How to Install/Replace a NiCad Battery in Emergency Lighting

It’s important that emergency lighting units have batteries in order to provide power in the event of electrical failure. The NiCad battery plays an integral role in allowing the fixture to supply emergency power for up to 90 minutes. If you are looking to replace or install your emergency lighting unit’s Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) battery, we’re here to help.

When Should I Replace the NiCad Battery of an Emergency Lighting Unit?

As required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, emergency lighting units should undergo routine monthly and yearly maintenance checks.

Fortunately, the maintenance required is rather simple and won’t take long to perform. Thanks to the advent of the push-

How to Install/Replace a NiCad Battery in Emergency Lighting

to-test switch in the modern luminaire era. One of the reasons that these test are done is to gauge how much life is left in the NiCad battery.

Once you press the “test” button, the unit’s circuits will cutoff and trip the NiCad battery. If the bulbs fail to turn on, then the NiCad battery has died – period.

How Do I Replace or Install a New NiCad Battery in an Emergency Lighting Unit?

We will outline how to replace your emergency light’s NiCad battery in three (3) steps.

Step 1: Using either a Phillips or flathead screwdriver, remove the unit’s housing plate. Depending on the type of unit (hazardous location or vandal proof) a special hex driver bit may be required. The unit should have come with one.

Step 2: After removing the plate, you should see the interior which features different colored wiring. You’ll see the following:

120V: Black
277V: Red
Common White: White
Ground Wire: Green (may not be included)

The wiring will be connected from the AC conduit to the voltage transformer which itself leads to the switching circuits.

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Step 3: The NiCad battery will look more like a three pack of AAA wrapped in plastic.

Step 4: Remove both the harness and NiCad battery from the unit.

Step 5: Replace with the new NiCad battery.

Step 6: Reattach the harness

Step 7: Screw the housing plate back in place.

Now, you’re done!

If you need more information or would like to purchase an emergency lighting unit contact our knowledgeable and courteous staff at (800) 607-5355 or Email us. We’re here for you at Emergency Light Depot!