What does emergency and exit light testing include?
Every inspection follows the NFPA standard for the system and the requirements of your local fire department. Here is what we check:
- Every exit sign and emergency light fixture located and logged
- Functional test on battery power
- Annual 90 minute full duration test
- Battery, lamp and charger checks
- Path of egress review: are exits marked and lit the way the code requires
- Written test records with the date and results for each fixture
How often is it required?
These are the typical intervals under current NFPA standards. Your fire department (the authority having jurisdiction) has the final say, and we keep track of what applies to your building.
| What | How often |
|---|---|
| Functional test (at least 30 seconds) | Monthly |
| Full duration test (90 minutes) | Annually |
| Written test records | Kept for every test |
What happens if something fails?
Failed units usually need a new battery, lamp or the whole fixture. We list each failed unit by location, quote the replacement and can often fix it the same visit if we carry the part. Then we retest and update your records.
Why do these fail so often in Arizona?
Heat is hard on batteries. Fixtures in warm attics, warehouses and exterior locations lose battery life faster here than in milder climates. A light that passes a quick button push can still die at minute 20 of a real outage, which is why the annual 90 minute test matters.
Why choose AZ Firetech?
- Inspections scheduled in days, not weeks
- Reports with photos and solutions within 24 hours
- Same day or next day service for urgent problems
- Clear pricing before any repair
- Fire department reporting handled for you
- Licensed in Arizona: AZ ROC 364984 C-11 and AZ ROC 365319 C-16
Managing several systems? See how they fit together on our property manager dashboard, or read how often fire systems need inspecting in Arizona.
Frequently asked questions
How often should emergency lights be tested?
The fire code calls for a functional test every month (at least 30 seconds) and a full 90 minute test once a year, with written records of each.
Can my maintenance staff do the monthly tests?
Yes, many properties have staff handle the monthly push test. We can set up a simple log for them and handle the annual 90 minute test, repairs and documentation.
How long do emergency light batteries last?
Most last three to five years, often less in hot Arizona locations. Testing tells you which ones are fading before an outage does.
Do you replace exit signs and emergency fixtures?
Yes. We replace batteries, lamps and complete fixtures, including upgrades to LED units.
Is this included with my fire alarm inspection?
It can be. Many of our customers bundle emergency lighting with their fire alarm and extinguisher visits, so everything is checked in one trip.
Last updated October 2026