--- title: How Often Should You Test Your Emergency and Exit Lights? description: Learn how often to test your emergency and exit lights, including monthly vs. annual requirements, common failures, and how to stay NFPA compliant. image: https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/Exit_Light-1.jpg --- [![Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png?width=209&height=50&name=koorsen-logo.png "Koorsen Fire & Security")](https://www.koorsen.com/) [CONTACT US](https://www.koorsen.com/contact-us/) [BILL PAY](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) [1.866.311.7753](tel:8663117753) - [About Us](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/) - [History](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/history/) - [Case Studies](https://blog.koorsen.com/case-studies) - [Koorsen Companies](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/companies/) - [Koorsen Training Center](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/training-center/) - [Kasey Program](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/kasey-program/) - [Pay Bill](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) - [Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/) - [Fire Protection](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/) - [Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/) - [Communications](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/) - [Mobile Equipment Solutions](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/mobile-equipment-solutions/) - [Additional Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/#additional) - [Industries](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/) - [Healthcare](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Industrial](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/industrial/) - [Education](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/education/) - [Restaurants](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/restaurants/) - [Property Management](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/property-management/) - [Hospitality](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/hospitality/) - [Retail](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/retail/) - [Construction](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/construction/) - [Locations](https://www.koorsen.com/locations/) - [News](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen In The News](https://www.koorsen.com/in-the-news/) - [Kasey the Dog Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com/kaseys-adventures) - [Careers](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/careers/) # How Often Should You Test Your Emergency and Exit Lights? Posted May 01, 2026 by [Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/author/koorsen-fire-security) ![Exit_Light-1](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Exit_Light-1.jpg?width=1200&height=800&name=Exit_Light-1.jpg) Emergency and exit lighting is a critical component of building safety, ensuring occupants can safely evacuate during power outages, fires, or other emergencies. But simply installing the lights isn’t enough—regular testing and maintenance are required to keep them operational and compliant with NFPA 101 and local codes. This guide breaks down how often to test your [emergency and exit lights](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/emergency-exit-lighting/), what to check, and how to document your inspections. [![Emergency Lighting Questions? Click to Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/877a7794-fe61-4e30-944d-5c6b32c2497f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/877a7794-fe61-4e30-944d-5c6b32c2497f) **1. Why Testing Matters** Testing emergency and exit lighting is essential for: Pro tip: Testing is not just a formality—lights that fail during an emergency can lead to injuries, liability, and code violations. **2. Monthly Testing Requirements** NFPA 101 and NFPA 70 recommend a brief functional test of all emergency and exit lights once a month. **Steps for monthly testing:** **Common monthly failures:** Monthly testing is a quick check to catch issues before they become serious problems. **3. Annual Testing Requirements** In addition to monthly checks, NFPA 101 requires a [90-minute annual test](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-the-90-minute-battery-load-test) to simulate a real emergency scenario. This ensures that lights operate for the full duration required during a power outage. Steps for annual testing: Pro tip: Annual testing may require coordination to avoid disrupting normal operations. Some facilities schedule it after hours or during low-occupancy periods. **4. Common Issues Found During Testing** Testing can reveal common problems, including: Regular monthly and annual testing helps catch these issues early and ensures your building remains safe. **5. Documentation and Recordkeeping** Keeping accurate records is as important as the tests themselves. Documentation should include: **Tip:** Use digital logs, spreadsheets, or smart monitoring systems to simplify recordkeeping and compliance reporting. **6. Best Practices for Facility Managers** **7. Key Takeaways** Regular testing of emergency and exit lights is not optional—it’s a life safety requirement. By implementing a clear testing schedule, training staff, and maintaining proper records, facility managers can protect occupants, remain compliant, and avoid costly fines or accidents. [Contact Koorsen Fire & Security to set up an inspection today!](https://www.koorsen.com/contact-us/) [![Questions! Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Topics: [Emergency/Exit Lighting](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/emergency-exit-lighting) ## Contact Us Now! *Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but Koorsen Fire & Security assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article. It does not constitute professional advice. The user of this article or the product(s) is responsible for verifying the information's accuracy from all available sources, including the product manufacturer. The authority having jurisdiction should be contacted for code interpretations.*  ### Related posts [How Long Do Exit Sign Batteries Last and When Should You Replace Them?](https://blog.koorsen.com/how-long-do-exit-sign-batteries-last-and-when-should-you-replace-them) [Choosing the Right Emergency and Exit Lights for Your Building](https://blog.koorsen.com/choosing-the-right-emergency-and-exit-lights-for-your-building) [The Importance of Emergency and Exit Lights in Fire Safety](https://blog.koorsen.com/the-importance-of-emergency-and-exit-lights-in-fire-safety) [Maintenance and Testing of Emergency and Exit Lights](https://blog.koorsen.com/maintenance-and-testing-of-emergency-and-exit-lights) [![Questions! 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