FAQ's

International Shipping for Canadian Customers

Customers in Canada can expect the same prompt and reliable service that Emergency Lights Company provides to all of our U.S.-based customers. No matter where you are in the world, once you place your order, we will calculate your estimated shipping costs and delivery dates right away.

Shipping charges are based on both the weight and dimensions of your package. Each product listing includes estimated weight and size, and at checkout, shipping weight is rounded up to the nearest pound.

We provide shipping quotes from both of our trusted carriers—FedEx and UPS. Given the fluctuations in carrier pricing and the requirements of international customs, we always aim to provide the most accurate, up-to-date shipping rates at the time you place your order.

Our emergency lighting specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to assist you with your questions and shipping needs.

Understanding New York City Emergency Light Requirements

The regulations for emergency lighting in New York City are unlike those in any other city in the U.S. Fixtures here must be tougher and provide significantly higher light output than standard models. To add complexity, each borough may enforce its own illumination requirements. So if your newly installed emergency lights failed a recent inspection, the issue likely stems from not using NYC-approved units.

Chapter 10 of the New York City Building Code states that emergency light enclosures must withstand fire conditions for two hours. However, it does not specify which materials are acceptable. Many assume that flame-resistant thermoplastic units suffice—only to discover during inspection that these don’t meet local enforcement standards.

Now that you know the issue, it’s time to make the right corrections before your reinspection. Here’s how to do it.

What Inspectors Will Be Looking For

Before replacing any fixtures, review the inspection report carefully to determine which lights or exit signs failed and why. In some low-traffic areas—like storage rooms, basements, or sleeping quarters—basic thermoplastic fixtures may still be permitted. But along any path of egress, including hallways and stairwells, inspectors will require high-output steel or cast-aluminum fixtures.

According to Chapter 10, Section 1007.2, NYC emergency egress lighting must provide continuous illumination in these areas:

• Interior hallways and corridors
• Areas of refuge or rescue assistance
• Interior stairwells leading to exits
• Exterior exit stairways
• Elevators and platform lifts
• Horizontal exits and ramps
• Final exit discharge points
• Outdoor accessible egress routes

Choosing the Right Emergency Lighting or Components

Once you’ve identified the fixtures that failed, ask yourself:

• Which units need full replacement?
• Which ones only require battery or bulb swaps?
  

In most boroughs and especially in high-rise buildings, emergency lights must provide an average of 2 foot-candles (22 lux) along the egress pathway, measured at floor level. If your fixtures don’t meet this standard, a higher wattage bulb or entirely new unit may be needed.

How to Recharge a Sealed Lead Acid Battery for Emergency Lights

As you know, all emergency lighting fixtures rely on an internal power source to remain operational during an electrical outage. For units using Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries, proper recharging is essential to maintain reliability and extend battery life once normal power is restored.

Recharging an SLA battery isn’t difficult—but following a few important best practices is critical to ensuring optimal performance and safety.

1. Use the Correct Charger and Voltage

Your charger must match the battery’s required voltage—6V, 12V, or 24V. The most common charging method is constant voltage charging, which distributes power evenly across each of the battery’s internal cells. Using the proper voltage helps ensure full, balanced recharging without stressing the battery.

Browse Our Most Popular Emergency Lights

2. Don’t Rush the Charge—Let It Complete Naturally

One of the worst mistakes you can make is trying to speed up the charging process by applying higher voltage. Overcharging a battery leads to excess heat buildup, which can damage the internal components and dramatically shorten the battery’s lifespan.

For example, applying a 24V charger to a 6V or 12V battery can cause irreversible damage through overheating. Always check the battery’s rated voltage before connecting your charger.

3. Avoid Undercharging with Low-Voltage Chargers

Just as overcharging is harmful, undercharging is equally problematic. Using a charger with lower voltage than required will prevent the battery from reaching full capacity. This leads to poor performance, reduced runtime, and excessive strain on the battery during use.

For instance, charging a 12V battery with a 6V charger may result in permanent capacity loss and early battery failure. Be sure to use a charger that meets or exceeds your battery's voltage requirements—but never surpasses its maximum rating.

Q: What are the dimensions of the Red LED Exit Sign Retrofit Kit strips? Will they fit into an 8x8 housing?

A: Yes, our Red LED Exit Sign Retrofit Kit (277 Volt) is designed to fit into most existing exit sign housings where incandescent or fluorescent bulbs were previously used. The dimensions of each LED strip are:

• Length: 1/4 inch
• Width: 7/8 inch
• Height: 3/4 inch

This compact design makes it compatible with standard 8x8 housings and a wide variety of legacy fixtures.

A Cost-Effective Retrofit Solution

This retrofit kit is a customer favorite, allowing you to repurpose older exit sign housings that used hard-to-find or discontinued incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. By upgrading to LED, you can expect:

• Up to 97% energy efficiency
• Power usage of just 1.1 watts per strip—about 1/10th the consumption of traditional lighting
• Maintenance-free operation with an average lifespan of 20+ years

Do LED MR16 Lamps Last Over 25,000 Hours?

Absolutely—LED MR16 lamps are not only more energy-efficient than tungsten or halogen bulbs, but they also last significantly longer and offer superior color rendering. While many LED MR16s are rated for 25,000 hours, most actually perform well beyond 50,000 hours when used under appropriate conditions.

Why Halogen Bulbs Fall Short

Halogen flood lamps are commonly found in older emergency lighting systems, but they come with drawbacks:

• High energy consumption drains battery life
  
• Short lifespan—typically just 2 years
• Increased maintenance costs
  
  

These can be easily upgraded to long-life LED replacements, offering both cost savings and enhanced reliability.

Understanding the 25,000-Hour Rating

Most LED bulbs are rated for 25,000 hours not because that’s their limit, but due to the Energy Star testing standards. To achieve a 50,000-hour rating, manufacturers would need to conduct a year-long endurance test—a process that often doesn’t align with the pace of LED innovation and product updates.

Instead, manufacturers perform a 6-month accelerated test, which leads to the more conservative 25,000-hour rating you typically see on packaging.

Real-World LED Performance

In practice, most LED bulbs:

• Last well beyond 25,000 hours
  
• Fade gradually in brightness rather than burning out suddenly
  
• Can run for 3–5 years continuously with minimal light degradation
  

You may not even notice the slow dimming process until the bulb reaches the end of its usable life.

Summary

If you're switching from halogen to LED in your emergency lighting or general-use fixtures, rest assured—modern LED bulbs will reliably exceed 25,000 hours when installed properly and used indoors. They're a smart, long-term upgrade that reduces maintenance, improves energy efficiency, and offers better overall light quality.

Understanding Emergency Light Bulb Types: Fluorescent, Halogen, and LED

Emergency lighting systems use a variety of bulb types, each offering unique advantages depending on the environment and application. Selecting the right lamp head is essential for ensuring visibility, efficiency, and long-term performance in critical situations.

Fluorescent Lamp Heads

Fluorescent lamps generate visible light by exciting mercury vapor, which emits ultraviolet (UV) light. This UV light then causes a phosphor coating inside the tube to fluoresce, producing illumination.

• Schools, office buildings, and large commercial spaces
• Key Advantages:

1. Energy-efficient operation
2. Eligible for energy-related tax incentives in states like California
3. Can be configured as either AC-only or dual-purpose (AC/emergency) fixtures
   

Fluorescent lights have increasingly replaced incandescent options in many settings thanks to their efficiency and compatibility with ceiling-mounted tube fixtures.

Halogen Lamp Heads

Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent lamp that contain a tungsten filament and halogen gas. The resulting halogen cycle produces intense, bright light with improved luminous efficacy and color temperature.

• Common Applications: Wet locations, outdoor areas, and industrial sites
• Key Advantages:

1. Superior visibility in rain, fog, or other weather conditions
2. Fully gasketed, sealed housings for moisture protection
3. Ideal for rugged or high-abuse environments
   

Halogen emergency lights are often selected for environments that demand strong light output and durability under extreme conditions.

LED Lamp Heads

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) create light through electroluminescence—the release of energy when electrons recombine with electron holes in a semiconductor material.

• Common Applications: Cold environments, compact installations, and long-term usage areas
• Key Advantages:
  Extremely low energy consumption (under 5 watts)

1. Long operational life—often exceeding 50,000 hours
2. Compact size allows for use of lightweight batteries such as Ni-Cd
3. Minimal maintenance with slow light degradation over time
   

LED emergency lights have quickly become the preferred choice in most settings due to their efficiency, brightness, and long-lasting performance.

Each type of lamp has its place depending on the application, environment, and code requirements. If you're unsure which solution best fits your needs, our team of lighting specialists is always available to help guide your selection.

Emergency Lighting Batteries: Ni-Cd vs. Sealed Lead Acid

All emergency lights and exit signs rely on backup battery packs to provide at least 90 minutes of illumination when the primary power source fails. These batteries come in two primary types—Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) and Sealed Lead Acid (SLA). When replacing a battery, it's essential to match the type, voltage, and amperage with the original to ensure proper operation and compliance.

Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries

Nickel-cadmium batteries are compact, efficient, and widely used in exit signs due to their small size and reliable recharge performance. They use nickel oxide hydroxide and metallic cadmium as active materials—similar to the rechargeable batteries found in electronics and toys.

• 1.2V to 6.0V
  
• Roughly the same as a AA battery
  
• Fully charges in 24 hours
  
• 5 to 7 years under normal use
  

Pro Tip: Reuse the original connectors when replacing Ni-Cd batteries, as wire lead configurations may vary across manufacturers.

Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Batteries

Sealed lead acid batteries are another dependable option used in emergency lighting. Unlike Ni-Cd, SLA batteries use acid to break down alloy plates and generate power, delivering higher energy capacity—ideal for powering combo fixtures or larger emergency lights.

• Larger size, but greater power output
• Better suited for high-capacity or dual-head emergency units
• Can extend run times or support brighter lamps depending on your setup
  

SLA batteries are a common choice in settings where stronger output or longer emergency duration is required.

Why Reliable Batteries Matter

Emergency lights and exit signs are critical life safety tools—but they’re only as reliable as the battery that powers them. When AC power is lost, the battery becomes the sole power source, responsible for keeping egress paths lit and helping occupants evacuate safely.

Choosing the correct replacement battery ensures your system functions exactly when it's needed most. Always check the specs of your existing battery and consult with a specialist if you're unsure which replacement to use.

Understanding Deep Cycle Batteries for Emergency Power Systems

Large emergency generators require deep cycle batteries capable of delivering high cranking voltage—something standard sealed lead acid (SLA) or automotive batteries simply can’t provide. These specialized batteries are essential in environments where continuous, reliable power is critical.

What Are Deep Cycle Batteries?

Deep cycle batteries are a type of sealed lead acid battery designed to deliver sustained power over an extended period. While they are heavier and less efficient than modern nickel-cadmium or lithium-ion batteries, they remain widely used due to their high capacity and rugged design.

• Construction: Similar to car batteries in appearance, using liquid battery acid for energy storage
• Function: Unlike automotive batteries that provide short bursts of power, deep cycle batteries are built to deliver steady power over time
  

This makes them ideal for systems that require continuous or high-output discharge, rather than short-duration starting currents.

Where Are Deep Cycle Batteries Used?

You’ll find deep cycle batteries in a wide variety of power-critical applications, including:

• Recreational vehicles (RVs)
• Boats and marine systems
• Golf carts
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
• Solar battery banks
• Emergency lighting inverters
• Emergency power generators
  

In emergency systems, deep cycle batteries are essential for starting large generators and maintaining lighting inverters, both of which require power levels that far exceed what a typical car battery can deliver.

Performance and Discharge Capacity

Deep cycle batteries are designed to be discharged more deeply than typical batteries:

• Optimal operating range: 45–75% discharge
• Maximum discharge capacity: Up to 80% before requiring a recharge (depending on manufacturer specifications)
  

This durability allows them to sustain long runtimes and consistent power output—especially important in emergency lighting and backup power systems where reliability can save lives.

In Summary: Deep cycle batteries are a foundational component of many emergency power systems. From lighting inverters to generator starters, their ability to provide high-capacity discharge over long periods makes them irreplaceable in critical backup applications.

Let me know if you'd like this version adapted for a technical guide, product page, or training resource.

It happens.

That moment when you're running your monthly test and one (or both) of your unit’s bug-eyed bulbs won’t stay on for the full 90-minute check. Is it broken? Are the bulbs failing? Do you need a refund? Or worse—do you have to buy a whole new unit?!

Take a deep breath. Let’s walk through it step by step.

First: Give Yourself Credit

If you’re conducting your monthly or annual test as required by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), good job—you’re doing exactly what you should. Proper testing ensures your emergency lighting works when it matters most.

Now let’s get into troubleshooting.

Step-by-Step Checklist: What to Check First

To determine why your Chicago-rated Wet Location Emergency Light isn’t functioning properly, review the following common issues:

✅ 1. Battery Check

• battery wiring. If the unit doesn’t stay on during the full 90-minute test, open the housing and inspect the battery wiring. Ensure all wires are connected properly. If wiring looks correct but the unit still fails, the battery may need replacing.
  

✅ 2. Bulb Inspection

• If one or more bulbs aren't working:
  Make sure each bulb is securely mounted—screwed in or wedge-based. Check for corrosion in the bulb socket or surrounding area. Inspect the wiring leading to each bulb.
• If all seems normal and the bulbs still don’t light, replace the bulbs.

✅ 3. Internal Components

• If bulbs and battery check out, move on to: Circuit board – Look for signs of damage or failure. Transformer – Make sure it's operational and properly connected.

When to Call a Professional

If you've gone through all of the above and the unit still doesn't operate correctly, it may be time to call a licensed electrician for a deeper inspection.

WHY DOESN'T MY BATTERY OPERATED EXIT SIGN WORK?

Self-luminous exit signs are the most common crossovers for customers
seeking battery powered exit signs. They require no electricity or
ambient light to stay fully charged!

The most popular and cost effective exit sign solutions for
most consumers is a standard, plastic LED exit sign. Unless you specify
an AC-only model, these consumer signs will almost always include a battery backup system.
So with that said, we still get questions from people asking if these
basic models can run continuously without power. In this article we will
shed some light on why battery powered exit signs do not exist.

We all know how typical AA, C and D-cell batteries work for household
items like portable radios, flashlights and toys. The more you use it,
the shorter the battery life. Even your automobile's beefy battery will
drain pretty quickly if you try to run the radio or air conditioner
without assistance from the engine.  

Exit signs are no different. After a few hours the battery
will drain and they will deactivate, rendering the sign useless until
the batteries are charged or replaced.

BATTERY BACKUP EXIT SIGN ILLUMINATION TYPES

Illuminated exit signs of today use light emitting diode
(LED) technology, a highly efficient light source that uses between 3
and 5 watts of power at any given time. This is a huge leap over the
inefficient bulbs of the past and create a much smaller carbon
footprint.

HERE'S A QUICK COMPARISON OF LED, FLUORESCENT AND INCANDESCENT BATTERY BACKUP EXIT SIGNS: 

ILLUMINATION TYPE:

LED

YEARLY ENERGY USE:

44 kWh

YEARLY COST:

$4

LAMP LIFE:

10+ Years

CARBON DIOXIDE POLLUTION:

72 lbs

ILLUMINATION TYPE:

Fluorescent

YEARLY ENERGY USE:

140 kWh

YEARLY COST:

$11

LAMP LIFE:

11 Mos

CARBON DIOXIDE POLLUTION:

230 lbs

ILLUMINATION TYPE:

Incandescent

YEARLY ENERGY USE:

350 kWh

YEARLY COST:

$28

LAMP LIFE:

2.8 Mos

CARBON DIOXIDE POLLUTION:

574 lns

Certain LED signs are Energy Star rated, meaning they consume less than 5
watts of electricity at any given time. However, despite all the
advantages in maintenance time and energy use, such signs will still die
out after about two hours of continuous battery use.

BATTERY BACKUP EXIT SIGN REGULATIONS

Several guidelines require exit signage to stay on at all
times in any public building. If there is a sudden loss in power, the
building will be plunged into darkness. Only the exit signs and a few
other emergency luminaire's will stay lit, guiding occupants to safety.
But if you install a battery backup sign without assistance from the
building's power grid, you will be cited on your next inspection for non-compliance.

When it comes to staying compliant, two important documents to review are the International Building Code (IBC) and the NFPA 101: Life Safety Code.

IBC SECTION 1011.5.3 - POWER SOURCE

LED Exit Signs with battery backup may sound like a miracle for areas
without access to AC electricity. But further research will prove
differently. 

Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times. To ensure continued illumination for a duration of not less than 90 minutes in
case of primary power loss, the sign illumination means shall be
connected to an emergency power system provided from storage batteries,
unit equipment or an on-site generator. The installation of the
emergency power system shall be in accordance with Chapter 27.

NFPA 101 CHAPTER 14.12.1.2

Illumination of means of egress shall be continuous during
the time that the conditions of occupancy require that the means of
egress be available for use, unless otherwise provided in 14.12.1.2.2.

There are several other associations and documents that
also mandate the 24 hour use of internally illuminated exit signs
including OSHA, IFC, ANSI and ISO; the list goes on and on. Again, a
battery powered sign would make no sense because unless it were
constantly maintained, the sign would fail to stay illuminated for 90
minutes in an emergency.

ELECTRICAL DESIGN OF BATTERY BACKUP LED SIGNS

Now that we are completely certain there are no battery operated exit signs, let's briefly discuss the electrical process of these safety markers.

During normal hours when the power is on, LED signage utilize the AC "house current" from the building's electrical grid. But AC current has a typical load of 120 or 277 volts; exit signs take
either a 6 or 12 volt input. To prevent the exit sign from exploding, AC power must be dropped down and converted to a DC current. The voltage is brought down with a small intermediary transformer and the conversion to DC is accomplished by a half-wave bridge on the circuit card.

The converted DC current supplies power to the LEDs while
the battery is continuously trickle-charged to ensure emergency
readiness. When a power outage or brownout occurs, the switching
circuits inside the sign will automatically cutoff AC power, causing the
battery to switch into action mode.

CONCLUSION

Now that we've cleared up all that confusion regarding
battery backup/battery operated exit signs, it's time for the next step.
Check out our great selection of LED exit signs, emergency light combo units and our sleek edge-lit models to choose the right sign for your business.