Not all types of occupancies are required by code to have emergency lighting or exit signs throughout the building. Once the building occupant load or common path of egress travel distance to an exit exceeds a specified value, then emergency lighting is required along the means of egress.

According to NFPA 101, doors equipped with delayed egress locks must have emergency lighting. The word “doors” above is bolded to bring attention to the fact that the door itself requires the emergency illumination even if the occupancy type in general does not require emergency illumination in the means of egress. The intent is to ensure that there is sufficient light for the occupant to be able to operate the door under all lighting conditions.

Below is a sample of NFPA 101. See the actual text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the latest edition of NFPA 101.

NFPA 101

7.9 Emergency Lighting.

7.9.1 General.

7.9.1.1 Emergency lighting facilities for means of egress shall be provided in accordance with Section 7.9 for the following:

(1) Buildings or structures where required in Chapters 11 through 43

(2) Underground and limited access structures as addressed in Section 11.7

(3) High-rise buildings as required by other sections of this Code

(4) Doors equipped with delayed-egress locks

(5) Stair shafts and vestibules of smokeproof enclosures, for which the following also apply:

(a) The stair shaft and vestibule shall be permitted to include a standby generator that is installed for the smokeproof enclosure mechanical ventilation equipment.

(b) The standby generator shall be permitted to be used for the stair shaft and vestibule emergency lighting power supply.

(6) New sensor-release of electrical locking systems in accordance with 7.2.1.6.2.