Installing Exit Signs and Emergency Lights
How To Install Emergency Exit Lighting
Most emergency lights and exit signs can be installed just like you would a commercial light fixture. These safety fixtures must, however, must be connected directly to the AC power circuit. Using a cord set is not approved in most cities and reduces the effectiveness of the battery backup unit.
DISCLAIMER: EmergencyLight.net does not suggest you try to install egress fixtures yourself. Unless you are a qualified electrical worker, do not attempt these steps. Neglecting this disclaimer will void the product warranty and could cause injury or death during or after the installation.
Emergency Light and Exit Sign Instructions
- Ensure the house circuit is not powered and that the fuse box is properly tagged "Do Not Energize".
- Extend AC supply of rated voltage (see product label) to an electrical box. Do not energize the supply until indicated
- Remove the screw from the power pack cover and remover the cover. Remove the lamp package(s) and, when provided, canopy kit package from the box.
- The fixture may be either wall, ceiling or end mounted except as noted . Mount the unit per the applicable mounting procedures as follows:
Wall Mounting
a) Remove the appropriate mounting pattern knockouts (KO) from the back plate to accommodate the electrical box screws, and also the center wire pass through KO from the back plate.
b) Install the supplied bushing into the wire pass hole.
c) Bring circuit wiring through the wire pass hole and securely fasten the emergency light / exit sign to the electrical box.
Ceiling or End Mounted
a) Remove the appropriate mounting hole and wire pass hole KOs from the top of the power pack or side of the unit to accommodate the canopy.
b) Fasten the canopy to the power pack or sign using the supplied screws, lockwashers and nuts (heavier battery units may require a mounting shelf).
c) Install two supplied screws completely in the outer holes of the spider plate.
d) Route the circuit wiring through the center hole in the spider plate and fasten the plate to the electrical box using the appropriate slots and the screws supplied with the electrical box.
e) Route the circuit wiring thru the wire pass hole in the canopy into the power pack or sign, as applicable. Then install the sign/canopy assembly on the electrical box so that the two spider plate screws extend thru the recessed holes in the canopy, and secure in place using the two supplied acorn nuts on the screws as shown:
NOTE: If the screws do not extend far enough to permit installation of the acorn nuts, loosen the electrical box screws enough to allow the spider plate to move away from the mounting surface.
Connecting the Circuit Wiring
Egress Lights with Standard Incandescent / Halogen Lamps
- Most signs and lights are furnished with a dual voltage 120/277 VAC inputs. For 120 VAC supply, connect the black lead to the 120 VAC line wire (hot). For 277VAC, connect the orange lead to the 277V line wire.
- Connect the White lead to the neutral wire.
Egress Lights with Fluorescent Lamps
- Fixtures are typically rated either 120 VAC or 277VAC operation only, as indicated on its product label. For 120VAC, connect black lead to the 120VAC line wire. For 277VAC sign connect the orange lead to the 277 VAC line wire. For either voltage, connect the white lead to the neutral wire.
- Connect Green ground wire in accordance with local code requirements.
- Install the AC and emergency lamps in their lampholders.
- Route wires so they do not touch the lamps or cause shadows over the lens.
- Connect the battery. The equipment is supplied with one battery lead (red positive) connected. If the battery is supplied with terminals, connect the blue wire to the negative (-) terminal. If the battery is supplied with leads, splice the two blue leads (-) together with the provided wire nut.
- Energize the AC supply. The charge light and the AC lamps will illuminate.
- Replace the backplate, face(s) / lens, and power pack cover.