Short answer: in Ontario, self-contained emergency lights must be inspected and tested at least monthly to show they come on when the power fails, and tested at least every 12 months for their full design duration, followed by a check of the charging system. Exit signs with battery back-up follow the same monthly and yearly pattern.
What the Ontario Fire Code says
The Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07) sets these intervals in Section 6.7:
- Article 6.7.1.6 (unit equipment): self-contained emergency lighting units must be inspected at intervals of no more than one month (pilot lights working, terminals clean and tight, battery clean and dry, electrolyte maintained where applicable). They must be tested at least monthly to confirm the lights work when the main power fails, and at least every 12 months to confirm they run for their full design duration under simulated power failure. After the yearly test, the charging voltage, current and recovery must be checked against the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Article 6.7.1.7 (other emergency lights): emergency lights not covered above must be inspected at least every 12 months, and battery systems feeding them are tested the same way as unit equipment.
- Article 6.7.1.8 (exit signs): exit signs must be inspected at least every 12 months to confirm they stay visible on power failure. Signs with battery back-up are also checked monthly, and yearly for their full design duration.
The monthly test, step by step
- Look over each unit: pilot light on, heads aimed down the exit path, nothing broken or blocked.
- Simulate a power failure (test button or breaker) and confirm every head and exit sign lights.
- Restore power and confirm the units go back to charging.
- Write down the date, what you tested, what failed and who did it.
The yearly full-duration test
The yearly test runs the lights on battery for the full time the building was designed for, then checks that the chargers bring the batteries back to full. Weak batteries usually show up here first. Because it leaves the lights drained for hours afterwards, it is best scheduled when the building is lightly occupied.
When something fails
A failed lamp, weak battery, faulty charger or damaged fitting must be repaired or the unit replaced, then retested. We do emergency lighting inspection and repair for buildings across our service area from Cambridge, Ontario, and we leave you with the written records.
Summary of the Ontario Fire Code, O. Reg. 213/07, as published on e-Laws on November 2, 2026. Your local fire department has the final word for your building.