Imagine a power outage during an emergency and your building’s exits are nowhere to be found. Sounds like a nightmare, right? That’s exactly why emergency exit signs with lights aren’t just helpful—they’re absolutely critical. At Shine LED, we know that these signs can save lives, but only if they’re maintained the right way.
In this post, we’re laying out the must-follow maintenance best practices that’ll keep your emergency exit signs in top form. Trust us, your safety—and your building’s compliance—depends on it.
Why It’s a Big Deal?
If you're a building owner, manager, or safety officer, you already know how important these signs are. But here’s the thing: it’s not enough to just install emergency exit signs with lights and forget about them. Without routine maintenance, they can fail when you need them most. Not to mention, you could be slapped with violations, fines, or worse—putting lives in danger. At Shine LED, we design our lighting to be long-lasting, but even the best equipment needs some TLC.
Don’t Skip These Must-Do Maintenance Steps
1. Test It Like You Mean It
Let’s face it, nobody wants to test these things—until something goes wrong. Regular testing should be non-negotiable.
● Hit the test button monthly. It’s quick, easy, and required by code.
● Run a full 90-minute battery test at least once a year.
● Keep a log of every test so you’re always in the clear during inspections.
You don’t want to be caught off guard. A small test today can prevent a big disaster tomorrow.
2. Look Sharp, Stay Safe
A sign that’s flickering, dim, or damaged is no help in an emergency. Visual inspections go a long way.
● Check for cracked housings or lenses.
● Make sure the lights are bright and fully lit.
● Clear any dirt, dust, or obstructions that might block visibility.
And hey, if it looks janky—it probably is. Replace or repair as needed
3. Battery Life Ain’t Forever
Even the best batteries have a shelf life. So don’t just assume your signs will work forever.
● Replace batteries every 3–5 years, depending on usage and environment.
● Look for corrosion or leakage—it’s a telltale sign of battery failure.
● Keep spares on hand, just in case.
And if your signs are LED-powered like the ones we offer at Shine LED, you’ll get even longer life—but it’s still smart to check
Easy Fixes You Can Do Right Now
Let’s make things easy. Here are some fast moves you can make today:
● Walk through your building and press every test button.
● Wipe down dirty signs with a soft cloth.
● Replace any busted bulbs or cracked covers.
Need help with any of this? We’ve got service teams and replacement parts ready when you need them
FAQs
1. How often should emergency exit signs be tested?
Test monthly for function and once a year for the full 90-minute backup power test.
2. Can I use any battery for replacement?
Nope. Always use the battery type specified by the manufacturer to avoid failure.
3. What if my building has frequent power outages?
You should test more often, especially the battery backup function.
4. Are LED exit signs better than traditional ones?
Absolutely. LEDs last longer, use less power, and need less frequent maintenance.
5. What’s the most common failure point in exit signs?
It’s usually the battery or loose wiring connections.
There you have it—the top tips to keep your emergency exit signs with lights reliable when it matters most. From monthly tests to battery swaps, a little effort goes a long way. We built our products at Shine LED to make safety simple, but keeping them effective is a team effort.
And if you're looking to upgrade or maintain your remote capable exit emergency lighting setup, we’ve got your back. Don't wait until it's too late—contact us today and let's keep your building safe and sound.