New York City–Approved Emergency Lights

New York City–Approved Emergency Lights

Meet NYC’s stricter code with New York City–approved emergency lights engineered for Local Law 26 and FDNY requirements. Start here: browse the NYC-approved emergency lighting collection, pair with NYC-approved exit signs, or choose all-in-one NYC-approved exit sign & emergency light combos.

NYC Approved Local Law 26 UL 924 90-Min Backup Metal Housing Wet Location Self-Testing

These NYC-approved emergency lighting fixtures use high-output LEDs and maintenance-free batteries to deliver a minimum 90 minutes of egress illumination during power failure. Durable steel or aluminum housings, sealed optics, and universal mounting hardware support hospitals, multifamily, schools, and high-rise projects across the five boroughs. For placement flexibility, see wall-mount emergency lights and ceiling-mount emergency lights.

Choose recessed emergency lights or surface-mount heads for clean architecture, wet-location emergency lights for exposed stair towers, and self-testing emergency lights to automate monthly/annual checks. Many SKUs offer remote-capable emergency lights, cold-weather emergency lights, and lithium (LiFePO4) battery options—verify runtime and temperature ratings per submittal.

NYC checklist: UL 924 listing, Local Law 26/FDNY compliance, 90-minute battery, metal housing, and illumination levels that meet egress requirements. For exit signage specifics (8" red letters, 1" stroke), see NYC-approved exit signs or NYC-approved exit sign & emergency light combos.

Specs vary by model—confirm job drawings, temperature codes, and wet-location ratings before submittal.

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✅ What to Look For in NYC-Approved Emergency Lights

  • Red LED Letters 8″/1″ – NYC mandates bold legend height and stroke in FDNY-approved exit signage.
  • Metal Housing – Steel or aluminum construction is required for durability and fire-code compliance.
  • High-Output Lamp Heads – Emergency fixtures feature 9 W or higher LED/incandescent lamps to meet NYC’s 2 FC average illumination requirement.
  • 90-Minute Battery Backup – UL 924 listing ensures emergency power duration and auto-recharge.
  • Wet/Damp Location Rated – Seek NEMA 4X/IP65 protection for outdoor stairwells or covered walkways.
  • Photoluminescent Options – NYC-approved glow-in-the-dark signs and path markers (esp. Local Law 26 high-rise photoluminescent path systems).
  • Self-Test Diagnostics – Automated monthly/annual testing helps maintain code compliance efficiently.
  • Remote Heads Available – Expand lighting zones with UL-listed remote fixtures from central combo units.

FAQs About NYC‑Approved Emergency Light Fixtures

What makes NYC‑approved fixtures different?

NYC standards require 8″ red letters (1″ stroke), metal housing, and emergency light heads rated around 9 W to deliver at least 2 fc along egress paths.

How is illumination measured?

NYC mandates average 2 fc (22 lux) and minimum 0.2 fc at floor level along exit routes—twice the national minimum—to enhance visibility in emergencies.

Are photoluminescent options accepted?

Yes—NYC-approved glow-in-the-dark exit signs and photoluminescent tape/markers meet Local Law 26 requirements, especially in high‑rise buildings.

Do combo units include emergency heads?

Absolutely—combo fixtures integrate red-letter exit signs with 9 W+ adjustable lamp heads and durable metal housing to meet NYC’s egress lighting requirements.

Are they wet‑location rated?

Many NYC-approved models are NEMA 4X or IP65+ rated, suitable for wet or covered outdoor areas such as stairwells or foyer entrances.

Is self-testing required?

While not mandatory, automated self-test diagnostics for UL 924 fixtures are highly recommended to simplify monthly and yearly inspection compliance.