What are the requirements for emergency lighting in commercial buildings?

The requirement for emergency lighting in commercial buildings emphasizes the need for adequate illumination to ensure safe egress during power outages. This means that in the event of a disruption to the normal power supply, the emergency lighting system must provide sufficient light to guide occupants safely to the nearest exit. This is crucial for public safety, as it helps prevent panic and potential injury during emergencies when visibility may be compromised.

While battery operation is a common feature of emergency lighting systems, the focus of the requirement is on ensuring that the lighting is effective for safe egress, regardless of the power source. Emergency lighting does not need to be installed in every room but must be strategically placed in locations such as hallways, stairwells, and near exits. Moreover, while exit signs play a vital role in directing people to safety, emergency lighting criteria focus primarily on overall visibility for egress paths rather than specifying the inclusion of exit signs in every instance. Thus, the primary requirement remains that the lighting must be adequate for safe egress during power outages.