Emergency lighting is what keeps an evacuation orderly when normal power fails or smoke fills a corridor. It's a quiet, often-overlooked system, but it is one of the first items a Civil Defense inspector will test on site — and one of the most common reasons facilities fail. In Saudi Arabia, emergency lighting and exit signage are governed by NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and the requirements of the General Directorate of Civil Defense administered through the Salamah portal. This guide explains what compliance actually looks like.
Where emergency lighting is required
NFPA 101 requires emergency illumination along every designated means of egress in any building of significant occupancy. In practice, that includes:
- Corridors, stairwells, and stair landings.
- Exit doors and the area immediately outside each exit discharge.
- Lobbies, atriums, and public assembly spaces.
- Mechanical and electrical rooms where personnel may be working when power fails.
- Areas where the loss of normal lighting would expose occupants to a hazard.
Illumination levels and duration
NFPA 101 sets a clear, measurable performance standard for emergency lighting. The values below are the ones inspectors check against:
- Initial illumination of at least 1 foot-candle (about 10.8 lux) measured at the floor along the egress path.
- Average illumination over the full egress path of at least 1 foot-candle.
- A maximum-to-minimum uniformity ratio of 40:1 — no dark spots between fixtures.
- Sustained illumination for a minimum of 90 minutes after loss of normal power.
- At the end of 90 minutes, the illumination may decline to no less than 0.1 foot-candle (about 1 lux) along the egress path.
A common misconception is that emergency lights only need to switch on. They must also stay on for the full 90 minutes at compliant brightness — which is why battery health is the single biggest predictor of inspection success.
Exit signs
Exit signs must be visible from any point along the egress path. Where the path of egress is not immediately obvious, directional exit signs with arrows must be installed at every change in direction. Requirements include:
- Internally illuminated signs with a contrasting colour scheme (typically red or green letters on a white background, or white letters on a red/green background).
- Letter height of at least 6 inches (152 mm) with a stroke width of at least 19 mm.
- Maximum viewing distance of 30 metres for standard signs.
- Connection to both normal power and the emergency power source so the sign remains illuminated during a power failure.
Power sources
Self-contained battery units
The most common solution. Each luminaire contains its own battery, charger, and transfer circuit. They are simple to install and maintain, but the batteries must be replaced periodically — most sealed lead-acid units last 3 to 5 years, lithium-iron-phosphate units last longer.
Central battery / inverter systems
A central UPS or battery bank powers multiple emergency luminaires through dedicated circuits. This is preferred in larger facilities because batteries can be centrally monitored and replaced as a single asset.
Generator-backed circuits
Acceptable when the generator can transfer load within the 10-second maximum allowed by NFPA 110 and the lighting circuits are wired into the emergency branch of the distribution system.
Testing and maintenance
NFPA 101 prescribes a routine testing regime that must be documented for Civil Defense inspection:
- Monthly: 30-second functional test on every emergency luminaire and exit sign — push the test button or interrupt the local circuit and confirm the fixture illuminates.
- Annually: full 90-minute discharge test on every battery-powered fixture, with a written record of any unit that fails to hold the duration.
- Self-testing/self-diagnostic luminaires are permitted in lieu of the manual monthly test, provided the unit logs results and any failures are addressed promptly.
Common failures inspectors find
- Dead or weak batteries that do not survive the 90-minute discharge.
- Fixtures that turn on but provide far below 1 foot-candle at floor level.
- Burned-out lamps in exit signs that have not been replaced.
- Exit signs blocked by signage, banners, or temporary partitions.
- Egress paths re-routed by tenants without re-engineering the lighting layout.
- No documented test records — even functional fixtures are rejected without paperwork.
Best practices
- Specify LED luminaires with self-test electronics from the design stage.
- Use lithium-iron-phosphate batteries where possible for longer life and consistent discharge.
- Walk every egress path with a light meter at least once a year, not just at commissioning.
- Keep the test register on the same drive as the AMC documentation so it is ready for any audit.
- Replace exit sign lamps and batteries on a fixed schedule, not just when they fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must emergency lighting stay on after a power failure?
NFPA 101 requires a minimum of 90 minutes of emergency illumination after the loss of normal power.
What illumination level does NFPA 101 require?
At least 1 foot-candle (about 10.8 lux) average along the egress path initially, declining to no less than 0.1 foot-candle (about 1 lux) at the end of the 90-minute period.
Are self-contained battery units acceptable for Salamah compliance?
Yes, provided each unit meets the duration and illumination requirements and is part of a documented monthly and annual test programme.
How often should emergency lights be tested?
NFPA 101 requires a 30-second functional test every month and a full 90-minute discharge test every year, both with written records.
Whether you're upgrading existing emergency lighting or fitting out a new facility, our team designs and tests systems to NFPA 101 and Salamah requirements. Request an inspection today.