This resource explains how to install emergency lights and exit signs safely—from pre-install checks and mounting steps to wiring, testing, and documentation. If you’re still choosing fixtures, browse our battery backup exit signs and battery backup emergency lights to ensure code-ready egress lighting with 90-minute runtime.
Last updated: August 2025
Quick Picks
Safety First
- Lockout/tagout: Switch off the breaker and verify power is off.
- Battery check: Install/seat batteries prior to energizing.
- Label match: Wire to 120V or 277V as indicated.
Mounting Tips
- Mark holes before drilling; use proper anchors.
- Route conductors cleanly through knockouts.
- Confirm the housing closes without pinched wires.
Test & Aim
- Press the test button—LEDs should illuminate on battery.
- Aim heads to cover doors, stairs, and intersections.
- Log the install date and initial 90-minute test.
Before Installation: Safety First
- Turn off the circuit breaker before starting.
- Verify that backup batteries are installed correctly in the fixture.
- Use appropriate voltage (120V or 277V AC) and follow wiring labels.
Improper installation may damage the transformer or circuit board. Always double-check voltage requirements and wiring connections. Before you begin installation, safety should always come first. While emergency lights and exit signs are designed to be user-friendly, they still connect to live building power and must be handled carefully. Start by shutting off power at the circuit breaker to eliminate the risk of electric shock. Double-check that your workspace is dry, well-lit, and free of clutter before opening any wiring compartments. Always follow the manufacturer’s label for voltage requirements (usually 120V or 277V) and confirm that your backup battery is properly installed inside the unit before wiring begins. If you’re unsure about any steps, contact a licensed electrician—better to be cautious than to risk a code violation or damage to your system.
Always disconnect power before wiring your emergency light or exit sign.
Mounting Procedure – Emergency Lights
Units typically mount with included brackets or pre-drilled screw holes. Depending on the model, you’ll secure the fixture first, then route and connect wiring through the back. Once installed, a housing cover conceals all internal connections.
Most emergency lights are designed for universal mounting on walls or ceilings, with straightforward installation procedures. Hold the housing to your mounting location and mark the fastener points. If mounting to drywall, use appropriate anchors. Many models include a snap-in bracket that lets you complete wiring before final placement. Route conductors through the knockout or rear access, make connections per the wiring diagram, then secure the fixture and close the housing cover. After powering the branch circuit, confirm that the charge indicator illuminates—this signals the battery is charging. Position and aim lamp heads to cover doors, stairs, and corridor intersections; adjust until you eliminate dark spots along the egress path.
Mount securely using brackets or backplate screws included with your fixture.
Mounting Procedure – Exit Signs
Exit signs follow similar steps. Depending on the model, they may mount flat to the wall or hang from a canopy. As with emergency lights, connect to 120V or 277V AC only after turning off power. Most models include Ni-Cd or Li-ion battery backups that automatically power the sign during outages.
Decide chevron (arrow) direction before mounting—most faces include removable knockouts. Test-fit the sign to the surface, run conductors through the entry point, and make secure splices with wire nuts. Avoid overtightening battery leads or board terminals. Restore power and press the test button: the sign should switch to battery and illuminate. For combo units with heads, aim them to clearly light the egress path below the sign. A neat, strain-relieved wiring job ensures long-term reliability and simplifies future maintenance.
Wiring & Voltage Basics
Most commercial emergency fixtures are dual-voltage and clearly labeled for 120V or 277V operation. Match the building circuit to the correct lead per the diagram—do not connect both. Neutral and ground should be continuous per local code, and any low-voltage accessory wiring (for remote heads or self-test indicators) must be kept separate from line voltage within the housing to prevent abrasion or shorts. If your fixture ships with a quick-connect battery harness, leave it unplugged until after line wiring is complete; then plug it in as the final step to prevent inadvertent deep discharge during install.
When multiple fixtures share a circuit, confirm the breaker and conductor size meet load requirements, accounting for inrush and any integral chargers. Where applicable, label the branch circuit as “Emergency Lighting” so field teams can identify it quickly during maintenance. Finally, keep wire runs tidy: trim excess lead length, cap any unused voltage leads per the manual, and ensure the cover closes without pinching insulation.
Post-Install Testing & Documentation
After mounting and wiring, perform functional tests. Press the test button—fixtures should switch to battery mode and illuminate. Verify the charge indicator when AC is restored. Aim heads again while on battery to ensure the pattern truly covers the path of egress. Many authorities require an initial 90-minute discharge at commissioning to confirm runtime. Record the date, location, model, and results in your life-safety log. That same log can track ongoing inspections, simplifying compliance audits.
To streamline maintenance, align your facility’s routine with manufacturer guidance and local code: quick visual checks during rounds, a monthly functional test, and an annual full-duration test. If your fixtures include self-testing electronics, verify their status indicators and transcribe any fault codes into your log so issues are addressed before an inspection.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
- Wrong voltage lead used: Revisit the diagram and cap the unused lead properly.
- No battery connection: Seat the battery plug firmly; check polarity where applicable.
- Pinched conductors: Reroute and ensure the housing closes without pressure points.
- Heads not aimed: Re-aim to cover doors, stair treads, and corridor turns.
- Missing documentation: Create/enter an install log entry immediately after testing.