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Self Testing Emergency Lights

Self-testing emergency lights (also called self-diagnostic or auto-test emergency lights) automate monthly and annual testing routines and display pass/fail status so your team can verify readiness with quick visual walk-throughs. These fixtures continuously monitor battery health, charging systems, and lamp function to help you stay inspection-ready in commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, schools, warehouses, retail spaces, and multi-site portfolios.

Select self-testing (self-diagnostic) emergency lights that automate monthly (often ~30 seconds) and annual (90-minute) tests—so your monthly rounds are fast indicator checks instead of ladder time. Need sign-only products? See self-testing exit signs. Want legend + heads in one fixture? Compare self-testing exit sign & emergency light combos. For exterior or wash-down installs, use the Wet Location filter below or browse wet-location emergency lights.

Learning Center: LED status codes & troubleshooting · automatic-testing practical guide · ROI calculator (labor savings) · self-testing exit signs playbook
Auto-Test Diagnostics LED Heads / Light Bars (varies) 90-Min Runtime Remote-Capable (select) Cold-Weather Options (select) 120/277 VAC (common)
  • Monthly + annual tests: most models run a short monthly functional test and an annual 90-minute duration test.
  • Status indicators: LED/blink codes show pass/fail so maintenance focuses only on exceptions.
  • Use filters to narrow: shop by wet location, cold weather, mounting, battery chemistry, and UL 924 approvals.
Buyers Guide Tips

What to Look for in Self-Testing Emergency Lights

  • Output & optics: Choose lumen/optic packages that maintain required egress light levels at the 90-minute mark. Aim heads to overlap coverage along stairs, corridors, turns, and discharge points.
  • Self-diagnostics & indicators: The controller automates monthly and annual tests and reports status via LED/blink codes. Use models with clear, service-friendly indicators to speed walk-through checks.
  • Remote-capable (if needed): Match remote voltage (commonly 6V/12V), add on-board + remote head wattage, and plan wiring distance to reduce voltage drop. Verify the farthest head during the full-duration test.
  • Power & battery design: Dual-voltage input (often 120/277 VAC), solid-state charging, low-voltage disconnect, and field-serviceable battery access are common decision points. Recharge behavior varies—confirm per cut sheet for your model.
  • Environment & mounting: Choose damp/wet-location rated models where required, and cold-weather options for unconditioned spaces. Confirm wall/ceiling/recessed mounting compatibility and conduit entry needs.
💡 Tip: Validate egress light levels at the 90-minute point—not just at full charge. Spacing that looks fine at install can fall short at end-of-discharge.
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How Self-Testing Emergency Lights Work

Self-testing (self-diagnostic) emergency lights include a controller that schedules test cycles, simulates a power-loss transfer to battery, and confirms the emergency lamps operate for the required duration. Instead of manual button-press rounds, staff can perform quick indicator checks and service only the units that report a fault.

Infographic showing how self-testing emergency lights work: internal components, automatic test cycles, and status indicators for service.
Self-testing emergency lights at a glance: what’s inside the fixture, how automatic test cycles run, and how status indicators help maintenance teams stay inspection-ready.
  • Inside the fixture: battery + charger/transfer + controller monitor key components and supply emergency power when normal power fails.
  • Automatic test cycles: units typically run a short monthly functional test and an annual 90-minute duration test (timing and behavior vary by model).
  • Status indicators & service: LED/blink codes identify faults so maintenance focuses on exceptions (battery, lamp/driver, or charging issues).

Typical test cycles & what’s monitored

  • Monthly functional test: often ~30 seconds to verify transfer + lamp operation (timing varies by model).
  • Annual duration test: a full 90-minute discharge to confirm runtime capability.
  • Continuous monitoring: battery condition, charger/transfer function, and lamp/driver status are commonly supervised.
  • Status LEDs / blink codes: indicator patterns typically differentiate battery vs lamp vs charger faults (implementation varies).
Need help interpreting blink codes or troubleshooting failures? Read our Self-Testing Emergency Lights: LED Codes & Troubleshooting .

Self-testing vs manual testing (quick comparison)

Task Manual testing workflow Self-testing workflow
Monthly check Trigger test, confirm operation, document results. Visual indicator check; service only flagged units.
Annual 90-minute test Manually initiate, time full duration, document results. Controller runs scheduled duration test; verify indicators/logs per model.
Labor impact Higher recurring labor (ladder/lift time). Lower recurring labor; focus on exceptions.
Best for Small sites with few fixtures. Facilities with many units or limited maintenance bandwidth.

Want to estimate labor savings and payback? Use our Self-Testing vs Manual Testing ROI Calculator .

Benefits of self-diagnostic emergency lighting

  • Reduced maintenance labor and inspection time
  • Faster identification of battery/charger/lamp failures
  • Improved inspection readiness with clear status indications
  • More consistent testing cycles across large sites
  • Lower long-term operating costs on larger installations

Common applications

  • Office buildings & multi-tenant commercial
  • Healthcare facilities & clinics
  • Schools, universities & campuses
  • Warehouses & distribution centers
  • Retail, hospitality & multi-site portfolios
  • Industrial and manufacturing facilities

Shop by requirement (use filters)

  • Wet location / wash-down: filter by Wet Location / IP / NEMA ratings where required.
  • Cold weather: filter by Cold Weather options for unconditioned spaces to protect runtime performance.
  • Remote heads: filter by Remote Capable if you need to extend illumination around corners or down corridors.
  • Materials: filter by Steel / Die-Cast / Thermoplastic based on durability and environment.
  • Approvals: filter by UL 924 and any jurisdictional approvals (where applicable).
📘 Prefer a deeper “how it works” walkthrough? Read our Automatic Testing for Emergency Lights: A Practical Guide .

FAQs About Self-Testing Emergency Lights

What are self-testing emergency lights?

Self-testing emergency lights are fixtures with built-in diagnostics that automatically run scheduled functional and duration tests and indicate pass/fail status—reducing manual monthly testing labor.

How often do self-testing emergency lights perform tests?

Most models run a short monthly functional test (often around 30 seconds) and an annual 90-minute duration test. Intervals and behavior can vary by manufacturer and model—confirm on the cut sheet.

Do self-testing emergency lights meet code requirements?

Many self-diagnostic models are UL 924 listed and are designed to support common life-safety testing requirements. Always confirm listing and documentation practices for your jurisdiction and AHJ expectations.

What happens if a self-testing emergency light fails a test?

The unit typically indicates a fault using a status LED or blink code, signaling battery, charger, or lamp issues so maintenance can service the correct device. See our LED codes & troubleshooting guide.

Are self-testing emergency lights required by code?

They’re not always required, but they’re widely used to simplify compliance workflows—especially where staffing is limited or fixtures are distributed across many locations.

How long do batteries last in self-diagnostic emergency lights?

Battery life varies by chemistry, ambient temperature, and testing conditions, but many facilities plan for replacement in the ~3–5 year range. Always follow manufacturer guidance and replace batteries that fail tests.

Can self-testing emergency lights be remote-capable?

Yes—some self-testing fixtures also support remote heads. If using remote heads, confirm the remote voltage (commonly 6V/12V), total watt load, and wiring distance to minimize voltage drop.

Where are self-testing emergency lights commonly used?

They’re common in offices, hospitals, schools, warehouses, retail/hospitality, and industrial spaces—anywhere inspection readiness matters and manual monthly testing labor is costly.