Chicago Approved Emergency Lights – Code-Compliant Fixtures

Chicago Approved Emergency Lights

Meet city code with Chicago Approved Emergency Lights designed for stairwells, corridors, and public egress paths. Start with Chicago-approved life safety, pair with Chicago-approved exit signs, or choose Chicago-approved exit sign and emergency light combos.

Chicago Code UL 924 NFPA 101 9W LED Heads 90-Min Backup Metal Housing
Buyers Guide Tips

What to Look for in Chicago Approved Emergency Lights

  • UL 924 & runtime: Verified 90-minute operation with compliant egress illumination.
  • Lamp heads: High-output 9W heads for required light levels and spacing.
  • Construction: Durable metal/steel housings and tamper-resistant hardware.
  • Mounting: Universal wall/ceiling/end options with secure canopy kits.
  • Power: Dual-voltage 120/277 VAC with solid-state charger and automatic transfer.
  • Diagnostics: Self-testing availability for automated monthly/annual checks.
  • Environment: Wet-location and cold-weather packages when conditions demand.
What qualifies as a Chicago Approved Emergency Light? UL 924 listing, compliance with NFPA 101, minimum 90-minute battery backup, 9W heads for required light levels, and durable metal construction with mounting/installation that meets City of Chicago rules.

These Chicago-approved emergency lights use high-output 9W LED lamp heads and maintenance-free batteries to deliver at least 90 minutes of illumination during a power failure. Most models are dual-voltage (120/277 VAC), offer universal wall/ceiling/end mounting, and include tamper-resistant hardware to satisfy local requirements.

Options include wet-location housings for exposed stair towers, cold-weather packages, self-testing diagnostics for simplified inspections, and remote-capable outputs for extended coverage. Verify runtime, temperature ratings, and mounting height with your submittals to ensure smooth approval with the AHJ.

Outfit a single project or an entire portfolio with code-ready products: Chicago-approved exit signs | Chicago-approved life safety | Chicago-approved exit sign and emergency light combos.

Specs vary by model—confirm submittals with your AHJ for site-specific requirements.

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Chicago Approved Emergency Lights Spec Guide

Spec Snapshot

  • Compliance: UL 924 listed with a minimum 90-minute runtime; supports NFPA 101. Chicago design targets typically require ≥2 fc average and ≥0.2 fc minimum along the path of egress—coordinate with your AHJ.
  • Output & Optics: High-output ~9 W LED heads (typical) with adjustable aim to meet spacing and uniformity; review photometric data at planned mounting height.
  • Housing & Durability: Metal/steel construction with tamper-resistant hardware; vandal-resistant lenses available for public areas and stair towers.
  • Power & Electronics: Dual-voltage 120/277 VAC, solid-state charger/automatic transfer, low-voltage disconnect, AC lockout, brownout detection, test button & status LED. Self-testing diagnostics offered on many models.
  • Mounting & Environment: Universal wall/ceiling/end mounting. Specify wet-location and cold-weather packages as needed; confirm gasketed enclosures for exposed locations.
  • Remote-Capable Options: Select units power additional remote heads—verify available remote wattage and resulting runtime in the submittal.

FAQs About Chicago Approved Emergency Lights

What makes an emergency light “Chicago approved”?

Chicago-approved units are UL 924 listed, provide a minimum of 90 minutes of emergency illumination, use durable metal/steel housings, and are built to meet local visibility and tamper-resistance expectations.

What light levels does Chicago require?

Design targets commonly used in Chicago are ≥2 ft-candles average and ≥0.2 ft-candles minimum along the path of egress. Always coordinate final criteria with the AHJ and project plans.

Are these units UL 924 certified?

Yes. Chicago-compliant emergency lights are UL 924 listed and support NFPA 101 life-safety requirements.

Do models include self-testing diagnostics?

Many do. Self-diagnostic electronics automate the required monthly 30-second and annual 90-minute tests and indicate faults via a status LED.

What housing materials are expected?

Metal/steel enclosures are typically expected for durability and tamper resistance in Chicago applications, especially in public corridors and stair towers.

What about harsh or outdoor environments?

Specify damp or wet-location listings and consider cold-weather packages for low ambient temperatures. Gasketed, vandal-resistant designs are recommended in exposed areas.

Do any models support remote heads?

Yes. Remote-capable units can power additional remote heads; verify available remote wattage and resulting runtime on the submittal.

What input power and controls are typical?

Most units accept 120/277 VAC and include solid-state charging/automatic transfer, low-voltage disconnect, AC lockout, brownout detection, a test button, and a status LED.

How do I confirm compliance for my project?

Submit the manufacturer’s cut sheet/submittal, UL listing details, and any site-specific notes to the AHJ for approval. Photometric layouts at the intended mounting height are often requested.

Are combo fixtures acceptable in Chicago?

Yes. Chicago-approved exit sign and emergency light combos are available with metal housings, 90-minute backup, and appropriate listings to streamline installation and inspection.