Battery Backup Exit Signs

According to ICC and IBC regulations, all commercially used facilities are required to have lighted exit signs at and pointing the way towards all egress point from the facility. The key is that these exit signs, like emergency lighting, need to remain lit for a minimum of 90 minutes after loss of power.

Emergency Light

$16.99

Compare

Add To Cart
Exit Sign Emergency Light Combo

$44.99

Compare

Choose Options

The answer to this problem is to have lighted exit signs with battery backup. The signs normally run off of the building’s power; however, when power is lost, the signs automatically switch over to the battery backup. Since this is the same requirement for emergency lighting, combining the exit sign with emergency lights is a more cost effective alternative.

Browse the Most Popular Battery Backup Exit Signs

Battery backup LED exit signs are affordable and reliable. Battery backup systems provide 90 minutes of emergency support.

Requirements for Exit Signs

Lighted exit signs need to be located at all egress points from the building. The lettering needs to be at least 6 inches tall, with a stroke (width of letter line) of at least 3/4 inch. The sign must stay illuminated to a level of 54 lux for a minimum of 90 minutes after power loss. Please note that in New York and Chicago and Los Angeles the requirements are more stringent.

It is also necessary to install exit signs directing people from all work areas to the egress points. These signs need an arrow indicating the direction to the nearest exit.

Learn More About Exit Sign Regulations

Operation of Battery Backup Exit Signs

For this system to be effective, the signs need to be automatic. That means they need integral control circuitry to instantaneously make the switchover from line power to the battery backup in the case of power loss. Since the battery would need to be fresh at all times, rechargeable batteries would have to be used and the circuitry would also need to maintain the battery’s charge.

Battery Backup Exit Signs are available with both lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries. While lead-acid batteries (the type used in cars) have been around longer, both of these rechargeable battery technologies are older and well established as reliable energy sources.

Learn More About Exit Sign Batteries

Combination Emergency Lights and Exit Signs

Emergency Exit Combo Battery Backup Exit Signs are a simple way to satisfy two safety lighting fixture requirements.

Several designs of emergency lights are available with an exit sign built-in. This makes for a more cost effective purchase, as the same battery, case and circuitry is used for both. Additionally, there is a savings realized in installation by not having to have wiring run to two different locations.

View our Most Popular Emergency Lights

Maintenance and Testing of Battery Backup Exit Signs

Just as with other emergency lights, battery backup exit signs need to be tested monthly and annually. There is an integral push button switch to facilitate testing. Pressing this switch interrupts power to the unit, simulating a power loss situation.

For the monthly test, you must push the button for 30 seconds and verify: the light comes on and stays on, no bulbs are burned out (some units have multiple bulbs) and that there is no damage to the unit.

For the annual test you must verify everything mentioned for the monthly test plus: perform a full 90 minute power loss test, clean the unit, check battery connections for corrosion and check both the charging circuitry and battery for proper voltage.

Please note that for longest life of nickel-cadmium batteries, they need to be fully charged when first installed (without power interruption during this initial charge) and fully discharged periodically. The annual test is an ideal time to do this full discharge.