Exit Sign Not Lit: Facility Troubleshooting Checklist
An unlit exit sign may have lost normal power, failed LEDs, a bad battery or charger, or internal electronics trouble. Document and correct it promptly because it is part of the egress system.
Last reviewed 2026-09-12 · General facility-maintenance information, not a substitute for site procedures, manufacturer instructions, codes, or qualified professional judgment.
Safety boundary
Likely causes
- Lost normal power
- Failed led module
- Battery failure
- Charger failure
- Internal electronics fault
Symptom → cause → first move
Lost normal power
Check: Check external power or charge indicators
First move: Replace approved lamp or battery if field-serviceable
Failed led module
Check: Use built-in test button if provided
First move: Replace listed sign unit if appropriate
Battery failure
Check: Compare nearby signs
First move: Retest normal and emergency operation
Charger failure
Check: Record location and failure mode
First move: Replace approved lamp or battery if field-serviceable
Internal electronics fault
Check: Inspect for heat or damage
First move: Replace listed sign unit if appropriate
What to check first
Bring these
- Flashlight
- Camera
- Known-good compatible lamp or plug-in tester when appropriate
- Manufacturer instructions
Before touching anything
- Confirm the exact location and complaint.
- Photograph labels, settings, fault codes, and the original condition.
- Determine whether the failure affects one item or several nearby items.
- Know how to safely isolate the system if the task requires it.
Step-by-step procedure
- 1Check external power or charge indicatorsIdentify the unit from normal access and record its power/charge indication; keep the site lead informed of the affected exit.
- 2Use built-in test button if providedUse the built-in test only under the approved procedure; note whether the sign works on normal power, backup power, both, or neither.
- 3Compare nearby signsCompare nearby signs to distinguish a single-unit fault from a shared supply problem; do not open energized housings.
- 4Record location and failure modeRecord the exact location, model, and failure pattern so a qualified person can select compatible components and coordinate interim protection.
- 5Inspect for heat or damageReport heat damage or discoloration without touching damaged equipment. After repair, verify normal illumination and the required backup test; do not substitute ordinary D cells for a specified battery pack.
Routine fixes that make sense here
- Replace approved lamp or battery if field-serviceable
- Replace listed sign unit if appropriate
- Retest normal and emergency operation
Stop and call a licensed professional when
- Required egress marking is lost
- Circuit problem affects multiple signs
- Internal wiring fault exists
- Housing is overheated or damaged
Common mistakes
- Replacing parts before proving the failure.
- Changing several settings or components at once.
- Failing to photograph the original condition.
- Ignoring whether nearby equipment has the same symptom.
- Crossing into electrical, refrigerant, life-safety, structural, or plumbing work beyond training.
FAQ
What should I check first?
Start by deciding whether the problem is local to one fixture or piece of equipment. Then begin with the simplest safe observation: check external power or charge indicators.
What is the most common mistake?
Replacing parts before proving the failure. BuildingWrench recommends documenting the symptom, changing one thing at a time, and testing after each change.
When should maintenance stop?
Stop when the repair crosses your training or site-safety boundary. In this case, one clear handoff point is: required egress marking is lost.
What should I document?
Record the exact location, model or asset tag, what the equipment was doing, what you checked, what you changed, and whether the fix held through repeated testing.