Exit sign failed its test — the battery swap

What this error means

The battery is the consumable; the sign's LEDs typically outlast several battery cycles. Documented lifespans by chemistry: sealed lead-acid 3–5 years, NiCd 5–7, lithium 7–10. Replacement is maintenance-person work: faceplate off, swap the pack (all cells at once, matching the original spec), test. Common packs run $10–25.

Symptoms

• Unit dims or dies during the 30-second hold
• Charge indicator off or red
• Batteries older than 5 years (check the date — installers usually write it on the pack)

Try this first (safe DIY steps)

1. Note the battery spec from the pack inside the unit (voltage, chemistry, connector)
2. Order the matching pack ($10–25 for common 4.8V NiCd types)
3. Power off, faceplate off, swap the pack, restore, then run a full 30-second test
4. Date-label the new pack and calendar the next swap ~4 years out
5. Recycle the old pack (NiCd and SLA both require it)

Safety: power off before any physical intervention. Never bypass covers or interlocks — fuser areas run hot enough to burn.

When to call a technician

If a fresh battery doesn't hold the unit lit, the charger board has failed — new self-testing LED signs run $30–100 and end the maintenance debt.