Emergency light fixtures buying guide for exit signs and standby fixtures

Emergency Lighting


In the event of a power outage, emergency lighting systems stay illuminated to provide much need safety and assistance.


In the event of a power outage, emergency lighting systems stay illuminated to provide much needed safety and assistance. Emergency exit lights with battery backup are a special category of lighting fixtures and devices that are powered by independent sources or internal batteries and activated during a power outage. Additionally, emergency lighting can indicate hazardous work environments.

Installing emergency lighting is mandatory under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), International Building Codes , and International Fire Codes.

If you're an electrical contractor for commercial buildings or industrial facilities, you'll find multiple options for specialty lighting fixtures at ElliottElectric.com. Installing emergency lighting ensures customers and other occupants of a building can find an exit in the case of an emergency. Emergency lights, in particular exit signs must be in adherence to fire and life safety regulations.


Emergency Light Fixtures and Signs - Exit Sign, Escape Light

Emergency exit lights with battery backup can help reduce wasted time and costs, allowing companies to maintain productivity. Installing emergency lights correctly is a simple and easy way to ensure your business remains open while also adhering to safety regulations.

Self–Contained Fixtures

These emergency fixtures are equipped with built–in recharging circuits and or rechargeable batteries. Regulations dictate self–contained fixtures must be wired directly into a building's main power supply. When the power is on, these should maintain a near–100 percent charge. Standard practice is to immediately recharge self–contained emergency exit lights with battery backup.

Escape Lighting

Typically used as open–area lighting fixtures, escape lights and emergency signage aid in safely navigating people through a building.

Emergency Exit Sign

exit sign with lights and battery backup

An emergency exit sign is overhead light fixtures with the word ″EXIT″ illuminated in red or green. Exit signs are used to direct people towards a safe exit in the event of a power outage, fire, and other emergencies.

Shop Emergency Exit Signs

Emergency Light Fixture

emergency exit light led battery powered

An Emergency Light Fixture is battery powered light fixture or device that switch on automatically when a building loses power. This allows for safe navigation and/or evacuation in the event of a power outage.

Shop Emergency Light Fixtures

Central Battery Light Fixture

Emergency exit lights with battery backup (or central battery light fixtures) use fire‑resistant cables. Once power is restored after an outage, these batteries must be replaced or recharged. There are two categories of central battery emergency lights: Maintained Fixtures and Non‑Maintained Fixtures.

Maintained Fixtures

Maintained fixtures operate as "normal" lights when power is running, but they remain illuminated once the power has shut off.

Non-Maintained Fixtures (Sustained Luminaires)

Non-maintained fixtures or sustained luminaries remain off when the main power supply is operational. These only activate in the event of a power outage.


OSHA Emergency Lighting Requirements

OSHA's requirements for emergency lighting fixtures is covered under 19101.37(b). This states that exit routes must be adequately lit and clearly marked. Additional requirements include:

  • An exit route door must be free of decorations or anything that may block it. A sign must always be visible above it.
  • Direction of travel to an exit should be immediately apparent, with signs posted along the route and access point.
  • Any door that may be mistaken for an exit must be marked “Not an Exit.”
  • Every emergency light must be illuminated to the level of at least five foot–candles (54 lux). Their light source must be reliable.
  • Every exit sign must clearly have the word “EXIT” written in legible letters no less than six inches tall.
  • Emergency lights must be periodically tested to ensure they work.

Additional Safety Lighting Options

Although emergency light fixtures aren't needed for every situation, safety should always be a priority. More speciality lighting options are available at the Elliott Electric Supply Lighting Showroom .

Step Lights

LED step lights for indoors and outdoors

Step lights are a discrete fixtures close to the ground used to illuminate a safe pathway and stairway. There are indoor and outdoor step lights.

Shop Step Light Fixtures

Flood Lights

LED flood lights for outdoor security

Flood lights are a fixture that emit a broad beam of light. Flood lights ″flood″ an area so it's illuminated.

Shop Flood Lights

Security Light Fixtures

High power LED security flood lights

A security Light is an outdoor light fixture with a high–intensity brightness to illuminate high–traffic and hazardous areas.

Shop Security Light Fixtures

Motion Sensor Lights

Motion sensor security flood lights

Motion lights are an energy–saving light fixture that will remain off until it senses motion.

Shop Motion Sensor Fixtures

Work Lights

Portable work lights and lamps

A work light is a portable light fixture or device with high–intensity brightness to illuminate a small or open work space.

Shop Portable Work Lights


With locations across multiple states, Elliott Electric Supply understands the electrical industry and your needs, unlike big-box retailers and e–commerce corporations. Now, you can access our supplies and services more conveniently using our mobile–friendly website and through our updated customer app.

From emergency lighting to electrical boxes, we've got your electrical needs covered. With great pricing, extensive inventory, and fast delivery, you'll find no better wholesale electrical supplies distributor online than Elliott Electric Supply.

Warning: When using this information to perform electrical work, call a licensed electrician and consult the NEC® for safety. All licensed electricians have passed examinations covering the National Electric Code®, know state and local building codes, and may carry insurance to cover damages.