National baseline
Start with the NBC provisions covering emergency lighting locations, illumination levels, and duration requirements tied to fire alarm and means-of-egress provisions.
Canadian building code question
When is emergency lighting required in a building in Canada?
Emergency lighting is required in buildings where a fire alarm system is required, and in specific locations along the means of egress regardless of alarm requirements. The locations, duration, and illumination levels depend on the building classification, occupancy, and provincial adoption.
Emergency lighting ensures safe evacuation when normal power fails. The Canadian building code ties the requirement to fire alarm triggers, exit paths, and specific high-risk locations. The exact scope — which areas, what duration, and what illumination level — depends on the building classification and how the province adopts the provisions. Confirm the building classification and fire alarm requirement first, then verify the emergency lighting scope for the applicable code.
What to check first
- Emergency lighting is typically required wherever a fire alarm system is required, covering exit stairs, corridors, and exit discharge paths.
- Duration and illumination requirements vary — the code specifies minimum time and light levels that must be maintained during power failure.
- Provincial adoption can expand emergency lighting to additional locations or require higher performance than the national baseline.
Jurisdiction notes
Province and edition check
Confirm whether the province adds emergency lighting locations, changes the duration requirement, or layers additional standards beyond the NBC.
Project-specific variables
Building classification, occupancy, fire alarm requirement, exit configuration, and generator or battery backup strategy can all affect the emergency lighting design.
Work through it in this order
- Confirm the building classification, occupancy, and whether a fire alarm system is required.
- Review the NBC emergency lighting provisions to identify which locations require emergency lighting and what illumination and duration standards apply.
- Check provincial adoption for additional locations or performance requirements beyond the national baseline.
- Coordinate emergency lighting with the exit signage and fire alarm design to ensure all egress paths are covered.
Common questions
Does every building need emergency lighting?
No. Emergency lighting is typically required in buildings that need a fire alarm system. Smaller Part 9 buildings without a fire alarm requirement may not require emergency lighting, but verify the specific code path.
How long must emergency lighting last?
The code specifies a minimum duration, but the exact time depends on the code edition and provincial adoption. Check the cited provision for the applicable jurisdiction.
Is emergency lighting the same as exit signs?
No. Emergency lighting provides illumination along egress paths during power failure. Exit signs are separate devices that identify exit locations. Both are typically required, but they serve different functions.