Resources/Checklists/Compliance checklist

Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs: Monthly Test

Prove every emergency light and lit exit sign will work on battery when the power goes out.

CodeNFPA 101, Life Safety Code, section 7.9.3 (periodic testing of emergency lighting): a 30-second functional test every month, a 90-minute test once a year, and written records of both. Exit sign illumination: section 7.10. Your local fire code decides which edition applies.

George Herlth III
FMP · 20-yr maintenance pro · v1.0, Oct 2026
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Per-unit log

Per-unit log

One line per fixture, in walking order; write each location once and reuse it. The printable PDF has 16 blank lines with these columns.

#
Write in
Location
Write in
Type
Light / Exit / Combo
On battery 30 sec, stays lit
Tick
Exit sign lit and readable
Tick
Self-test light OK (if equipped)
Tick
Action?
Tick
How to test

Press and hold the test button (or switch off the circuit) for at least 30 seconds. Every lamp must stay lit the whole time.

Checks

  1. 1
    Every unit on the list tested this monthMark: Done
    Monthly
  2. 2
    Lamp heads aimed at the exit path, lenses cleanMark: OK / Action
    Monthly
  3. 3
    Exit signs not blocked by decorations, signs or stored itemsMark: OK / Action
    Monthly
  4. 4
    Annual 90-minute battery test done (date: ______ )Mark: Done / Due
    1. 4aEvery unit stayed lit the full 90 minutesMark: OK / Action
    Yearly
  5. 5
    This sheet filed with the last 12 months of resultsMark: Done
    Monthly

If Action

What to do

  • A dark exit sign, or a light that drops out before 30 seconds: fix it or replace the battery or lamp the same week. Mark the unit out until it passes.
  • Unit fails the 90-minute test: replace the battery and retest.
  • Self-testing units: check the indicator light monthly. Confirm the unit runs its own annual 90-minute test and keeps a record; if it doesn't, run the test by hand.

Your local authority having jurisdiction decides which code edition applies. Confirm locally. Not legal advice.

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