Chicago‑Approved Emergency Lights: Specs, Spacing & Common Inspection Fails

What “Chicago‑approved” means for emergency lights

There’s no separate Chicago listing for emergency lights. In practice, reviewers expect UL 924 luminaires that are durable (steel or die‑cast metal housings), provide reliable 90‑minute illumination, and are serviceable with an accessible push‑to‑test and clear status indication. Where environments are harsh—garages, exposed stairs—specify wet‑location or cold‑weather models so performance isn’t compromised outdoors.

• Durability: metal housings resist abuse and temperature swings better than light plastics.
• Visibility: adjustable heads should cover the path, with beam spreads matched to ceiling height and corridor width.
• Maintainability: self‑testing (where permitted) reduces manual checks but still requires visual verification and logging.

If a spec is silent on construction, assume metal housings for Chicago jobs unless the AHJ states otherwise.

Specs that matter: output, optics, runtime & service

Emergency lighting is a balance of photometrics and practicality. Document these items in your fixture schedule:

• Light output & optics: use head wattage and beam spread appropriate to the space. Narrow corridors often benefit from medium beams; open lobbies need wider distribution or additional heads.
• Runtime: batteries must support 90 minutes at the stated load. If remote heads are used, confirm runtime with all loads connected.
• Input voltage: 120/277 VAC universal input simplifies coordination.
• Construction: steel or die‑cast aluminum housings, with tamper‑resistant hardware in public areas.
• Self‑testing: permitted on many projects; indicate test cadence and fault codes in O&M notes.
• Remote‑capable rating: list available watts for remote heads and any derates at temperature extremes.

Spacing & uniformity: practical rules of thumb

Start with manufacturer photometrics, then adapt with field‑savvy patterns that Chicago inspectors recognize:

• Corridors (8–10 ft wide, 9–10 ft ceilings): stagger heads left/right every 20–30 ft so beams overlap and avoid “bright‑dark‑bright” patterns.
• Turns & intersections: place a unit within 5–10 ft of the corner aimed into the new path. Confirm that light reaches around obstructions.
• Door approach: illuminate the landing and first 20–30 ft beyond the door swing.
• Reflectance awareness: darker finishes and higher ceilings may require closer spacing or higher‑output heads.
• Verification: include a brief note in your submittal describing the spacing basis (ceiling height, reflectance assumptions).

Stairs, doors & intersections

Stair towers and decision points are where emergencies become real—treat them as critical nodes.

• Stairs: aim one head at treads (near‑field) and one toward the landing (far‑field). Avoid glare into the line of descent.
• Doors: mount units so the landing is bright and the exit path is visible even when the door is open.
• T‑intersections: consider a unit that can aim left and right, or an exit‑and‑emergency combo if a sign is also required.

For sign‑specific decisions (chevrons, faces, sightlines), see the exit‑signs guide: Chicago‑Approved Exit Signs: Requirements, Options & Submittal Checklist.

Open areas & high ceilings

Large rooms and atria can’t rely on corridor rules. Increase output and diversify aiming:

• Layered coverage: supplement wall units with ceiling or high‑mount heads to reach the floor uniformly.
• Beam strategy: blend one narrow (throw) and one wide (fill) to reduce dark islands.
• Obstructions: account for furniture, tall partitions, or equipment that can shadow paths during outages.
• Ceiling heights >12 ft: raise output, add heads, or use remote heads placed closer to the task plane.

Remote heads & voltage drop

Remote‑capable units are common on Chicago jobs. Respect loading and conductor limits to preserve runtime:

• Budget watts: subtract onboard head draw from the unit’s rated watts to find remaining capacity for remotes.
• Conductor sizing: long runs increase voltage drop. Upsize conductors or shorten runs to keep heads at rated output.
• Document loads: in your submittal, list each remote head’s wattage and approximate distance so reviewers see the margin.
• Full‑load test: during commissioning, discharge for 90 minutes with remotes connected to confirm performance.

Wet‑location & cold‑weather options

Parking garages, exterior stairs, and wash‑down areas demand sealed equipment. Use gasketed housings, sealed entries, and consider cold‑weather packages where ambient temperatures dip below battery limits.

• Ratings: match NEMA/IP ratings to conditions; where power‑washing is expected, step up to higher jet‑resistance ratings.
• Hardware: tamper‑resistant screws and impact‑resistant lenses in public or vehicular areas.
• Sealing: listed hubs, capped unused knockouts, and correct weep‑hole orientation protect the enclosure.

For deeper detail on ratings, mounting and field troubleshooting, see Wet‑Location in Chicago: NEMA/IP Ratings, Mounting, and Field Troubleshooting.

Electrical & code notes

Emergency lights should remain energized ahead of local switching and recover after outages without manual intervention.

• Unswitched circuit: tie life‑safety loads to an unswitched circuit or use listed lock‑on devices where local controls exist.
• Generators/inverters: coordinate transfer times; verify that momentary drops don’t extinguish legends or heads.
• Labeling: identify emergency circuits and remote‑head runs on the one‑line and floor plans for clarity.

Plan‑review submittal checklist

Paste these lines into your cover sheet to keep review fast and predictable:

1. Cut sheets highlighting UL 924, metal housing, head output/beam options, 90‑minute runtime, and remote‑capable watts (if used).
2. Fixture schedule fields: manufacturer & part number; input voltage (120/277 V); head count and wattage; mounting; options (self‑testing, tamper‑resistant).
3. Egress drawings showing unit locations, aiming arrows, stairs/doors/turns coverage, and any remote heads with distances.
4. Environment notes flagging wet‑location or cold‑weather models in garages/exterior stairs.
5. Electrical one‑line showing unswitched circuiting, remote‑head conductor sizes, and load totals.
6. Testing plan describing monthly function tests and the annual 90‑minute discharge with logging method.

Commissioning, testing & recordkeeping

Commissioning is your chance to catch mis‑aimed heads and weak batteries before inspection.

• Initial aim: walk each corridor and stair; confirm treads, landings, and door approaches are lit without glare.
• Monthly: push‑to‑test, confirm head illumination and indicator status; correct damage or obstructions.
• Annually: perform a full 90‑minute discharge; verify recharge time and replace aging batteries proactively.
• Logs: track results by floor/room/device ID so inspectors can verify quickly.

Common inspection fails in Chicago

• Non‑metal housings used where durability is expected.
• Under‑lighting stairs, turns, and large open areas by copying corridor spacing.
• Remote‑head loads that exceed available watts or suffer excessive voltage drop.
• Compromised wet‑location ratings from unsealed knockouts or incorrect weep‑hole orientation.
• Missing monthly/annual test records at inspection.

Resources & FAQ

Related reading:

• Exit & Emergency Combos: When to Use Them
• Exit Signs: Requirements, Options & Submittal Checklist
• Wet‑Location in Chicago

FAQ

How far apart should emergency lights be in a typical corridor?

As a starting point, 20–30 ft with staggered left/right placement on 9–10 ft ceilings. Verify with photometrics and adjust for darker finishes.

Can self‑testing replace manual inspections?

It reduces manual effort but does not eliminate visual checks. Staff should still verify indicators and keep monthly/annual logs.

When should I choose a combo instead of a separate light near a door?

Combos are ideal where a sign is also required at a decision point. They simplify wiring and keep sightlines clean—verify coverage and remote loading if applicable.