Emergency Lighting vs Exit Signs: Alberta Fire Code Guides

Emergency Lighting vs Exit Signs: What Does the Alberta Fire Code Require for Each?

Quick answer: Emergency lights and exit signs are two separate things under Alberta’s fire code. Emergency lights help people see their way out when the power fails, for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Exit signs indicate the way out and must remain lit at all times. Both need a quick monthly check and a full yearly test.

What is the difference between emergency lighting and exit signs?

Emergency lights light up the way out. Exit signs tell people where the way out is. Picture a power cut in a Calgary office at 4:45 on a December afternoon. It’s already dark. People need light to get down the stairs and need to know which door to head for. The emergency lights (those twin-head “frog eye” units on the wall) handle the first job. The exit signs handle the second. They work as a team, but the code treats them as two systems. An inspector checks each one separately.

Which code covers emergency lights and exit signs in Alberta?

Two codes do. The building code says where they go. The fire code says how you keep them working. Alberta’s fire code is the National Fire Code – 2023 Alberta Edition. Most people still just call it the Alberta Fire Code. It came into force on May 1, 2024, according to the Government of Alberta. Why does that matter? Maintenance is the owner’s job. Perfectly installed lights can still fail inspection if nobody tests them.

What does the Alberta Fire Code require for emergency lighting?

Emergency lights must automatically turn on when the power fails and illuminate the exits and the routes to them. They need to give an average of 10 lux at floor level, with at least 1 lux at any point. That’s roughly enough to see the steps under your feet.

How long do emergency lights need to stay on?

It depends on your building. Under the National Building Code, which Alberta uses, emergency lighting must run for:

• 30 minutes in most buildings
• 1 hour in care, treatment, and detention buildings (such as care homes)
• 2 hours in high buildings

Your yearly test has to match this number. If you’re not sure which one applies, it’s on your electrical drawings. Check before the test, not after.

What does the Alberta Fire Code require for exit signs?

Exit signs must be lit at all times while the building is in use, not only during a power outage. New signs must show the green “running man” symbol. They also have to be wired to a circuit that only serves emergency equipment and is backed by emergency power.

Do I have to replace old red EXIT signs?

Usually not right away. The green symbol applies to new buildings and renovations. Older red signs can often remain in place until that part of the building is renovated or the fire inspector requests a change. Ask your local fire department before you budget for a full swap.

Are glow-in-the-dark exit signs allowed in Alberta?

Yes. Photoluminescent (glow) signs are allowed. The catch is that the light charging them has to stay on and can’t be on a timer, as explained in this Alberta Municipal Affairs standard.

How do the rules for emergency lights and exit signs compare?

Feature	Emergency Lighting	Exit Signs
What it does	Lights the way out in a power failure	Shows where the exits are
When it’s on	Only when the power fails	All the time
Main rule	Average 10 lux at floor level	Green running-man symbol, clearly visible
Backup time	30 min, 1 hour or 2 hours, by building type	Must stay visible for the same backup time
Product standard	CSA C22.2 No. 141	CSA C22.2 No. 141, or CAN/ULC-S572 for glow signs
Testing	Monthly check, yearly full test	Monthly check (battery signs), yearly test

How often do emergency lights and exit signs need to be tested?

Every month and once a year. Section 6.5 of the fire code sets the schedule for battery-powered units. Here’s what each visit looks like.

1. Monthly (about 30 seconds per unit).Press the test button. Make sure the lamps come on and the charging light works. Your own staff can do this. Just write it down.
2. A certified technician cuts the power and lets every unit run on battery for the full backup time. Any unit that dims early fails.
3. After the yearly test.The technician checks that the batteries are recharging properly. Skip this, and a unit that passed today could be flat next month.
4. Exit signs.Battery-backed signs follow the same monthly and yearly routine. Signs without batteries get a yearly check.

Keep every result on file. Fire inspectors and insurers both ask for it.

What usually fails during an emergency light inspection?

Dead batteries, mostly. Burned-out lamps and chargers that stopped charging months ago come next. The good news is that these are quick fixes. Our trucks carry bulbs, batteries, and complete units, so we can fix most problems on the spot and re-test them before we leave. [SME QUOTE OR FIELD STAT FROM CLIENT ASSET PACK: e.g., how many units Activate typically replaces on a first yearly test in an older building.]

What should you check before your next fire inspection?

Start with your monthly log. If it’s missing, the inspector will assume the tests didn’t happen. Then walk the building and look at the exit signs. Shelving, furniture,e and new walls block signs far more often than broken bulbs do. It’s also worth checking your fire safety plan. Alberta’s fire code expects it to cover how safety systems are maintained, and our fire safety plan services can update it for you. Have a fire pump too? Your annual fire pump inspection and emergency lighting test can be completed during the same visit.

How can Activate Fire Safety help?

We’ve provided commercial fire safety services in Calgary and Edmonton since 2004. Our emergency light inspection includes monthly and annual tests, charger checks, battery and lamp replacements, and digital reports via BuildingReports. We’re CFAA certified and use ULC-listed, FM Approved products. If you bundle emergency lighting with your fire alarm inspection and other services through our One Stop Fire Sale, you can save up to 30% compared with booking each one separately. Call 1-866-257-2579 (Calgary South ext. 1, Calgary North ext. 2, Edmonton ext. 3) or request a free quote. Find the dead battery before the fire inspector does. Book an emergency light inspection in Calgary or Edmonton today.