The little lights with a big job

Let’s talk about one of the most overlooked pieces of safety equipment in your building: the exit and emergency lights. You know, those glowing signs that quietly sit above doors, minding their business—until the power goes out. And that’s exactly when you realize just how important they are. The thing is, these lights aren’t just there for decoration or to tick a box on a safety checklist. They’re literally designed to save lives.

Still, they often get forgotten until a fire marshal, insurance rep, or worse—an emergency—forces them back into the spotlight. The truth? Skipping your exit light inspections is a gamble, and the potential consequences go way beyond a burned-out bulb.

They’re required for more than just looks

Exit and emergency lights are mandated by codes like NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and OSHA regulations. Why? Because in the middle of a smoke-filled building or blackout, people need clear, illuminated paths to get out safely. And when those lights aren’t working, it doesn’t just slow evacuation—it could end in injury, lawsuits, or worse.

Regular inspections aren’t optional; they’re a requirement. You might pass one fire inspection by the skin of your teeth, but eventually, a missed test or failed battery backup is going to catch up with you.

Failure to inspect = more than a slap on the wrist

If your emergency lighting fails during an inspection, you’re not just looking at a quick fix. Violations can lead to:

  • Fines from local authorities

  • Delays in occupancy approvals

  • Voided insurance claims

  • Legal liability in the event of an emergency

That’s a lot of risk over a relatively simple system. And considering how affordable routine inspections and maintenance can be, there’s really no reason to skip them.

They need more than a quick peek

You might think checking your exit lights is as simple as making sure they’re glowing. But proper testing includes:

  • Verifying the battery backup kicks in during power loss

  • Checking the illumination levels are code-compliant

  • Ensuring bulbs, wiring, and housings are intact and damage-free

  • Testing for minimum 90-minute run time (as required by code)

It’s a short list, but each step is critical. DIY checks are helpful, but a professional inspection guarantees everything works as expected—and keeps your records up to date for compliance purposes.

Want to keep your building safe and your business protected? Action Fire & Alarm offers expert Exit & Emergency Light Services to make sure your system is inspection-ready and fully functional when it matters most. We also provide full support for Fire Alarm Monitoring, Fire Extinguishers, and Sprinkler Systems for a total fire protection solution. Ready to schedule your next service? Contact us today and stay a step ahead of safety.