design commences.
Provisions of the various codes sometimes differ regarding similar sets of requirements. A clear understanding of the code requirements for emergency lighting, and a clear understanding of code officials’ views of any issues that admit interpretation, will go a long way toward avoiding expensive and embarrassing surprises late in construction.Ĭode-enforcement agencies may adopt these codes, or other codes, and may enforce other editions. Differing interpretations about emergency lighting requirements easily can lead to a costly delay of occupancy. Its intent is to facilitate evacuation of the facility, particularly in the event of a fire, and to reduce the tendency of occupants to panic under stress, and in the dark.īecause the performance of emergency lighting is directly related to life safety, code officials are notoriously demanding of strict compliance in its design and installation. In most facilities, the largest part of emergency illumination lights the pathways and exits that lead out of the building-the egress paths. Emergency lighting is required to illuminate building areas when things go wrong-for example, when the normal electrical supply is interrupted by a utility outage or by a fire or failure within the building.
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