Facility managers and safety teams have a lot on their plate—regular inspections, code compliance, recordkeeping, you name it. Auto-test (self-diagnostic) exit signage lightens that load by running the required checks automatically and flagging issues before they become inspection problems. This guide breaks down the benefits, the compliance angle, best-practice deployment, and how these units streamline your life-safety program without adding complexity.
Last updated: October 2025
Overview: What “auto-test” exit signage does
Auto-test (self-diagnostic) exit signage is a standard UL 924-listed unit with a built-in controller that runs the required monthly quick test and annual 90-minute discharge on its own. The controller verifies emergency LEDs, charger, battery health, and transfer circuitry, then exposes a status indicator—typically a small bi-color LED—showing normal (green) or a fault (red or coded blink).
In practice, this shifts your team’s role from pressing test buttons to verifying results: a quick walk-through to confirm green status lights, plus attention only where a unit signals a fault. You still maintain visibility and records, but drudgery is removed from the process.
Bottom line: Auto-test signs provide continuous assurance between formal inspections, catching issues early and proving that required checks occurred on schedule.
Save time on inspections (labor reduction)
Manual rounds add up quickly: finding every unit, holding a test button for ~30 seconds each month, scheduling an annual 90-minute run, and documenting it all. In a building with 50+ units, that’s dozens of hours of repetitive work yearly—not including after-hours time to avoid disruption.
With auto-test signage, the monthly/annual procedures run automatically. Your team can:
- Replace button-pushing with visual scans: Walk the path of egress and confirm green status indicators—intervene only where a unit signals attention.
- Reduce ladder time: No need to reach the test switch routinely. Reserve access for genuine service (battery swaps, board replacements).
- Minimize disruptions: Built-in tests occur during off-hours; occupants won’t see test flicker during business operations.
Many facilities recoup the small premium for auto-test within a year through saved labor and fewer missed procedures—then continue to save thereafter.
Automated code compliance (NFPA 101 & OSHA)
Codes require two things: the tests must happen on schedule, and you must verify and document them. Auto-test units cover the first part by performing the monthly 30-second and annual 90-minute checks on a fixed cadence. They also make the second part easier because the indicator shows the outcome at a glance.
Best-practice compliance with automated testing:
- Monthly: Conduct a quick visual inspection to confirm each sign indicates “normal.” Record that a visual pass occurred, noting any exceptions.
- Annually: Either allow the device to run the 90-minute cycle and confirm afterward, or initiate the annual run at a convenient date (to align with your calendar). Log the date and outcome.
- After service: Force a manual test to clear a fault, then re-check the indicator to confirm return to normal.
By coupling automated tests with quick visual verification and simple logs, you maintain inspection-ready records without burdening your team.
Instant fault alerts (battery, charger, LED)
Self-diagnostic controllers continuously monitor readiness. Common alerts include:
- Battery fault: Failing capacity, disconnected leads, or a pack that can’t sustain 90 minutes triggers a red or coded indicator.
- Charger/transfer fault: If the charger fails or transfer circuitry misbehaves, the unit flags the condition immediately.
- Lamp/LED fault: Open strings or dim output beyond thresholds will alert so you can restore visibility before an inspection or outage.
Action rule: Treat any red or fault code as “not compliant until resolved.” Keep a legend of blink codes with your maintenance binder so any tech can identify the fault and remediate quickly. Mount units so indicators are visible from the floor—if you can’t see it, you can’t benefit from it.
Simplified recordkeeping & logs
Automation reduces paperwork friction. A simple template covers you:
- Monthly line item: “Visual check complete—all indicators normal (green) on [date]; exceptions: [list any red/fault units].”
- Annual line item: “Annual 90-minute test completed (auto/forced) on [date]; all units returned to normal; exceptions resolved as noted.”
- Corrective entries: “Unit ID X—battery replaced, manual test passed, indicator normal; logged [date].”
Result: You keep a clean trail proving the tests occurred and that exceptions were addressed—no clipboard marathons required.
Best practices: schedules, placement & selection
Scheduling & staffing
- Align annuals with your cycle: Force the 90-minute test annually on a planned week to concentrate any remedial work.
- Bundle checks: Pair indicator scans with other monthly safety rounds (extinguishers, eyewash stations, AEDs) to streamline routes.
- Train for indicators: Make sure anyone doing rounds understands “green = good, red = action,” how to trigger a manual test, and where to log results.
- Proactive battery plan: Replace packs on a 4–5 year cadence, or earlier in hot/cold extremes, to minimize nuisance faults.
Placement & environment
- Indicator visibility: Avoid recessing or shrouding units so far that status LEDs disappear behind trim or door swings.
- Match location rating: Use damp-listed models for humid interiors and true wet-listed units outdoors; auto-test is a feature, not a location rating.
- High-value zones first: Deploy auto-test in areas with heavy foot traffic, critical operations, or limited access—where failures matter most or checks are hardest.
Choosing the right family
- Thermoplastic (budget interiors): Lightweight, low cost, widely available with self-diagnostics—ideal for most indoor corridors. See our Thermoplastic – Basic Guide.
- Metal housings (rugged): Use in abuse-prone zones (gyms, garages, transit) where impact resistance and tamper hardware matter most.
- Wet-location versions: For exterior doors and wash-down areas, pick gasketed, wet-listed models that also carry the auto-test option.
Resources
FAQ
Do auto-test units eliminate monthly testing?
They eliminate manual push-button tests. You still perform a monthly visual check (look for green) and log it. The device handles the actual 30-second run automatically.
How do I handle the annual 90-minute test?
Let the unit run it automatically and confirm afterward, or initiate it on your preferred schedule. Either way, record the date and outcome and address any flagged units.
What if the indicator is red?
Consult the blink-code legend (battery, charger, LED, or other). Fix the issue (e.g., swap battery), run a manual test, and ensure the indicator returns to normal. Log the action.
Are auto-test models more expensive?
A modest premium over basic models is typical, but labor savings and fewer missed procedures usually offset the difference within the first year.
Can I mix auto-test with standard models?
Yes. Just maintain a roster so standard units still get manual monthly tests. Many teams standardize on auto-test over time for simplicity.
Are self-diagnostic features UL 924 compliant?
Yes. Auto-test is an added feature on top of UL 924 listing. It doesn’t change emergency performance; it automates required checks and surfaces faults.
Can these be used in wet or cold environments?
Use models specifically listed for the environment (wet-location, cold-weather kits). Auto-test is available on many wet-listed variants—just match the rating to the site.