Differences in LED Exit Signs Across the World

The LED exit sign’s goal is simple: in case of an emergency situation that requires a quick evacuation of a facility, it must show people who are likely in a panicked and confused state where the closest emergency exit is located. In order to do this it must convey a universal message. Everyone must understand what the sign means as soon as they see it. It must be able to transcend all language and cultural barriers, in order for it to be truly effective. For the most part, it manages to accomplish this task. Take someone and place them in any facility around the world and they are likely to recognize an exit sign when they see it. Even so, there still is not any universally accepted message that is found on all LED exit signs worldwide.

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LED Exit Sign History

A lot of people will be familiar with the classic sign that has EXIT written in red letters across a white background. However, this is mostly predominant throughout America. In other places like Europe and Asia it is more common for the EXIT sign to feature green lettering. In fact, all European Union countries follow this color scheme in order to avoid confusion, as red is used primarily to depict restrictions. However, even in just the United States of America alone there is some disparity, as the standard exit sign policy differs from state to state. For example, California uses the green lettering, while other places like Illinois and New Jersey still use the classic red lettering.

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The background can differ, as well. While normally it features the lettering placed over a white background, black backgrounds can also be used and are seen from time to time. There are also companies which will provide custom color schemes, if the state regulation will allow it. In any case, the goal of the LED exit sign is to be clearly visible, so it is necessary to have a striking contrast between the lettering and the background.

Changes in LED Exit Signs

A lot of places have started removing the EXIT lettering on their signs in favor of pictograms. They consider that an image is more striking and has the potential to catch the eye of someone much quicker than a word. It also has the advantage of bypassing any potential language issues. The most widely used and recognized image is the so-called “Running Man” which features a stick figure running towards an open door. That design was made almost twenty years ago and it is still used to this day. In fact, the European Union has officially acknowledged this image as the sign that should be used by all adhering countries.

This LED exit sign depicts a man running towards an exit with an arrow pointing towards the proper direction. Keeping up with the previous color scheme, the sign features a white and green color scheme. It can be either a white man on a green background or the other way around, but some variations on this will be found in other countries across the globe.

By Jonathan Carter