NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
Comprehensive requirements for emergency lighting, exit signs, and means of egress
Overview
NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code, is the most widely used source for strategies to protect people based on building construction, protection, and occupancy features that minimize the effects of fire and related hazards. The 2024 edition provides requirements for emergency lighting, exit marking, and means of egress that have been adopted by jurisdictions throughout North America.
First published in 1927, NFPA 101 addresses both new construction and existing buildings with specific requirements based on occupancy type. The code is updated every three years to incorporate lessons learned from fire incidents and advances in life safety technology.
- Applies to all occupancy classifications
- Covers both new and existing buildings
- Integrates with building codes and fire codes
- Performance-based design options available
Section 7.9 - Emergency Lighting Requirements
Duration and Illumination Levels
- Emergency illumination shall be provided for a minimum of 1.5 hours (90 minutes)
- Initial illumination: average of 1 footcandle (10.8 lux) minimum
- At any point: not less than 0.1 footcandle (1.1 lux)
- Light levels may decline to 60% at the end of the 90-minute duration
- Maximum-to-minimum illumination uniformity ratio shall not exceed 40:1
Required Locations
- Designated stairs
- Aisles and corridors
- Ramps and escalators
- Passageways leading to exits
- Exit discharge areas to the public way
- All portions of exit access in assembly occupancies
- Interior portions of exit discharge in buildings over 75 feet high
Power Transfer Time
Where emergency lighting depends on changing from normal power to emergency power, a delay of not more than 10 seconds shall be permitted.
Section 7.10 - Exit Sign Requirements
Sign Specifications
- Letters: "EXIT" in plainly legible letters
- New signs: Letters at least 6 inches high with 3/4-inch stroke width
- Existing signs: Letters at least 4 inches high permitted
- Pictograms: NFPA 170 compliant symbols permitted when approved by AHJ
- Color: Red or green letters on contrasting background
Placement Requirements
- Door-mounted signs: Bottom no more than 80 inches above floor
- Corridor signs: Viewing distance not to exceed rated distance or 100 feet
- Floor proximity signs: 6-18 inches above floor
- Directional signs required where exit direction not apparent
- No decorations or furnishings shall impair visibility
Illumination Requirements
- Externally illuminated: Minimum 5 footcandles (54 lux) at surface
- Internally illuminated: Listed per UL 924 standard
- Photoluminescent: Listed per UL 924, continuously charged
- Self-luminous: Approved signs with radioactive isotopes
- Must be illuminated by emergency lighting when required
Testing & Maintenance Requirements
Required Testing Schedule
| Test Type | Frequency | Duration | Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functional Test | Monthly | 30 seconds minimum | Log date and results |
| Duration Test | Annual | 1.5 hours | Written records required |
| Exit Sign Check | Monthly | Visual inspection | Note deficiencies |
| Battery Systems | Annual | Full discharge test | Capacity verification |
Testing Protocol
- Monthly tests: 3-5 weeks between tests (not less than 3, not more than 5)
- Equipment shall be fully operational for duration of tests
- Written records shall be kept by owner for AHJ inspection
- Testing shall be conducted by qualified service personnel
- Self-testing/self-diagnostic systems permitted with monitoring
Occupancy-Specific Requirements
NFPA 101 Chapters 12-42 provide specific requirements based on occupancy type:
- Assembly (Chapter 12-13): Emergency lighting required in all assembly occupancies regardless of occupant load
- Educational (Chapter 14-15): Required in all interior stairs, corridors, and windowless areas
- Healthcare (Chapter 18-19): Essential electrical systems per NFPA 99, critical branch circuits
- Hotels/Dormitories (Chapter 28-29): Required in corridors, stairs, and lobbies
- Business (Chapter 38-39): Required in buildings with occupant load of 1,000 or more
- Industrial (Chapter 40): Required in high hazard areas and means of egress
- Storage (Chapter 42): Required based on hazard classification
Special Provisions
High-Rise Buildings
- Emergency lighting required in all exit stairs and vestibules
- Standby power required for elevators and emergency systems
- Stairway video monitoring systems where required
- Two-way communication systems in areas of refuge
Performance-Based Options
- Chapter 5 allows performance-based design alternatives
- Computer modeling permitted for egress time calculations
- Alternative materials and methods with engineering analysis
- Required approval by AHJ with supporting documentation
Existing Buildings
- Chapter 4 provides requirements for existing buildings
- Retroactive requirements for serious life safety deficiencies
- Compliance alternatives for historic buildings
- Equivalency concepts for alternative compliance methods
Related Standards
NFPA 101 references NFPA 72 Fire Alarm Code for detection and notification systems, NFPA 110 Emergency Power Systems for backup power, and NFPA 13 Sprinkler Systems for suppression requirements.
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