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.
Likely causes
Do not jump straight to the most expensive possibility. These are the common places to start:
- Lost normal power
- Failed led module
- Battery failure
- Charger failure
- Internal electronics fault
| Possible cause | How to check | Routine first move |
|---|---|---|
| Lost normal power | Check external power or charge indicators | Replace approved lamp or battery if field-serviceable |
| Failed led module | Use built-in test button if provided | Replace listed sign unit if appropriate |
| Battery failure | Compare nearby signs | Retest normal and emergency operation |
| Charger failure | Record location and failure mode | Replace approved lamp or battery if field-serviceable |
| Internal electronics fault | Inspect for heat or damage | Replace listed sign unit if appropriate |
Tools and preparation
Bring these
- Exact model manual and phone for documentation
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 checks
Check external power or charge indicators
Identify the unit from normal access and record its power/charge indication; keep the site lead informed of the affected exit.
Use built-in test button if provided
Use the built-in test only under the approved procedure; note whether the sign works on normal power, backup power, both, or neither.
Compare nearby signs
Compare nearby signs to distinguish a single-unit fault from a shared supply problem; do not open energized housings.
Record location and failure mode
Record the exact location, model, and failure pattern so a qualified person can select compatible components and coordinate interim protection.
Inspect for heat or damage
Report 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
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.
When to stop and hand it off
- Required egress marking is lost
- Circuit problem affects multiple signs
- Internal wiring fault exists
- Housing is overheated or damaged
Frequently asked questions
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.
Related BuildingWrench guides
BuildingWrench provides general educational information for commercial-facility maintenance. Manufacturer instructions, applicable codes, site procedures, and required trade qualifications always take priority.