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Floor Proximity Emergency Escape Path Marking

AC 25.812-1A · FAA

Public domain · FAAAdvisory Circulars

Overview

The Floor Proximity Emergency Escape Path Marking (AC 25.812-1A) is a public-domain FAA advisory circular, republished here as a free chaptered HTML edition with a linked table of contents and the official PDF.

Publisher
FAA
Document
AC 25.812-1A
Pages
11
Chapters
2

Key points

  • This advisory circular provides guidance for compliance with FAR Part 25 regarding floor proximity emergency escape path markings.
  • The markings are required to assist passengers in identifying emergency escape paths when overhead lighting is obscured by smoke.
  • Airplanes certificated after January 1, 1958, operating under Part 121 must have compliant escape path markings by November 26, 1986.
  • The marking system must enable passengers to visually identify the escape path along the cabin aisle floor and exits within four feet of the floor.
  • Designs must account for potential damage and ensure that no more than 25% of emergency lights are rendered inoperative during a crash.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the floor proximity emergency escape path marking?

The purpose is to provide visual guidance for emergency cabin evacuation when overhead lighting is obscured by smoke.

What are the compliance requirements for airplanes under Part 121?

Airplanes certificated after January 1, 1958, must be equipped with a compliant marking system by November 26, 1986.

How should the escape path marking be designed?

The marking must allow passengers to visually identify the escape path along the cabin aisle floor and readily identify exits within four feet of the floor.

What happens if more than 25% of emergency lights are inoperative during a crash?

The design must ensure that no more than 25% of the required emergency lights are rendered inoperative due to vertical separation of the fuselage.

What factors should be considered in the design of the marking system?

Designs should consider wear and abuse typical of the location, including damage from high heels, service carts, and cleaning fluids.

Appendix

AC 25.812-1 5/22/89 Appendix APPENDIX 1. ACCEPTABLE MARKING SYSTEMS The following types of systems have been found acceptable for different areas of the floor proximity emergency escape path marking.

1. Escape Path Marking Along the Cabin Aisle Floor.

a. Electro-luminescent lighting strips along the floor.

b. Incandescent light tracks or assemblies along the floor.

c. Seat mounted incandescent light assemblies.

d. Seat mounted electro-luminescent lighting strips.

e. Multiple incandescent, remotely activated flood lights.

2. Escape Path Marking Along the Escape Path Cross-Aisle Floor.

a. Incandescent light tracks or assemblies along the floor or on forward or aft face of cross-aisle structural bulkheads.

b. Electro-luminescent lighting strips along floor or on forward or aft face of cross aisle structural bulkheads.

c. Remotely activated incandescent floodlights.

d. Incandescent floodlight located at door jamb.

3. Aisle Cues for Non-Floor Level Overwiog Exits.

a. Multiple red lenses closely spaced in a segment of light track along the floor.

b. Red lens light assemblies on the floor.

c. Subdued strobe light at exit sidewall.

d. Orange overlayed electro-luminescent light strip.

e. Exit identifier mounted on adjacent seat end bay.

Appendix 1

AC 25.812-1A 5/22/89 Appendix 1 4. Exit Markers.

a. Light-emiting diode (LED) exit identifier with "EXIT" legend, adjacent to exit.

b. Incandescent or electro-luminescent exit identifier with "EXIT" legend adjacent to exit.

c. Incandescent light assembly with "EXIT" legend located on exit access floor adjacent to exit.

d. Incandescent or electro-luminescent light assemblies adjacent to exits with recognizable exit features.

s. Directional Markers for Cabin Zones with Exits at Only One End.

a. Directional arrow overlays on incandescent light tracks/assemblies or electro-luminescent light strips.

b. Illuminated directional placards on aisle seat end bays and vertical bulkheads.

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Source & rights

Source: faa.gov. Public-domain U.S. Government work (17 USC §105) — freely reproducible.

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Document details

Doc number
AC 25.812-1A
Publisher
FAA
Pages
11
File size
551 KB
Chapters
2