Emergency Lighting

What emergency lighting does

Emergency lighting keeps exits, corridors and stairs lit during a power outage. Exit signs mark the way out. Both are required in most commercial buildings under the National Building Code, Alberta Edition, and both are checked by inspectors.

The exact requirements depend on the occupancy, the size of the building and the layout. Our engineers confirm them early, since a layout change can add or move fixtures.

Types of systems

• Unit equipment, with a battery inside the fixture, common in smaller spaces
• Central battery or inverter systems that feed many fixtures from one location
• Illuminated exit signs, including LED models with battery backup
• Photoluminescent signs where permitted
• Connection to a generator where one is present

Installation and coordination

Emergency fixtures need to be placed so that paths of travel are lit evenly. Coordinating with ceiling grids, ducts, sprinklers and furniture takes care. Our electricians work from the same drawings as our ceiling and mechanical crews, so conflicts are caught before ceilings close.

Wiring matters too. Emergency circuits are connected so they see normal power and can switch on when it drops. Mistakes here are common in rushed jobs, and a Master Electrician reviews the work before inspection.

Testing and upkeep

Before opening, the system is tested for runtime and function. Batteries need regular checks afterwards, and codes call for periodic testing and records. We can set up a maintenance program with our electricians so the checks do not fall through the cracks.

In renovations, adding or moving walls changes how emergency lighting needs to be laid out. If you plan changes, ask us first. We also find existing systems with dead batteries or missing coverage during tenant improvement work, and we report them plainly so you can plan the fix.