Emergency & Exit Lighting Calculator

Calculate emergency lighting and exit sign requirements per NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and IBC.

Typical: 7-10 ft; maximum 20 ft
Code requires visibility from 100 ft max

NFPA 101 Illumination Requirements

Location Min. Level Duration
Means of Egress1.0 fc (avg)90 min
Initial (first 10 sec)1.0 fc (avg)10 sec
At End of 90 min0.6 fc (min)-
Max:Min Ratio40:1-

Emergency Lighting Requirements

Illumination Levels

NFPA 101 requires 1.0 fc average along the path of egress, with minimum 0.6 fc at any point. Maximum uniformity ratio is 40:1.

Duration

Emergency lighting must operate for at least 90 minutes upon loss of normal power. Battery backup or generator required.

Exit Signs

Exit signs must be visible from 100 ft maximum viewing distance. Letters minimum 6" high with 3/4" stroke. Self-luminous or externally illuminated.